Convince Your Manager

1. Start with what your manager cares about

Most managers aren’t opposed to professional development. They’re focused on protecting priorities and managing budgets. So rather than opening with “I’d like to attend,” frame the conversation around the value the business will gain from your attendance.

Make it clearly relevant to your role

Your manager is far more likely to approve Breakbulk Europe when it’s obvious why your presence matters and what tangible outcomes you’ll bring back to the team. Here are some examples below:

If you work in logistics:

You’re not attending to browse - you’re there to improve efficiency, reliability and coordination across the supply chain. At Breakbulk Europe you can:

• Meet directly with carriers, forwarders, port authorities and equipment providers to streamline current routes and processes

• Explore new handling solutions and transport options for complex or oversized cargo

• Benchmark operational approaches and identify ways to reduce risk, delays and unexpected costs

• Strengthen relationships that make future project execution smoother and faster

You return with practical insights that support more reliable planning and better delivery performance.

If you work in sales and business development:

This isn’t just networking, it’s targeted pipeline building. At Breakbulk Europe you can:

• Connect with project owners, EPCs, manufacturers and decision-makers across the full supply chain

• Identify upcoming projects and new market opportunities early

• Strengthen existing client relationships through face-to-face conversations

• Gather competitive intelligence and position your company more strategically

You come back with qualified leads, stronger relationships, and clearer insight into where the next opportunities lie.

If you work in chartering management:

Your role is about securing the right vessel capacity at the right time and managing commercial risk. At Breakbulk Europe you can:

• Meet shipowners, operators and brokers in person to discuss fleet availability and upcoming demand

• Compare vessel capabilities and suitability for specific cargo profiles

• Gain early visibility into market trends and capacity shifts

• Build relationships that make negotiations and fixture discussions more efficient

You return with better market intelligence, stronger contacts, and improved positioning for future charters.

The goal is to present your attendance as a focused, strategic part of your role, directly aligned with business priorities, not as time away from your desk.

2. Show that you have a clear on-site plan

Managers are more likely to approve attendance when they can see it won’t be unstructured time away from the office. Demonstrate that you’ve thought through exactly how you’ll use your time at Breakbulk Europe.

Outline the key exhibitors you plan to visit, particularly those linked to current projects or priority markets. Highlight specific contacts you’d like to meet and the outcomes you’re aiming for, whether that’s exploring new capacity, discussing upcoming tenders, or strengthening existing partnerships. View the exhibitor list here.

You can also reference the event app, which allows you to pre-book meetings, build a personalised schedule, and map out networking activities in advance. This shows you’re approaching the event with a clear agenda, not just a general intention to “have a look around.”

A structured plan reinforces that your attendance is strategic, focused, and aligned with business goals.

3. Tackle your manager’s biggest concerns head-on

When you position Breakbulk Europe clearly, you make it easier for your manager to say yes. Here’s how to respond to the questions they’re most likely to raise.

“The budget is tight this year.”

Your response: I understand. Breakbulk Europe allows us to meet multiple carriers, forwarders, ports and service providers in one place, which saves time and reduces the cost of separate trips and lengthy sourcing processes. By booking early, we can also secure better rates on travel and accommodation, keeping overall spend under control while maximising return.

“What makes Breakbulk Europe different from other events?”

Your response: It brings together the full project cargo and breakbulk supply chain, from EPCs and manufacturers to carriers, port authorities and equipment providers. Instead of fragmented conversations, we get a complete market view in one venue, making it the most efficient way to benchmark capabilities and identify opportunities.

“How do we measure success?”

Your response: I’ll define clear objectives before attending, whether that’s confirmed meetings, specific supplier evaluations, market intelligence or pipeline targets. Within 30 days, I’ll share a structured summary outlining key insights, potential partners, and recommended next steps.

“What if it’s just networking?”

Your response: It’s far more than that. Alongside pre-arranged meetings, the event includes conference sessions and industry discussions that provide context on market trends, capacity, and risk. That means I can validate what I’m hearing, turn conversations into concrete follow-ups, and bring back informed recommendations.

“What’s the direct benefit to our current projects?”

Your response: I’ll prioritise exhibitors and contacts directly aligned with our active projects and upcoming tenders. The goal is to return with practical solutions, relevant introductions, and actionable insights we can apply immediately.

By addressing these concerns upfront, you demonstrate that attending Breakbulk Europe is a considered business decision, not just a calendar request.

4. If you'd like a way to structure your thinking, here's a simple template to get started.

Use it to clarify why Breakbulk Europe is relevant to your role, your current projects, and the wider business, then adapt the wording so it reflects your own voice.

It’s an easy way to turn a general “I’d like to attend” into a focused, well-reasoned proposal.