Our 2014 Annual Summit took place from 16-18 November at the Crowne Plaza St Peter's Hotel in Rome with 160 CEOs and Senior Managers from 75+ countries in attendance. We were delighted to host such a large attendance as this is only our 4th meeting and we feel honored that so many Members took the time and commitment to attend our Rome gathering.

Our first evening together was attended by over 180 guests and started with welcome drinks as delegates collected name badges. Then the moment came when the doors to the Gala Dinner were opened and we were met by Roman Soldiers and Gladiators. Guests found their tables and were served with a 4 course dinner. Our Italian Hosts, Base Spa, W.I.S. and Fortune International sponsored some spectacular entertainment showcasing a variety of performers including a gladiator fight, a performance from Cabaret, salsa, pole, hip hop, tango dances and a burlesque show.

The official meeting began on Monday with an update from the PCN Head Office and awards were presented to the following companies:

2014 International Member of the Year

Base Spa (Italy)

2014 President’s Award

Marmedsa Proyectos (Spain)

2014 Regional Award: Middle East & Africa

Syon Logistics (Dubai)

2014 Regional Award: The Americas

C.H. Robinson Project Logistics (Canada)

2014 Regional Award: Asia & Pacific

Sadleirs Global (Australia)

2014 Regional Award: Europe

Philco International (France)

Delegates then took part in over 2000 individual meetings, aided by our PCN Countdown Clock which allows delegates to manage their time during these vital sessions.

On Monday evening, after a busy day in the meeting room, we enjoyed a pasta/pizza dinner show at La Carovana with the artists of Gruppo Storico Romano, where we saw gladiator fights and dances typical of Ancient Rome. There was also some fun audience participation from Members!

As well as discussing new and existing business, another positive to be taken from our gathering … we raised $3672 for the The Dream Trust in India. As you may know, the PCN Head Office source a worthwhile charity and support it for 3 years so that we have time to really make a real difference. Over the past 3 years we have raised a total of $13512 for The Dream Trust, whose main object is to fund life-saving insulin for poor children with Type 1 Diabetes.Read more.

The meeting was officially closed with details of our 5th Annual Summit (view details) and PCN President, Rachel Humphrey added "Again, many thanks to all those who attended, for your hard work, for your commitment to PCN and for making our trip to Rome such a memorable experience."

The day after the meeting, the event was featured on the front page of Il Messaggero Marittimo, a specialized newspaper that reports the latest news and information to shipping agents, freight forwarders, transporters, industries, banks, importers & exporters.