VMA26 Shipper Exclusive | Virginia Maritime Association
VMA26 Shipper Exclusive

The East Coast's Premier
for Shippers/BCOs

ANCHORED. Grounded in strategy. Ready for what’s next.

October 13–15, 2026 | Norfolk, Virginia

About the Shipper Experience

Now in its 23rd year, VMA’s International Trade Symposium brings together the decision-makers, partners, and ideas shaping global trade. For shippers and beneficial cargo owners, VMA26 offers focused value in a setting designed for direct conversation, timely market perspective, and relationship-building that continues well beyond the event. Join the 110+ Shippers/BCOs who attended last year and be ready for what's next.

Shipper/BCO Rate

$250

Special registration pricing for qualifying shippers and beneficial cargo owners. Sign in or create an account to access the registration page.

Register

Why Shippers/BCOs Attend

VMA26 is designed to help cargo owners and shipper decision-makers stay informed, strengthen relationships, and make smarter supply chain decisions with the right people in the room.

Insightful, Action-Oriented Programming

Hear from industry leaders, government officials, and subject matter experts on the issues most affecting maritime commerce, trade policy, sourcing strategy, logistics performance, sustainability, technology, and resilience.

Exclusive Access for Shippers/BCOs

  • Special discounted registration for qualifying shippers and cargo owners
  • Peer connection with fellow cargo owners and supply chain leaders
  • Targeted access to service providers and strategic partners

Expert Perspectives & Policy Intelligence

Get practical perspective from real-world case studies, market updates, and regulatory developments that impact international trade, ocean shipping, inland logistics, and port operations.

White-Glove Meeting Scheduling

Make the most of your time onsite with support designed to help you connect with key partners, carriers, ports, logistics providers, and other important contacts.

As the East Coast’s premier conference on shipping, ports, logistics, and trade, VMA26 is built for professionals navigating fast-changing market conditions, supply chain risk, and operational pressure. The symposium delivers national-level insight in an accessible setting that supports authentic conversations, strategic networking, and actionable takeaways.

The program includes keynote presentations, expert panels, and signature networking experiences including the Maritime Mixer, Maritime Banquet, and Golf Open. What began as a gathering of a few dozen professionals has grown into a must-attend industry event attracting 1,500+ participants from across the nation and globally.

Built for the Conversations That Matter

VMA26 will explore how shippers, maritime logistics providers, and supply chain leaders are building disciplined, resilient, and responsive supply chains. Expect practical discussion around trade disruption, sourcing strategy, contract planning, technology adoption, cargo visibility, sustainability, and the policies shaping what comes next.