AAPA conference to showcase vital economic role of ports

Mobile, Ala., has long been known for its charm, history and a whole lot of Southern hospitality, and more recently for attracting major international businesses like Airbus and ThyssenKrupp.  Evidence of these and the Port City’s many other attributes can be witnessed firsthand Oct. 21–25, when hundreds of seaport industry and related transportation professionals descend on Mobile for the American Association of Port Authorities’ (AAPA) 101st Annual Convention, presented by the Alabama State Port Authority (ASPA).??

Two governors, a noted Wall Street financial strategist, a top-ranked design firm vice president and a host of port and maritime industry leaders will lead the convention’s business sessions while a busy exhibition hall and other activities will keep convention registrants busy and engaged.

??“We’re delighted to be holding our 101st Annual Convention and Expo in Mobile, whose growing cargo port is the pride of Alabama and the generator for more than 66,000 jobs and $8 billion in total economic impact,” said Kurt Nagle, AAPA’s president and CEO.  “The convention will be the grade finale of our year-long recognition and celebration of the 100th anniversary of ports working together through AAPA.”??

Nagle noted that, throughout the week-long business program, convention attendees will hear from top government, seaport and business industry leaders on issues ranging from infrastructure investment and international trade, to innovative approaches to port challenges.  “We’ll also have a bustling trade show on site, filled with industry service and product providers who will showcase the latest advances in everything from port security devices to environmental enhancement programs,” he said.

??The Alabama State Port Authority, which handled 25 million tons of coal, steel, forest products, frozen poultry and other cargoes in 2011, will host the AAPA’s convention and exhibition activities at the Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center located on the Mobile River.  Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley will open the conference, while former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, Wall Street Strategies Founder and CEO Charles Payne, and AECOM North American Intermodal Practice Vice President Rachel Vandenberg will serve as keynote speakers to lend additional expertise and substance to the already packed five-day agenda.??

The convention will conclude with a members-only annual meeting and election of new officers and directors for the association’s upcoming activity year, including the installation of Armando Duarte-Peláez, with the Port of Santa Marta, Colombia, as AAPA’s 2013 chairman of the board.??Additional information about AAPA’s 101st Annual Convention and Exhibition, including its business program’s agenda, exhibitors and sponsors, is available at http://www.2012aapa.org.