Breakbulk Europe 2026 opens in

Meet Your Breakbulk Europe Event Director


David Langrish on Raising the Bar for the World's Premier Project Cargo Event



From Issue 2, 2026 of Breakbulk Magazine.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you into the events and breakbulk world?


DL: I’ve spent my career in the events industry, working across largescale international exhibitions and conferences, always focused on bringing industries together to create meaningful connections and business opportunities. What drew me into the breakbulk world is the sheer scale and complexity of the sector, and the critical role it plays in global trade. It’s a highly collaborative industry, and that aligns perfectly with what events are designed to do: Connecting people, ideas and opportunities in one place.

Q: What excites you most about taking on this position?

DL: Taking on this new role is incredibly exciting. I’m bringing a wealth of experience in delivering and growing major events, but what really stands out is the opportunity that Breakbulk Europe represents. It’s already such a well-established and respected platform, and my focus is on continuing to delight and deliver for our customers, ensuring they see real value, whether that’s through business generation, networking or insight. There’s huge potential to build on that strong foundation.

Q: Breakbulk Europe continues to go from strength to strength. What do you think is driving that momentum?

DL: Breakbulk Europe continues to go from strength to strength, and a big part of that is the community. This is a growing and evolving industry, and the event reflects that momentum. What has really struck me is the level of advocacy. People genuinely want the event to succeed; they participate actively and see it as their platform. That sense of ownership is powerful. We’re seeing that translate into growth too, with the show around 18% bigger this year and targeting over 12,000 attendees — a strong indicator of the industry’s confidence and engagement.

Q: For first-time exhibitors, what’s your top piece of advice?

DL:
For first-time exhibitors, my biggest piece of advice is that success comes down to planning. Be clear on your objectives — what do you want to achieve from the event? Whether it’s lead generation, brand awareness or relationship building, shape your presence around that. Create a strong offering that will attract the right audience and make sure your team is fully briefed and aligned on those goals. And importantly, use us, we’re here to help. Our client engagement teams work closely with exhibitors to make sure they get the most out of their investment.

Q: What should long-time attendees look out for that they haven’t seen before?

DL: For long-time attendees, there are some exciting new elements to look out for this year. The new Breakbulk Voices theatre will bring more practical, real-world insights and fresh perspectives to the program, complementing the broader strategic discussions on the Breakbulk Live stage. We’re also continuing to grow the NextWave program, which celebrates and supports the next generation of industry leaders — something vital for the future of the sector.

Q: When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time?

DL: Outside of work, I like to keep things simple. Spending time with family is a big priority, and I enjoy running and playing golf whenever I get the chance.

Questions about the event? The Client Engagement Team is here to help. Contact them at [email protected].

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