Dear THLG members,
THLG’s 68th Conference held in The Hague was what can only call a great success with a record attendance of 87 participants and even more at our Gala Dinner and Breakbulk show! Let us remember some of the good moments we all shared.
One of the key factors to our successful Conference was that our hotel in the Hague offered an ideal choice with its relaxed atmosphere and convenient location. Our program began with the Meet & Greet gathering, at the hotel lobby, where Rowners SA was the proud sponsor of our drinks and snacks since their home country Argentina was crowned World Cup Champion back in November 2022. We continued the night for our Informal Dinner at the Twins seaside restaurant for a nice BBQ and cocktail workshop. Everyone experienced the joy of making, from scratch, a perfect Mohito and a delicious Sex on the Beach.
The next day was the Conference day, where many interesting topics were discussed and analyzed including the Group’s Finances, the Social Responsibility actions taken this year, our Sponsorship plan, all the Marketing features available to our members and the status of our current Admissions. Three new members were added to our THLG family. Those were, Maritime Nantaise for France, Tomegris for Lithuania and Modpack System for Romania. We also had three very interesting case studies presented by Sogebras, Barnahart and Cosmatos, and a Masterclass offered by CMA CGM’s Gabriel Grad, the Key Account Manager of CMA’s Project Cargo Division on Container Vessel Solutions to Heavylift Cargo. And to top it all, we voted for a new ExCom. Natalya Kulagina of Vesta Polska and Marianne Blechingberg of Hacklin Logistics were elected in the Excom, while Donald Kinsella of KBB Transport and Richard Lee of CNC Freight Services were voted the new Adhoc members for THLG.
After a full day of business interaction, we all gathered for our Gala Dinner. A very moving night as we bid farewell to a lifelong partner and supporter of the Group. Jos Willems, and his wife Marlies Willems. They were awarded for their contribution and dedication to THLG for over 25 years. But those were not the only awards. We celebrated the 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years of membership for many of our members, and prized the winners of our “Photo of the Year” and “Job of the Year” contests. And last but not least, for the first time in THLG history we welcomed the first female THLG President, Elisabeth Cosmatos of Cosmatos Group. The rest of the night rolled by as we enjoyed excellent food and wine and the simple joy of being in company with dear peers.
On the next morning, Van der Vlist sponsored a tour of the new Van der Vlist Moerdijk Terminal where participants explored its facilities and also enjoyed a true “Dutch” experience while visiting a cheese farm and witnessing the traditional windmills and landscapes of Holland.
Breakbulk Europe 2023 was a great year for THLG. We yet again introduced a brandnew fresh booth, which in general acknowledgement, gathered the most attention. Two key attractions were our punching machine which tested the strength of anyone who passed by and instigated many unofficial contests, and our Instagram Wall which depicted a “Dutch” scenery and was the protagonist of countless photos posted on social media! THLG is a true community where past and current members have created and kept a true bond throughout its 35 years of existence, proof of which was the attendance of many old friends who visited our booth this year and joined us to meet and collaborate with their long term associates and friends.
Concluding, I would like to personally thank all members of the THLG Executive Committee who have significantly contributed to the successful outcome of both our conference and BBEU participation. Last but not least, to acknowledge the valuable support of our Admin gurus, Andreas and Julia.
Here below you can find links to all the presentations, minutes and photos of the THLG 68th Conference. Please make sure to login the website and click Conferences.
Minutes & Presentations: https://www.theheavyliftgroup.com/sites/default/files/2023-07/Minutes – THLG 68th Conference – The Hague.pdf
Photographs: https://www.theheavyliftgroup.com/conferences/thlg-68th-conference-and-breakbulk-2023
We renew our rendezvous for October in Brazil for THLG’s 69th Conference and thank you all for your ongoing support and contribution!
Till then enjoy your summer holidays!
On behalf of THLG ExCom
Elisabeth Cosmatos
THLG President & Marketing Manager