Seaport industry to convene at AAPA 2021 convention—Hearing from notable speakers on predictive insights on the global supply chain

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA)— the unified voice of seaports in the Americas— will hold its Annual Convention and Expo September 26-29, 2021 in Austin, Texas. At this premier gathering of the seaport industry, executives from port authorities, global supply chain partners, and industry solution providers from across the Western Hemisphere come together to hear from experts, network, and share best practices.     

The three-day business program features a lineup of keynote speakers and subject matter experts focusing on topics ranging from new technology and environmental stewardship practices to modernization and further advancing supply chain efficiency. 

“There is great value in reuniting in person as an industry,” said Mary Beth Long, AAPA’s Vice President of Marketing and Workforce Development. “We’re very excited to offer our members a first-class business program, networking opportunities, an exhibit hall full of innovative solutions, and ceremonies honoring our Professional Port Management graduates and Lighthouse Award winners.” 

Notable speakers at the convention include leading maritime executive, Thomas B. Crowley, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Crowley Maritime Corporation; Emmit Smith, former American football running back and professional sports icon; Christopher Smith, Senior Vice President, Policy, Government and Public Affairs at Cheniere LNG; and Michael Lichte, Vice President of Milk Optimization and Customer Relations, Dairy Farmers of America.  

Presentations by AAPA Chairman of the Board Mario Cordero and AAPA President and CEO Christopher Conner will address the state of the industry. In addition, senior association leadership will also present the annual Lighthouse Awards, recognizing Awards of Excellence in port communications, environmental improvement, facilities engineering, and information technology and will honor graduates of the Professional Port Management program.   

The convention will kick off Sunday, September 26, with the AAPA Golf Tournament—in which all proceeds will go to the Association’s Emergency Relief Fund for Hurricane Ida and other emergency victims. Events will continue with a welcome reception, providing attendees the opportunity to connect with friends and colleagues from throughout the port and maritime industry.  

 As people make travel plans to attend the convention, AAPA’s first and primary goal is to ensure the health and safety of attendees. The association is prepared to deliver this program safely and has been continually monitoring all CDC, state and local COVID protocols.