On October 23, 2026, the Management Conference of the National Association of Bulgarian Forwarders (NABF) was held in Sofia under the motto "New Generation Logistics".This year's format placed the members of the Association themselves at the center of the event, providing them with the opportunity to share experience, positions and ideas on key issues for the development of the sector.
Instead of the traditional format of a series of presentations, the conference relied on an open discussion panel, encouraging the active participation of representatives of freight forwarding and logistics companies. Topics discussed included digitalization and the implementation of new technologies, cybersecurity, fuel price dynamics and geopolitical risks, shipper-carrier relations, increasing operational efficiency, legislative changes, and challenges in hiring, training, and retaining staff.
People, technology and efficiency – key topics for the future of the industry
NSBS Chairman Tsvetin Todorov opened the conference with a focus on some of the most important trends and challenges facing the sector. In his presentation “People, AI and Efficiency – How to Retain Good People by Making Them More Valuable”, he drew attention to the shortage of qualified personnel and the opportunities for increasing productivity through more effective use of technology and artificial intelligence.
Practical applications of artificial intelligence in the daily work of freight forwarding and logistics companies were examined – from information processing and bid preparation to assisting with tariff classification, shipment management and automating routine activities. The main message was that technology can free up time for the activities with the highest added value: working with customers and partners, making decisions and building trust.
Particular attention was also paid to employee training and development. Sustainable efficiency improvement requires not only the implementation of new tools, but also an active role of managers in their adoption, sharing good practices and building a culture of continuous learning.
Practical solutions and new opportunities for companies
During the conference, the visiting companies 123cargo and SSTransport presented their products and solutions to the audience, introducing the participants to the opportunities they offer for business.
A special guest at the event was Mr. Vu Viet Thanh, Head of the Trade Representation of Vietnam in Bulgaria. He presented the opportunities for hiring workers from Vietnam for the needs of Bulgarian companies in the forwarding and logistics sector. The topic is particularly relevant against the backdrop of the ongoing difficulties in securing the necessary human resources in the various units of logistics operations.
The meeting provided the participants with the opportunity to learn about potential solutions to specific business challenges and to exchange views on the opportunities for development of the sector in a dynamic economic and regulatory environment.
General Assembly of the National Social Security Association
After the conference, the General Assembly of the NSBS was held. During the reporting meeting, the activities of the Association for the past year were reviewed.
By holding both events, NSBS continued to fulfill its role as a platform for dialogue, cooperation and sharing of professional experience between representatives of the forwarding and logistics industry.
We thank all participants and guests for their active presence and contribution to the discussions, as well as the partners who supported the holding of the Managers' Conference 2026!
