Delegates, speakers and sponsors are flowing into the next edition of Geneva Dry, the world’s premier commodities shipping conference, scheduled for April 28 and 29 next year at the Hotel President Wilson.
Having been forced to issue a sold out sign two weeks ahead of the inaugural edition of Geneva Dry, people keen not to miss out next year have been quick to buy delegate passes for the 2025 gathering and take advantage of special hotel room discounts on offer.
Likewise, sponsors, keen to interact with commercial shipping’s largest segment, have been signing up at a very fast rate. Among 24 confirmed sponsors are Heidelberg Materials Trading, one of the world’s largest cement traders, while Geneva Dry is also delighted to welcome another new name to its sponsor roster in the form of BPG Shipping, a big name among Ukrainian bulk operators.
Organisers have also been working hard to ensure a refreshed, topical and dynamic speaking line-up. As well as familiar sessions such as iron ore, coal, agri-commodities, minor bulks and dry decarbonisation, Geneva Dry 2025 features some new panels based on feedback from attendees to this year’s show. New sessions include a 50-minute special of forward freight agreements chaired by one of the segment’s great champions, Philippe van den Abeele from Consortium Maritime Trading. Delegates can also expect an entertaining chartering spotlight panel, while digital efficiency drivers at port and then at sea will form the first two sessions on Day Two. Another highlight based on how much discussion there was on the topic at this year’s event will be a high-level discussion on electric vehicles and how they are supercharging dry bulk.
Confirmed speakers for the two-day event include Eman Abdalla, global operations and supply chain director at Cargill Ocean Transportation, John Michael Radziwill, CEO and chairman at CTM, Karim Coumine, manager of chartering for minor bulks at Anglo American, Khalid Hashim, managing director of Precious Shipping, and Peter Weernink, chairman of SwissMarine.
“What distinguishes Geneva Dry from other conventions is its exclusive focus on multiple facets of the dry bulk industry,” commented Mohammed Bin Battal, president of Bahri Dry Bulk, the fast-growing dry bulk division of Saudi Arabia’s premier shipowner.
INTERCARGO, the global dry bulk association, and SUISSENÉGOCE have confirmed they will be a supporter of the event. The Swiss Commodity Trading Association represents the interests of those involved in trading, shipping, banks involved in the financing of raw materials, insurance companies, law firms, and affiliated service companies.
A number of trading houses, brokers and industry associations are also lining up their own parties and gatherings on the sidelines while major financial newswires are expressing their interest to attend ensuring the final week of April heading into May will be one where Geneva grabs the attention of the shipping world.
