On Thursday, March 12, 2026, the Multimodaal Transport Expo took place at Breepark Breda. The event, organized by trade journals Nieuwsblad Transport and Flows, brought together professionals from the logistics and transport sector to share knowledge, build new connections, and discuss current developments.
With approximately 3,500 visitors, 100 exhibitors, and an exhibition floor of 5,000 m², the expo offered a broad overview of everything happening within multimodal transport. Across six stages, dozens of experts spoke on topics such as digitalization, collaboration in logistic chains, and the future of transport.
For Venturn Young Professionals Sofie and Sascha, it was a valuable opportunity to experience the dynamics of the sector up close and explore different perspectives within the transport and logistics network.
First introduction to the sector
During the Multimodaal Transport Expo, VYP’ers Sofie and Sascha were present. Sascha started the VYP program in February, and for Sofie it was only er first week as a trainee. For that very reason, visiting the expo came at the right moment: it immediately provided the opportunity to get to know the sector better.
For Sofie, it was especially insightful to get acquainted with many different players within the transport sector in a short period of time. At the expo, it became clear how strongly these organizations are interconnected. Shipping companies, terminals, digital platforms, and logistics service providers all operate together within the same logistics chain.
What stood out to her most was the crucial role of collaboration within multimodal transport. When different parties combine their knowledge, infrastructure, and networks, significant progress can be made. It was interesting to see how this collaboration became visible on the exhibition floor.
Speakers on the main stage
An important part of the day were the sessions on the main stage, where various experts from the sector shard their perspectives on current logistical challenges. Sofie and Sascha attended, among others, a session with Caesar Luikenaar, Managing Director of WEC Lines.
During this session, Luikenaar spoke about the growth of shortsea shipping and how WEC Lines continues to develop its network. He discussed, among other things, the expansion of the NWC Spain service, with ports such as Antwerp, Montoir-de-Bretagne, and Gijón being added. This expansion illustrates how shortsea connections between the European continent, the United Kingdom and Ireland continue to evolve. The presentation provided insight into the strategic choices behind this expansion and what it means for accessibility and logistics chain.
Later in the day, a session followed by Han van Bussel, Director for Logistics at the Ministry of Defence. His presentation focused on the question of what the transport sector can mean for Defence and vice versa. With the growing importance of military mobility, it became clear that collaboration between Defence, civilian logistics parties, and infrastructure managers is becoming increasingly important.
For Sofie and Sascha, it was interesting to see how a wide range of organizations, from commercial shipping companies to government institutions, are all part of the same logistics network. The sessions highlighted how essential collaboration and flexibility are within the transport sector.
Workshop by Portbase
In addition to the main stage sessions, Sofie and Sascha also attended a workshop by Portbase, the digital platform for Dutch ports. The session was led by Remmert Braat (business relations manager).
The session focused on the current issue of port congestion. Due to increasing pressure on ports, waiting times for drivers and skippers regularly increase, making it more difficult to properly align logistical processes.
The workshop emphasized that collaboration and better coordination within the chain are key to addressing these challenges.
For Sofie and Sascha, the session provided an interesting insight into the daily changes within logistics operations and the role that collaboration and data can play in improving processes.
Networking afterwards
At the end of the day, there was a networking reception where visitors had the opportunity to connect with each other. In an informal setting, experiences from the day were shared, and new connections were formed between professionals from different parts of the sector.
The atmosphere of the event
What makes the Multimodaal Transport Expo unique is the combination of an exhibition floor and a substantive program. Throughout the day, presentations and discussions took place across multiple stages, addressing current topics within transport and logistics.
The atmosphere at the event was open and energetic. Many visitors clearly came to build new connections, share knowledge, and gain inspiration. As a result, spontaneous conversations emerged in many places between professionals from different parts of the sector.
For young professionals, such an environment offers great opportunity to quickly gain a better understanding of the network and dynamics of the sector.
Connection to the Venturn Young Professional program
An event like the Multimodaal Transport Expo aligns well with the Venturn Young Professional program. During the traineeship, the focus is not only on executing assignments, but also on getting to know the sector and building a network.
By attending events like this, VYP’ers get the opportunity to engage with many organizations and perspectives in a short time. It helps to better understand how different parties collaborate and what challenges exist within the logistics chain.
For Sofie, the visit to the expo was therefore a valuable first introduction to the sector. In a short time, she connected with various companies and gained a clearer picture of how the logistics world operated.
An inspiring day for the sector
The Multimodaal Transport Expo clearly demonstrates how dynamic and interconnected the logistics sector is. By bringing together companies, knowledge institutions, and professionals, space is created for new ideas, collaborations, and innovations.
For professionals in transport and logistics, it is an interesting event to stay up to date with developments in the sector and to expand their network.
For Sofie and Sascha, it was in any case an inspiring day that showed how important collaboration is within multimodal transport, and how many opportunities arise when different parties are able to connect.
