Around 700 senior air cargo executives, airlines, forwarders, airports and logistics providers will gather in San Francisco from 18–20 May for the 35th annual Cargo Network Services conference, focusing on AI adoption, digital payments, ONE Record implementation, e-commerce growth, regulatory compliance and strategic partnerships shaping the future of U.S. and global air cargo.
Cargo industry leaders from across the United States and international markets are set to converge in San Francisco next week as Cargo Network Services (CNS), the U.S. cargo arm of International Air Transport Association, prepares to host its 35th annual Partnership Conference from 18–20 May 2026.Held under the theme “Elevating Air Cargo: Partnerships, Progress & Possibilities,” the three-day event is expected to attract approximately 700 senior executives, airline representatives, freight forwarders, airports, ground handlers, digital solution providers and supply chain specialists, reaffirming its status as one of North America’s most influential air cargo gatherings. The event will take place at the Hilton Union Square in San Francisco, positioning the conference in one of the world’s most innovation-driven business ecosystems.
Industry leadership takes centre stage
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.
Innovation, regulation and digital transformation
A central feature of this year’s conference is the Innovation Stage, where delegates will examine some of the most pressing issues shaping air cargo’s future.Sessions will cover implementation of IATA ONE Record, emerging digital payment solutions through CNS FlexiPay, real-world AI deployment across logistics operations, scaling infrastructure for cross-border e-commerce, and evolving compliance requirements around dangerous goods.Regulatory updates will also feature prominently, including dedicated discussions on the U.S. ACE Export Manifest programme and its operational implications for airlines, freight forwarders and customs stakeholders.
Networking remains a commercial engine
Beyond formal sessions, CNS continues to position the event as a high-value commercial networking platform.The traditional golf tournament returns on 18 May, while a new Napa Valley networking excursion has been introduced for non-golfing delegates. Structured Meet & Greet sessions will also allow airlines and freight forwarders to pre-schedule one-to-one meetings designed to accelerate commercial partnerships, capacity discussions and business development opportunities.
Supporting an industry that moves global trade
The conference comes at a pivotal moment for the air cargo sector, as carriers and logistics providers navigate economic volatility, supply chain restructuring, digital transformation and shifting geopolitical trade flows.According to CNS, air cargo moves approximately 180,000 tonnes of goods worldwide every day, while the U.S. handled 34 million tonnes of air freight in 2023, underlining the sector’s critical role in global commerce, healthcare logistics, manufacturing supply chains and humanitarian operations. As the industry gathers in San Francisco, the 2026 CNS Partnership Conference is expected to serve not only as a forum for discussion, but as a catalyst for the next generation of strategic alliances, operational innovation and commercial growth across the global air cargo ecosystem.Event HighlightsCore Themes: Plenary sessions will focus on real-world AI applications, payment digitization, e-commerce scaling, dangerous goods compliance, and the implementation of ONE Record and US ACE Export Manifest changes.Key Speakers: The keynote will be delivered by Brandon Fried (Executive Director, Airforwarder Association), followed by an executive-level AI panel moderated by Kes Nielsen (General Manager, Amazon Air Cargo).CNS Connect Zone: An open workspace featuring meeting pods designed for structured “Meet & Greet” sessions, allowing airlines and forwarders to pre-schedule meetings and discuss business partnerships.Networking & Excursions: Alongside business panels, the event will feature a Golf Tournament, a Napa Valley Excursion, and a Gala Dinner.
