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The World Cargo Symposium (WCS) is the largest and most prestigious annual event in the air cargo industry.
The 2026 edition welcomed nearly 1,200 delegates in Lima, Peru. Get ready for the WCS 2027 taking place in Calgary, Canada.
Save the date now to be part of the global air cargo community!
WCS offers plenary sessions, specialized streams, workshops, and executive summits, tackling aspects related to technology, innovation, security, customs, cargo operations, and sustainability.
WCS 2027 Destination
Who attends?
- Airlines
- Solution Providers
- Airports
- Ground Handlers
- Freight Forwarders
- GSA/GSSA
- Training Providers
Why get involved?
Participate in exclusive business, networking, and branding opportunities tailored for industry leaders and decision-makers. Access industry intelligence, staying updated on the latest trends.
- Premium Brand Exposure: Boost your brand's visibility.
- Excellent Networking Opportunities: Engage with key industry figures.
- Showcase Your Products and Services: Present your offerings to a targeted audience seeking your solutions.
- Comprehensive Market Insights: Gain a thorough understanding of the latest cargo insights and trends to align your business strategies effectively.
- Direct Insights from Industry Leaders: Gain firsthand knowledge of the industry priorities, unlocking valuable opportunities.
Help us spread the word!
Help us spread the word about this critical event. This Social Media Kit (ppt) can be tailored to your needs!
Testimonials
"This year's WCS is truly impressive, the gathering of the industry's brightest and smartest people all at the same place sparks off great conversations, ideas, and business opportunities. This is beyond any event I've attended to date and this sets a high benchmark for others to follow!"
Keng Kum, Collins Aerospace
"It was a wonderful event, the biggest ever in the history of WCS, well attended and extensively covered topics like Sustainability, Digitalization, and E-Commerce. The Venue and the networking events were the best."
Israr Ahmad, Air Cargo Update
"The best annual air cargo event, globally. The perfect mix of content, exhibition, and networking. Very well organized with a clear structure. Looking forward to 2025 in Dubai!"
James Wyatt, Aeroconcept
“WCS is an excellent event to retouch with industry peers, learn about the past present, and future of cargo, and a great venue to celebrate successes. ”
James Wong, Menzies Aviation
"The WCS is a "priceless event" with informative agenda items and networking opportunities like no other."
Mike Gitau, Tradewinds Aviation Services
“Although I have been attending several global events, IATA WCS has always been truly more productive with a lot of networking opportunities, learning, and fun. Indeed, it will be a pleasure to join more of these events to update myself with the aviation trends and opportunities in the global arena. Wishing more success to IATA in achieving its sustainable development goals and policy implementations.”
Sajith MM - SMT Global Logistics Limited
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Calgary, Canada
Calgary is a dynamic gateway to North America, marked by strong passenger growth and an expanding role in international connectivity.
As the next destination of the World Cargo Symposium (WCS), Calgary offers a forward‑looking setting where efficiency meets innovation. Surrounded by vibrant urban culture and just a short distance from the stunning Canadian Rockies, the city blends business opportunity with exceptional natural and cultural attractions.
Visa requirements
The IATA TravelCentre provides passport, visa, health advice, and much more. Visit the IATA Travel Centre-Passport, Visa & Health Requirements.
Before your travel
IATA is providing a visa invitation letter but cannot guarantee your visa issuance. In case you need it, answer “Yes" to the visa letter question during your registration: you will have to enter all the requested details for the letter to be generated. Note that it is mandatory to be fully registered to the IATA World Cargo Symposium (WCS) to get it. Please ensure you check your visa requirements as soon as possible to prevent any delay in your visa application.
For guidance on visa requirements and further information, you should consult the IATA Travel Centre.
Arrival to Calgary
Getting around the city
- In Calgary you can move around the city with different modes of transportation.
- Public transport in Calgary is operated by Calgary Transit and includes buses and Light Rail Transit (LRT), known as the CTrain, which connects key areas across the city. The official My Fare app (Google/Apple) allows users to purchase and activate tickets directly on their smartphone, while the Transit App (Google/Apple) provides real-time tracking and journey planning tools.
- Fares are distance-independent and valid for 90 minutes per trip, with single tickets currently around CAD 4.00, and day passes approximately CAD 12.65. A Free Fare Zone operates in the downtown core where CTrain travel is free only between City Hall and Downtown West/Kerby stations, while standard fares apply to all other journeys, including all bus travel (fares subject to change).
- Car rentals are available across the city and at Calgary International Airport, providing flexibility for travelling beyond the city center.
- Calgary offers a variety of ride-sharing services, including Uber, Lyft, and local options like Blacklane and Loop Rideshare.
- Walking is a convenient option in the downtown core, which is highly walkable and supported by the “+15” indoor pedestrian network, allowing easy movement between buildings.
While in Calgary
Emergency contacts
- General Emergency: 911 (Police, Fire & Ambulance)
- Medical Advice (non-emergency): 811
- Police (non-emergency): +1 403 266 1234
- City Services: 211 (For municipal services, local assistance etc.)
Weather
March in Calgary typically sees daytime temperatures around 5°C, with cooler nights dropping to about -7°C. Light snow or rain is possible, so it’s advisable to bring a waterproof layer and dress warmly.
Power plug
In Canada, you may need 2 types of adaptors, Type A and Type B. Canada also operates on a 120 V supply voltage and 60 Hz frequency.
Currency
- The official currency in Calgary is the Canadian Dollar (CAD).
- Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, and contactless “tap-to-pay” is commonly used.
- Mobile payments such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are also widely accepted.
- Tipping is common, with 15–20% usually added in restaurants and for services such as taxis and can be paid by card.
- Calgary is largely cashless, but it is advisable to carry around CAD 50–100 per person for small purchases or emergencies
Smoking regulations
- Smoking is not allowed in indoor public places or workplaces in Calgary, and the same rules apply to vaping.
- It is also prohibited within 5 meters of building entrances, windows, or air intakes, as well as in certain outdoor public areas such as playgrounds, sports fields, and transit areas.
- Visitors should follow posted signs and use designated smoking areas where available, as fines may apply for non-compliance; more information can be found on the City of Calgary website
While at the event
- Dress code for all evening activities is business casual, and business attire for daytime sessions. Delegates are reminded to wear their badges at all times.
- Wi-Fi: There is Wi-Fi available in the venue.
- Event app: The networking mobile app will be available to all registered delegates 6 weeks before the event.
Like, share, interact
Spread the excitement about the event by using the official hashtag #IATAWCS.
Don't forget to like, share, and interact with our posts. Let's connect and make the event experience memorable together!
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Help us spread the word!
Help us spread the word about this critical event. This Social Media Kit (ppt) can be tailored to your needs!
Showcase your products and services to industry leaders, governments, international organizations, and subject matter experts. For information on sponsorship and exhibition opportunities at the World Cargo Symposium, please complete the form and a member of our team will be in touch.
WCS 2026
The 2026 edition of the World Cargo Symposium took place at the Lima Convention Center, in Lima, Peru, from 10 to 12 March.
WCS 2026 Highlights Video
2026 Agendas
| Monday 9 MARCH | Tuesday 10 MARCH | Wednesday 11 MARCH | Thursday 12 MARCH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
FACE Summit (pdf) |
Opening plenary (pdf) |
Regulatory Stream (pdf) |
ONE Record Training (pdf) |
| CBTA Center Conference (pdf) | Horizon stage (pdf) | Digitalization Stream (pdf) | E-Commerce Forum (pdf) |
| Special Cargo Stream (pdf) | ULD Forum (pdf) | ||
| Horizon stage (pdf) | Lithium Battery Forum (pdf) | ||
| LAR Verify (pdf) | |||
| Closing plenary (pdf) |
WCS 2025
The 2025 edition of the World Cargo Symposium took place at the Dubai World Trade Center, in Dubai, UAE, from 15 to 17 April.
WCS 2025 Highlights Video
2025 Agendas
| Monday 14 April | Tuesday 15 April | Wednesday 16 April | Thursday 17 April |
|---|---|---|---|
| FACE Summit (pdf) | Opening plenary (pdf) |
Digitalization (pdf)
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E-Commerce forum (pdf) |
| CBTA Center Conference (pdf) |
Sustainability (pdf)
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ULD Forum (pdf) | |
| IATA Cargo Solutions Workshop (pdf) |
Safety & Security (pdf)
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ONE Record Training (pdf) | |
| Closing plenary (pdf) | |||
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CargoIS User Forum (pdf) |
WCS 2024
The 2024 edition of the World Cargo Symposium took place at the AsiaWorld-Expo, in Hong Kong (SAR), China, from 12 to 14 March.
2024 Agendas
| MONDAY 11 MARCH | TUESDAY 12 MARCH | WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH | THURSDAY 14 MARCH |
|---|---|---|---|
| FACE Summit (pdf) |
Opening plenary (pdf)
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Digitalization (pdf)
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E-Commerce forum (pdf) |
| IATA Cargo Solutions Workshop (pdf) |
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Sustainability (pdf)
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ONE Record training (pdf) |
| Certification Workshop (pdf) |
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Safety & Security (pdf)
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Closing plenary (pdf) |
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CBTA Center Conference (pdf) |
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Beyond CASSLink (pdf) |
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WCS 2023
The World Cargo Symposium took place in Istanbul, Türkiye from 25 to 27 April 2023.
2023 Agendas
| MONDAY 24 APRIL | TUESDAY 25 APRIL | WEDNESDAY 26 APRIL | THURSDAY 27 APRIL |
|---|---|---|---|
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CBTA Center Conference (pdf)
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Opening plenary (pdf)
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Digitalization (pdf)
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E-Commerce Think Tank (pdf)
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Certification Workshop (pdf)
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Sustainability (pdf)
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Focus on Türkiye (pdf)
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Products Workshop (pdf)
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Safety & Security (pdf)
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Closing plenary (pdf)
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FACES (pdf)
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