Why Do We Call Our Meetings “Summits”? The Story Behind

Not every mountain is climbed for the view.

Some are climbed for the challenge. For the story. For the people you climb it with.

After 11 years of organizing global freight forwarding events, I’ve learned something important: The real magic isn’t in the hotel, the schedule, or even the one-to-one meetings.

It’s in the people.

The laughter after a karting win.

The quiet before someone steps on stage.

The cheers during Tug of War.

The small conversations that spark lifelong partnerships.

This is why we don’t call it just a logistics event, a freight conference, or a cargo networking meeting.

We call it a Summit—because it’s where we rise, together.

Each of our networks—3F, FM, and OPCA — has its own identity and focus.

But once a year, under the INO umbrella, they come together.

Not as competitors. As collaborators.

INO Summit is where freight becomes friendship.

Where cargo turns into connection.

It’s where we stop being just companies and start becoming a community.
 

From 2018 to 2026: Stories That Travel

It all started in Bangkok, back in 2018.

Over 300 delegates. One shared vision: to connect independent freight forwarders in a meaningful way.

Since then, across six summits—from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul to Danang—we’ve welcomed over 1,000 participants from more than 50 countries.

• Thousands of one-to-one meetings
• Gala dinners where shy agents found their inner rockstar
• Beach football that turned competitors into teammates
• Coffee breaks that sparked partnerships—still thriving today

Because behind every shipment and every shipping container, there’s a story. And sometimes, stories need to be shared in person.

Now, as we look ahead to Pattaya 2026, we’re not just planning another summit.

We’re preparing for the next chapter of a journey that started with one idea.

Over the years, we’ve shared thousands of meetings—but what we really built was trust.

Because this industry was never about rates and routes. It’s always been about relationships.

 

Unforgettable Moments at INO Summits

You might come to the INO Summit for the one-to-one meetings. But you’ll stay for the stories.

Sure, you’ll have your discussions about freight forwarding, shipping projects, and partnerships. But the magic happens in between.

This is about moments that become memories.

Take Peter Van Dael, an OPCA member from Belgium, a longtime attendee, and a karting champion. “I have to defend my karting title—to make it 3 out of 3!” He’s turned the racetrack into his personal podium. The competition is friendly, but the spirit? Fierce. Every year, someone shows up with one goal: beat Peter. So far? No luck.

Then there’s the legendary paintball battle in 2024, where OPCA’s team, led by Sergee van der Pligt from the Netherlands, commanded the game like a seasoned general. His strategy, precision, and infamous “No mercy!” battle cry are still remembered today. In 2025? Sergee switched from paintballs to pure strength—leading OPCA’s team in the Tug of War. Same fire. Same focus. Same result: victory.

This year’s stilts race was special. While other teams struggled just to stay standing, Dev Sharma’s team, an FM member from India, was the most focused and fastest—crossing the finish line while others wobbled. Their calm, coordinated effort showed true teamwork.

These moments prove that the INO Summit isn’t just about logistics; It’s about building trust, teamwork, and friendships that last beyond business.

 

This Event Is For You If…

• You believe in relationships, not just transactions
• You value face-to-face trust, not only emails
• You want to be part of a global freight forwarding family—not just a name in a directory
• You’re ready to grow your business while enjoying it

 

Real Voices from the INO Summit
 

“I never miss the FM conferences. The one-to-one meetings are always fruitful, and team-building events make us more than partners—they make us family.”
— Thomas Waschke, FM member, JL LOGISTIC GMBH, Germany

 

“INO Summit gave us valuable insights and fresh business opportunities in the evolving logistics landscape. Beyond meaningful networking, fun moments like coffee breaks and the football tournament helped us build strong bonds and energized our collaboration. These experiences inspired us and provided practical takeaways for growth.”
— Daniel Lim, OPCA member, JGL WORLDWIDE (SG) PTE. LTD., Singapore

 

“This is my 11th Freight Forwarders Family conference — a seamless, business-focused networking experience every time. Looking forward to many more!”
— Martin Howard, 3F member, CARGO SPECTRUM FORWARDING INC, Canada
 

Ready to Experience INO Summit 2026?

If you’re looking for a transportation conference, a cargo event, or a global freight forwarders conference in 2026, you might find hundreds online.

But a Summit?

That’s rarer. That’s different.

Here, we do more than share container volumes and routes.

We share stories. Strategies. And sometimes… the dance floor.

 

Mark your calendars:
15–17 May 2026 | Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort, Pattaya, Thailand

 

Curious to see the energy?
Click here to read our event recap | Watch our past summit highlights on YouTube

We call it a Summit because it’s more than a meeting. It’s a collective climb—a shared journey to the peak of collaboration, innovation, and friendship. Because in the global freight forwarding world, reaching the top is something we do together.

Written by Aslı Gök, Event Manager at INO Networks Group