TOC Events Worldwide, the Province of KwaZuluNatal (KZN) and South African national port and rail network operator Transnet have announced that they will partner to run the inaugural TOC Africa, an international trade, transport and logistics event, in Durban, December 2017.
TOC (originally an abbreviation for Terminal Operations Conference) has long been considered best in class by container terminal operators and their suppliers. Over time, TOC has evolved and whilst we continue to deliver the highest quality technical content in line with our heritage, we also recognise that we must now hear from stakeholders higher up the cargo chain.
Therefore, there are now two distinct elements of the event.
The exhibition is a showcase for port and terminal technology and operations and also includes free-to-air seminar content aimed at container terminal professionals and bulk supply chain executives. Local and international suppliers will come together to showcase cutting edge solutions to their clients, the terminal operators and ports.
More recently, the events now place a new focus on the container supply chain making them the premier business and networking event for the stakeholders, including shippers, carriers and 3pl’s as well as the global operators and port authorities. This conversation takes place in the more recently created Container Supply Chain Conference.
The common denominator in each of these forums is The Port. The port is firmly established as the critical link within the container supply chain. Any bottle necks or delays that occur at the quayside or port hinterland, dramatically affect the time it takes for cargo to arrive at its destination. Ports therefore need to process cargo in a timely and cost effective manner using the latest technology on the market to do so. At TOC we place the port at the centre of the supply chain in line with our 40-year history and heritage.
“With the partnership of KZN and Transnet, in addition to the support of many local, regional and international private companies, now is definitely the right time to launch TOC Africa. Africa’s trade growth opportunities are immense, and will require – and stimulate – significant investment in infrastructure, services and technology across the continent. TOC Africa will provide a knowledge, networking and business home for domestic and foreign enterprises right along the supply chain – cargo owners, ocean and land carriers, ports and terminals, 3PLs, finance, equipment, technology and more – to come together with institutional stakeholders and define the future roadmap for success.” Paul Holloway, Event Director, January 2017
