UFO 2026 Network Meeting in London - A Truly Special Event!
22nd April 2026
Our 2026 Annual Meeting in London was a truly special three-day, three-night event that perfectly blended business with celebration. See Group Photo.
Held from 19-21 April 2026 at the Victory Services Club, the meeting brought together members from across the world for an unforgettable mix of networking, social events, and productive business discussions, all in the heart of one of the world’s most exciting cities.
Located just a short walk from Marble Arch, Hyde Park and Oxford Street, the venue provided the ideal base for delegates to experience the best of London while reconnecting and building new partnerships.
Welcome Social! Games, Food & Fun
The event kicked off in style with a lively Welcome Games & Dinner Night, a refreshing change from the usual formal meet-and-greet. From the moment delegates arrived with a glass of prosecco in hand, the atmosphere was buzzing with energy and laughter. The room transformed into a fun-filled casino-style arena, complete with Roulette, Blackjack, and Poker tables hosted by professional croupiers, giving everyone the chance to try their luck and spark conversations in a relaxed, playful setting.
Adding to the entertainment, guests enjoyed personalised caricatures from our talented artist, creating a unique keepsake from the evening. The night then flowed seamlessly into a delicious three-course plated dinner, complemented by an open bar, striking the perfect balance between fun, networking, and unwinding after a day of travel. A fantastic way to break the ice and get everyone into the spirit of the event. See photos.
A Word from Our Founder
You can download the opening session delivered by Rachel Crawford, Founder of UFO, where she warmly welcomed delegates from across the globe and set a forward-looking tone for the days ahead. In her address, Rachel highlighted the strength of the UFO network, the importance of collaboration in an ever-changing global landscape, and the value of coming together in person to build trust and long-term partnerships.
She also extended sincere thanks to our valued sponsors, CargoWise (Technology Partner) and Atlantide Logistics (France), whose support played a key role in the success of the event. Reflecting the spirit of the meeting, Rachel spoke about the power of relationships and the opportunities that arise when members connect, collaborate, and support one another.
Cheers to Success! Our Annual Awards
The winners of this year’s Annual Awards were calculated from the results of the recent Quality Control Survey. To ensure fairness across all regions, including smaller markets, the results are based on a ratio that reflects how highly each company scored in relation to the number of members they work with, providing a balanced and accurate measure of performance across the network. See photos.
2026 International Member of the Year ALLSTA Express Spedition (Austria)
2026 Regional Award: Middle East & Africa Intraspeed Arcpro (Kenya)
2026 Regional Award: The Americas ABM Logistics (Panama)
2026 Regional Award: Asia & Pacific Apex International (Japan)
2026 Regional Award: Europe Fairplay Shipping (Denmark)
2026 President's Award Atlantide Logistics (France) & Caribbean International (Dominican Republic)
The Networking Zone
Over the following two days, delegates took part in more than 25 x 1-2-1 meetings, reconnecting with trusted partners and building new relationships face-to-face. These sessions are far more than scheduled appointments; they are the foundation on which long-term partnerships are built. Many of the connections first made across these tables go on to develop into trusted collaborations that span years, even decades, generating consistent business, mutual support, and genuine friendships across borders. See photos.
These in-person meetings remain the true cornerstone of our events, enabling members to strengthen existing ties, explore new opportunities, and confidently open doors to new markets. In an industry built on trust and reliability, there is simply no substitute for sitting down together, understanding one another’s capabilities, and laying the groundwork for lasting and successful relationships.
Dining with Shakespeare
Monday evening’s highlight was a spectacular dinner at the Underglobe, located beneath the world-famous Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on the River Thames. It was also wonderful to have much of the UFO Head Office team there to enjoy the evening alongside members, with Judith, Sam, Wendy, and George all joining in the celebrations, further strengthening the close-knit spirit of the network.
Delegates enjoyed a scenic coach ride through the city before arriving at the stunning venue for an evening of fine dining. Shakespearean Actors provided an entertaining "Lovers Tiff" performance in between courses and to top the night our DJ provided the music for plenty of dancing - a truly unforgettable experience in a remarkable setting. See photos.
A Proper British Send-Off
The final night was the perfect send-off, bringing everyone together for a relaxed and memorable evening at the The Carpenters Arms, a charming Victorian pub just a short stroll from the hotel. With exclusive use of the venue, the atmosphere was instantly warm, familiar, and full of laughter, a true reflection of the friendships built over the past few days.
Over plates of classic pie and mash, and an open bar flowing throughout the evening, conversations carried on and connections were strengthened. With live music setting the tone, many found themselves singing along, raising a glass, and making the most of those final moments together. Our specially crafted cocktails, “Freight Forwarder Fizz” and “The Cargo Hold Cooler,” added a fun and memorable touch to the night. See photos.
From the casino tables to the meeting tables, our London gathering captured everything that makes our Annual Meeting so special — connection, collaboration, and community.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us in London. We look forward to seeing you all again next year in Xi’an for another memorable event!
