Hamburg, 5 May 2026 – Two days, three stages, a full programme: the international conference all about ports in Hamburg highlights how ports are increasingly evolving into hubs for energy supply, security and global supply chains. The event takes place in parallel with SMM and alongside LogiNext, Europe’s new conference for digital innovation in logistics, accompanied by an exhibition.
“all about ports creates, for the first time, a platform that brings together the entire port value chain – from infrastructure and technology to investment,” says Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions at Hamburg Messe und Congress (HMC).
By combining conference and exhibition, the event provides a holistic view of key structures and processes within ports. International decision-makers will come together to develop solutions for resilient and climate neutral ports. Tickets for the conference and expo are now available online. Early registration is recommended.
“We expect participants from port operations, terminal management and shipping lines, as well as companies and start-ups from the logistics and maritime sectors. Representatives from politics, public authorities, associations and academia will also be in attendance,” Selbach adds.
Key topics and programme
The programme is practice-oriented and reflects the key transformation areas shaping the port industry. Experts from business, academia and politics will discuss key challenges and developments. The focus is on the digital transformation of the port industry – from smart technologies and cyber security to resilient supply chains. Sustainable port concepts are also a key priority, including green corridors, alternative fuels and the role of ports in the energy transition. In addition, economic and geopolitical developments will be addressed, such as the influence of investors, regulatory frameworks and global competitive dynamics.
Keynotes, panel discussions and workshops will provide practical insights and concrete solutions.
Programme highlights and speakers
Following the opening, participants can expect selected programme highlights. One example is Wolfgang Lehmacher, former Head of Supply Chain at the World Economic Forum. He will speak about digital resilience in global supply chains and discuss the “triple transformation” of digitalisation, sustainability and resilience. Further topics include ports as critical infrastructure, cyber security, the use of artificial intelligence and improving efficiency in container transport. On the second day of the conference, Hamburg’s Senator for Economic Affairs, Dr Melanie Leonhard, will speak about the importance of seaports for Germany as an export nation and the investments required in infrastructure.
Exhibition and partners
Alongside the conference, technology providers, port operators and start-ups will present their solutions, ranging from automated terminal systems to digital platforms for port logistics.
“all about ports brings together the key stakeholders to actively shape the future of the global port industry,” says Selbach.
“all about ports addresses the key questions facing the industry: how can ports become more resilient, sustainable and technologically advanced? At the same time, they are increasingly evolving into innovation and energy hubs within global supply chains. The event provides an ideal platform to drive this transformation forward,” says Jens Meier, CEO of the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and President of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), who is serving as a patron of the event.
Partners include IAPH, HPA, the Maritime Cluster Northern Germany, the Central Association of German Seaport Operators and other national and international organisations.
Tickets and participation
Tickets and further information are available at www.allaboutports.de
Admission to all about ports is included in the SMM ticket.
