The countdown is on for the TOC Americas conference and exhibition in Lima, Peru which takes place on 17 – 19 October. The highly regarded three track conference and port technology exhibition is in Peru for the first time in its 17-year history, with the full support of leading Peruvian trade associations and APN - the National Port Authority.
“The Republic of Perú, through the National Port Authority (APN), will welcome you to the TOC Americas 2017, an international event that congregates the world’s logistic, port and maritime community in order to exchange experiences, with a global development view.” Edgar Patiño Garrido, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Autoridad Portuaria Nacional.

What can the audience expect?
The Container Supply Chain conference track focuses its first day on Transforming Supply Chains and concludes with a roundtable discussion attended by the world’s leading shipping lines Hapag-Lloyd, Hamburg Sud, MSC, and Maersk Line. Ports and terminals joining this super-session include SPRC, TC Mariel, DP World and APM Terminals. Mega cargo owners participating in the roundtable include retail chain Charlotte Russe, the CONFUDI Shippers Association and food manufacturing giant Natural Food Works.
Speaking ahead of the conference and the highly anticipated roundtable discussion Allison Spence, Supply Chain Manager, Natural Foodworks Group states “As we see the world transition into the digital era, people and companies alike are challenged to evolve more rapidly than ever before. I am greatly looking forward to diving into the necessity of cultural shifts, resource reallocations, and increased consumer demands that result from this transition. I believe that the round table discussion will allow for critical dialect to be shared regarding the balance of staying ahead of the digital curve and the numerous implications of constant innovation.”

TECH TOC, the terminal operations conference track covers key topics including Automation & Digitalization, Ship to Shore Operations, Clean Technologies and Equipment Maintenance. Speakers in TECH TOC include Total Terminals International, Long Beach, Empresa Portuaria Valparaiso as well as leading equipment and services manufacturers.
Within the trade exhibition – attendees can expect a fully sold out event with port equipment, terminal technology and maritime services being promoted as well as the opportunity to find out about what is coming soon to the market.
"Kalmar is pleased to announce a new upcoming range of port equipment, following the successful launch of the Essential Forklift Range in June earlier this year. Kalmar will extend its offering, adding new members to its Essential Range - Reachstackers and Empty Container Handlers - with a scheduled launch of late 2017” states Alf-Gunnar Karlgren, Director, Sales & Marketing, Kalmar. Mr Karlgren continues “The new Kalmar Essential Range of Reachstackers and Empty Containers Handlers has been developed specifically with the Latin American market in mind, and TOC Americas in Peru is therefore the ideal place to update the market about these exciting new developments that will soon be introduced. The Kalmar Essential Range is efficient, robust and of course reliable. The Kalmar Essential Range. Quality for all."

And what is new this year?
Exhibitors new to TOC Americas include BergerABAM, Teufelberger, SAAB Maritime, JLT Mobile, Microvast and Abacus Lighting and they join long-term exhibitors and sponsors including 1-Stop, Hyster, Moffatt & Nichol, Navis, Liebherr, Portek and PSA.
There is a new conference area – Bulk Logistics and Technology which gives attendees the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the business challenges facing ports, shipping and logistics companies operating in the dry bulk freight sector. Speakers include APM Terminals Callao, TISUR-Grupo Tramarsa, Drewry and RAM Spreaders.
New in the TECH TOC programme is a “Port of the Future” simulation challenge. The aim is to move away from the traditional port and to reach the “Port of the Future” vision. To achieve that, the audience will be divided into teams of 5 players (and observers). Each team will choose appropriate policy measures in four rounds. Different scenarios will be played to investigate the wide range of possible impacts and to trigger the debate among the players by creating constructive conflicts between them during the negotiation and decision-making process.
There is a new networking opportunity in the social programme. Delegates and exhibitors at TOC Americas have always enjoyed an exciting networking reception on the evening of the first day of the event, this year there is also an additional function on day 2, hosted by Holland and taking place at the Dutch Ambassador’s Residence.
Who is already registered to attend?
CI Uniban, C. Steinweg, Compania Puerto de Coronel, Complejo Portuario Mejillones, Contecon Guayaquil, DHL, ILWU, Panama Ports Company, Puerto Bahia, Puerto Central, Puerto Ventanas, Sanots Brasil, Seaboard Marine and Terminal Cerros de Valparaiso are just come of the companies attending TOC Americas as delegates and visitors.

And finally…
Speaking ahead of TOC Americas, Paul Holloway, Event Director, TOC Events Worldwide says “The team and I are really excited about the first TOC outing in Peru. It was a long time in the waiting. The support of the industry has been phenomenal. We look forward to welcoming carriers, ports, terminals and their supply chain partners from across LATAM and the Caribbean, to Lima.”
TOC Americas format
3-track conference programme: TOC Container Supply Chain, TECH TOC and, for the first time, Bulk Logistics & Technology form a comprehensive conference programme
One port tour – two terminals: A two terminal tour of Port of Callao as attendees will be able to visit both the terminals of APM Terminals Callao and DP World Callao.
Comprehensive networking programme: No less than three official receptions will allow attendees to mingle and swap ideas. During the Port tour, an ice-breaker drinks reception will be hosted by DP World Callao, while at the end of Day 1 a spectacular gala dinner is to be hosted by APN. Then on Day 2 the Embassy of The Netherlands hosts a cocktail reception. Throughout the conference premium buffet lunches will be served.
The TOC Americas Conference App: Participants at the conference will benefit from a bespoke conference app which allows attendees to put questions directly to panels (anonymously if preferred) as well as create bespoke agendas and meeting lists of exhibitors.
The TOC Americas port technology exhibition will feature suppliers from across the globe including Hyster, Bromma, PowerPool Plus, Musco Lighting, Houcon, RAM Spreaders and ZPMC.

TOC Americas