Over 4,300 freight forwarders attend the WCA Worldwide Conference 2026 despite global tensions

Just days before the WCA Worldwide Conference 2026 was due to begin in Singapore, conflict erupted in the Middle East causing global chaos. Yet, despite hundreds of last-minute flight rebookings, numerous travel changes, and some incredible journeys, the vast majority of delegates ensured they made it to the premier logistics networking event of the year.

As the world’s largest gathering of freight forwarders, the event is regarded as unmissable for its high-level networking opportunities and proven business development results, with delegates from all corners of the world making every effort to attend.

The WCA Worldwide Conference has been bringing members together for the past 15 years, and the 2026 edition, held at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Center in Singapore from 9-13 March, allowed the best independent forwarders to develop new trade lanes, expand their partnerships, and generate significant new business.

Once again, over 80,000 one-on-one business meetings were held between 4388 freight forwarders from 109 countries. In addition, members displayed their capabilities at 230 exhibition stands and booths. Attendance from some Middle East countries was reduced due to airport closures in the region, and WCAworld is reaching out to those affected. Yet several intrepid forwarders from countries such as the UAE, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia defied the odds and made it to the conference, underlining its importance.

Reflecting on what was a challenging, but ultimately successful, event, Chairman David Yokeum said:

‘Once again, it was truly a privilege to see the resilience and adaptability of independent forwarders. Seeing thousands of the world’s best logistics companies overcome such difficulties and create millions of dollars of new business was awe-inspiring and a testament to the quality and can-do attitude that typifies our community. If COVID taught us anything, it’s that even if the world stops, global trade doesn’t, and providing the best platform for SME companies to thrive is always our goal.’

CEO Dan March added:

‘The response from members was truly humbling as they pulled out all the stops to be in Singapore. Thanks to their incredible ability to adapt to every challenge, the Conference was again a resounding success with almost 90 per cent of those booked able to attend. Thousands of our members from over 100 countries, with different politics and religions, came together as business partners and friends during the week, providing a stark contrast to events elsewhere in the world.’