The 2025 Motion Logistics Network Annual Meeting: Where Motion Meets the Silk Road

This October, we tried something we'd never done before at Motion Logistics Network. Instead of hosting our usual annual meeting, we joined hands with our sister network, the New Silk Road Network, for a combined event. The New Silk Road Network focuses specifically on the Belt and Road Initiative routes, while we at Motion serve freight forwarders across the globe. We thought bringing everyone together in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from October 14-17 might create something special. And honestly? It exceeded every expectation.

Almaty wasn't just a random pin on the map for us. This city has always been where cultures met and trade happened. Today, Central Asia is experiencing incredible growth, and Almaty sits right in the middle of it all. For our members who move cargo around the world, being here meant more than attending meetings in yet another hotel. It meant standing at the crossroads of history and future opportunity, understanding firsthand the markets and routes that are shaping our industry.

The event kicked off on the evening of October 14th with a relaxed Welcoming Cocktail Reception. Within minutes, people were swapping business cards, laughing over shared frustrations, and discovering mutual contacts from halfway around the world.

The next morning, our Network Director Ziwei Liu welcomed everyone and walked us through what to expect over the next few days. Then we dove into the heart of the event: one-on-one meetings. Throughout the day, our delegates sat down with each other to talk business. That evening, we headed up to Kok-Tobe, a venue perched high in the mountains with stunning views of Almaty glittering below, for the Gala Dinner. Day three brought another round of productive meetings. In the evening, we gathered at Peking Duck for dinner. The round tables and family-style dining created a wonderful atmosphere where people found themselves sharing meals and stories with new friends.

On our last day, we left the business behind and headed into the mountains. The trip to Ayusai Gorge gave everyone a chance to walk through breathtaking scenery, discover a beautiful waterfall, and bond over life beyond logistics. We watched a traditional falcon hunting demonstration, a practice that's been part of Kazakh culture for generations. Then we sat down together at Navat Chaikhana for authentic Kazakh cuisine, surrounded by traditional decor and the warmth of local hospitality. It was the perfect reminder that our industry is really about connecting people and cultures, not just moving boxes across borders.

We couldn’t have done any of this without our sponsors, who believed in our vision and made it possible. Special and Heavy Transport Europe gave us an unforgettable evening at Kok-Tobe while also sponsoring the VIP Table. Alviser Cargo and Logistics kept everyone energized with much-needed coffee breaks during the more intense meeting moments. Cargo Traders International generously sponsored the VIP Tables for the second consecutive year. And Queenbee Global Cargo Logistics made sure everyone had exactly what they needed to capture all the insights and connections being made by sponsoring the notebooks.

Looking back on those four days, we realized we'd created something bigger than we'd imagined. The partnerships forming between the networks weren't just about doing more business, they were about building lasting relationships that would strengthen both networks for years to come. We hope these relationships will continue to grow long after we've all returned home and can't wait to see where they lead.

Until we meet again!