By Eva Richardson | Published on April 4, 2025
After nearly two decades, the British International Freight Association (BIFA) is poised to make a powerful return to the national stage with its National Conference on May 14–15, 2025 — a landmark event set to reunite and energise the UK’s freight forwarding and logistics community.
Hosted across two immersive days, the event will not only bring together BIFA’s full membership for the first time in a generation but will also serve as a critical forum for industry dialogue, professional development, and future-focused insight.
A Conference for a Changing Industry
Described by BIFA Director General Steve Parker as “an unmissable event,” the 2025 National Conference will spotlight the key challenges — and opportunities — that are reshaping logistics across the UK and beyond.
“Our first National Conference for many years is shaping up to be an unmissable event for anyone in the logistics industry,” Parker says. “With expert-led discussions and seminars covering a range of hot topics, the event promises to deliver value to freight professionals from all sectors.”
Among the standout sessions is the boldly titled “What Does Trump Mean for Trade?”, where policy experts and insiders will unpack the potential impact of U.S. presidential decisions on global trade — a timely and politically charged topic as international markets brace for change.
Seminars, Solutions, and Strategic Insight
Beyond geopolitics, delegates can expect deep-dive seminars focused on Airfreight, Oceanfreight, Sustainability, and Customs — all essential areas where regulatory shifts, environmental pressures, and technological change are accelerating transformation.
One of the most anticipated sessions will address Community Service Providers (CSPs) and their value in a post-CDS, post-Brexit landscape. For many freight operators, understanding this evolving infrastructure is now crucial to maintaining operational fluidity and compliance.
The event will also be a launchpad for the new BIFA Standard Trading Conditions, giving members a first look at upcoming changes and how to prepare their businesses in advance.
Meanwhile, a must-attend panel on logistics insurance will attempt to untangle longstanding complexities in coverage and liability — a topic that continues to spark debate across the industry. In parallel, a cybersecurity workshop will offer real-world strategies to help logistics professionals protect sensitive data and combat emerging threats such as hostile profiling.
Networking, Exhibitions, and Real-Time Collaboration
Beyond the sessions, the conference will feature a dedicated exhibition zone where BIFA associate members will showcase the latest logistics technologies, services, and solutions. This space is designed for hands-on engagement, offering attendees opportunities to forge partnerships and test tools that can improve day-to-day operations.
The event is expected to draw a cross-section of professionals — from freight forwarders and customs brokers to policy experts and supply chain executives — creating a rare moment of unity in a highly fragmented sector.
A Turning Point for UK Freight
Parker emphasises the broader value of the conference: “This event will provide vital professional development opportunities and ensure that UK freight operators are prepared to stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry.”
He adds, “I urge people to join us at BIFA’s National Conference for an opportunity to connect with key industry figures, gain practical insights, and ensure your business remains at the forefront of the logistics and freight sectors.”
As the logistics world continues to evolve at pace — shaped by politics, digitisation, environmental mandates, and new customer demands — BIFA’s return to the national stage couldn’t be more timely.
