CNS Preparing for 2026 Annual Partnership Conference in San Francisco

23 April 2026 - Cargo Network Services Corporation (CNS) is gearing up to host its annual Partnership Conference in San Francisco (USA) from 18-20 May 2026.

Being held under the theme “Elevating Air Cargo: Partnerships, Progress & Possibilities”, the conference is the premier networking event for the US air cargo industry, bringing together around 700 stakeholders and representatives from across the air cargo value chain. The CNS Partnership Conference combines informative plenary sessions and presentations focused on innovation and challenges in the cargo business, with a variety of networking and social events.

CNS President Alicia Lines will open the event and will be joined by numerous recognized leaders of the cargo and aviation community, including:

• Brandon Fried, Executive Director, Airforwarder Association, who will deliver this year’s keynote address.
• Kes Nielsen, General Manager of Amazon Air Cargo, will moderate a C‑level panel on how AI and technology are impacting the industry and how companies are adapting to these changes, featuring panelists Diogo Elias, CEO of Avianca Cargo; Stephanie Penarete, VP Air Product, Americas, DSV – Global Transport; and Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer, Etihad Cargo.

Further plenary sessions will focus on topics such as:

• The State of the Industry, with key insights into the current state of the U.S. air cargo industry, including economic trends, operational challenges, and market dynamics.

The popular Innovation Stage will provide a forum for topics such as:

• ONE Record Implementation: The Good, the Challenges, and the Industry Realities: A look at how the industry is adopting One Record, with insights from key stakeholders and learnings on what it takes to move from concept to real implementation.
• Smarter Payments, Stronger Cash Flow: Learn about CNS FlexiPay and new payment methods and how they streamline the payment process in the air cargo industry.
• Artificial Intelligence and Air Cargo: From Hype to Real Impact: Discover how the industry is implementing AI to deliver tangible value across logistics and air cargo.
• E-commerce and Air Cargo: Scaling for Speed, Reliability, and Growth:Industry leaders will discuss how air cargo and logistics partners are improving networks, processes, and partnerships to meet growing global e‑commerce demands.
• Dangerous Goods in Air Cargo: Addressing Hidden Risks and Industry SolutionsUndeclared dangerous goods can impact the operations and safety of airlines and cargo partners. Learn how the industry is making advancements in multiple areas to strengthen detection, compliance, and risk‑mitigation.
• What’s changing under the US ACE Export Manifest — and how should Air Cargo respond?Industry experts will explain the key technical, regulatory, and operational impacts of the current air cargo test and how it improves accuracy, efficiency, and compliance in U.S. exports.

The traditional networking golf tournament will kick off the conference on 18 May 2026. A new option for non-golfers is a networking excursion in Napa Valley to experience a guided tour of the area. The Meet & Greet session returns this year to further build networking opportunities, where airlines and freight forwarders can pre-schedule meetings, exchange contacts, explore partnerships, and discuss business opportunities.

Air cargo positively contributes to the socio-economic development of the world and plays a critical role in overcoming extraordinary circumstances, such as natural disasters or humanitarian crisis. Globally, on an average day, 180,000 tonnes of goods reach their destination by air. This is the lifeblood of global trade—driving growth, creating jobs, and spreading prosperity.

As shown in the Value of Aviation Report for the USA, 34.0 million tonnes of air cargo were handled in the country in 2023.

This year’s host city, San Francisco, is recognized worldwide as a leading center for technology, entrepreneurship, and forward-thinking collaboration. As the upcoming host city for the CNS Partnership Conference, San Francisco offers an exceptional setting to inspire discussion, innovation and a dynamic business environment to advance the air cargo industry.