NEW ORLEANS – The Port of New Orleans will host the ninth annual Cargo Connections Conference, from April 4 – 6, at the New Orleans Downtown Marriott at the Convention Center.
Formerly known as the Critical Commodities Conference, the CCC is a dynamic conference focused on supply chain and transportation issues relevant to the container, breakbulk and heavylift industries.
“Many of the current challenges the shipping community faces today are common across several industries,” Janine Mansour, commercial director of the Port of New Orleans, said. “The CCC is a highly interactive forum that brings together industry powerhouses to discuss trends and issues relevant to shipping professionals today.”
As in previous years, CCC panel discussions and keynote speakers promise to bring a wealth of knowledge and awareness to attendees, Port reps said. In addition to an impressive list of moderators and panelists, this year’s keynote speakers include Brandy D. Christian, president and CEO, Port of New Orleans; Fabio Santucci, president, MSC; Charles Baker, director general, Port of Mariel, Cuba; Keith Reardon, vice president of Intermodal, CN; Michael McClellan, vice president of Industrial Products, Norfolk Southern Corp.; Dr. Walter Kemmsies, managing director, economist and chief strategist, JLL; Greg Rusovich, CEO, Transoceanic Development; Don Lake, senior vice president of logistics and operations, Dunavant; and more.
Topics to be covered include:
• The new global container carrier alliances and the impact on the industry.
• An outlook from the Director of Cuba’s main container port.
• Export perspectives on markets including resin, poultry and more.
• Trade policy under a Trump presidency.
• The market outlook for breakbulk from carriers and shippers.
• The latest from suppliers to the oil and gas industry.
• Inland transportation: What are the trends, where are investments being made and what are the market challenges?
The 2017 conference includes networking activities for attendees as well. The annual golf tournament kicks off the conference April 4 at the Audubon Park Golf Course. There will also be two evening receptions, including the Fulton Alley Experience, a trendy setting just steps from the conference hotel offering bowling, local cuisine and drinks.
A new feature of the CCC this year is a Tuesday breakfast session, “Empowering Connections, Advancing Together,” designed to be a dynamic and engaging breakfast featuring women who are at the top of their game in international trade. This is a unique opportunity for women in the industry to form new connections and engage with a top-level panel of experts.
Speakers include Port NOLA President and CEO Brandy D. Christian; Erin Butler, director, New Orleans Export Assistance Center; Roquita Coleman-Williams, supply chain solutions manager, CN; Rebecca F. Dye, commissioner, Federal Maritime Commission; and moderator Donna Lemm, executive vice president of sales, IMC. While this breakfast event is in conjunction with CCC and included in the conference registration, it is also open to the public for $25 per person.
This year the CCC welcomes CN as the Cargo Connections Partner and American Journal of Transportation (AJOT) as the media sponsor. AJOT’s daily news coverage delivers industry insights and coverage of events shaping the industry.
Click here for more information and to register for CCC 2017