For the first time in its history, Inside Scope left Germany and set sail for an international stage. Hosted aboard the legendary ss Rotterdam in the heart of Europe’s largest seaport, the event welcomed logistics professionals from across Europe and beyond. It was more than a change of venue. It was a statement.
A statement about the growing international reach of Riege Software. A statement about the evolution of Scope. And a statement about the power of a community that continues to expand beyond borders, companies, and traditional ways of working.
Rotterdam was the perfect setting. But while the location attracted attention, it was the agenda that delivered the experience.
Learning – Discovering – Exchanging
Day one began with the Scope Academy. Across six dedicated tracks, participants explored topics ranging from customs and finance to automation, visibility, and tracking. Whether in ocean freight or air freight, one theme emerged repeatedly throughout the sessions: visibility is no longer a luxury. It is becoming the foundation of modern logistics.
The response was overwhelming. Academy sessions were close to capacity, discussions continued long after the presentations ended, and participants consistently highlighted the practical value of the training. The feedback could hardly have been clearer. Knowledge shared becomes progress multiplied.
Conversations beyond the conference room
After a day focused on learning, the event shifted naturally into connection. A harbour cruise through the Port of Rotterdam offered participants the opportunity to experience one of the world's most impressive logistics hubs from the water. Surrounded by maritime infrastructure, attendees found themselves repeatedly faced with a pleasant dilemma: continue the conversation or enjoy the view. Fortunately, Rotterdam offered enough of both.
Back aboard the ss Rotterdam, guests were welcomed with an aperitif reception on the open deck under clear skies. As the sun slowly lowered over the harbour, conversations deepened and new connections formed. The evening keynote by Jaroslav Bláha provided an intriguing preview of one of the defining themes of the event: AI and its practical, reliable, and commercially meaningful applications.
“What I learned: The potential of AI is huge. But be sensible in how you use it.”
Without AI, the atmosphere throughout the evening perfectly captured what Inside Scope has always been about: bringing together people who share a passion for logistics, innovation, and collaboration.
From TMS to network
If day one focused on learning and connection, day two focused on vision. Following an opening keynote by Benjamin Riege, Christian Riege delivered a compelling outlook on the future of Scope. The message was clear. Scope is evolving beyond the traditional boundaries of a Transport Management System.
The future lies in connectivity. In collaboration without barriers. In building a network that enables companies across the globe to work together more efficiently, more securely, and more seamlessly than ever before. What emerged was a vision of Scope not simply as software, but as infrastructure for global collaboration.
“We're on our way. And so is Scope – unstoppable, unbeatable.”
Visibility, security, and the quality of data
Throughout the conference programme, several topics consistently moved to the forefront. Cybersecurity expert Michael Linke delivered a compelling reminder that digital transformation and digital responsibility must go hand in hand. Riege experts then explored the future of ocean freight, finance, and air freight, demonstrating how technology continues to simplify complexity across logistics operations.
Riege experts then explored the future of ocean freight, finance, and air freight, demonstrating how technology continues to simplify complexity across logistics operations:
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Peer Brink and Marvin Herbst focused on Container Tracking and ongoing improvements in pre- and on-carriage visibility, closing the gap between plan and execution.
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Sebastian Huster highlighted the rollout of e-invoicing in Belgium and Poland, combined with a broader outlook on upcoming markets and capabilities.
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Martin Skopp presented Airline Messaging Premium – a major step from manual tracking towards real-time operational control in air freight.
The related panel discussions added another dimension by bringing together external industry leaders and innovators from several organizations. Their perspectives enriched the conversations and highlighted the shared challenges facing the industry.
One discussion in particular resonated strongly with the audience: the conversation around data quality. While automation and AI often dominate industry headlines, the panelists emphasized a more fundamental reality: without reliable, high-quality data, meaningful automation remains out of reach. AI offers enormous opportunities. But success requires thoughtful implementation, clear governance, and responsible use.
A community in motion
Perhaps the strongest endorsement of Inside Scope 2026 came not from the stage, but from the participants themselves. In the days following the event, social media channels filled with impressions, reflections, photos, and enthusiastic comments. Again and again, attendees highlighted the quality of the content, the openness of the discussions, and the unique atmosphere that defines Inside Scope.
The final get-together on Wednesday afternoon reflected exactly that spirit. Conversations revolved around newly discovered ideas, future projects, emerging partnerships, and the possibilities ahead. There was a sense of accomplishment. A sense of momentum. Yet the prevailing feeling was anticipation.
“The journey continues. Be part of what’s next.”
After previous editions near major air freight hubs such as Frankfurt, Rotterdam marked the beginning of a stronger maritime chapter for Inside Scope. The announcement of Hamburg as the host city for Inside Scope 2027 felt both natural and exciting. If Rotterdam was any indication, Hamburg is already preparing for the next wave.