The Port of New Orleans will host the ninth annual Cargo Connections Conference 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 heavy-lift industries.
This year the CCC welcomes American Journal of Transportation (AJOT) as the media sponsor. AJOT’s daily news coverage delivers industry insights and coverage of events shaping the industry.
“Many of the current challenges the shipping community faces today are common across several industries,” said Janine Mansour, Commercial Director of the Port of New Orleans. “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. 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; Tom Perdue, President and CEO, Ports America; Keith Reardon, Vice President of Intermodal, CN; Michael McClellan, Vice President of Industrial Products, Norfolk Southern Corp.; Erik Hansen, Vice President of Intermodal, KCS; Sharon Perry, Vice President of Logistics, Carhartt; Steve Lamar, Executive Vice President, American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA); David Groves, Director, Macs Maritime Carrier Shipping; Ed Bastian, Director, Global Sales, BBC Chartering, and more.
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; Caitlin Cain, CEO, World Trade Center; and Erin Butler, Director, New Orleans Export Assistance Center; and moderator Donna Lemm, Executive Vice President of Sales, IMC. While this event is in conjunction with CCC and included in the conference registration, it is also open to the public for $25 per person.
Shippers, producers, logistics companies, shipping lines, railroads, barge lines, trucking lines, port authorities, terminal operators and warehousing companies that seek to gain inside industry knowledge are encouraged to attend the Cargo Connections Conference.
For more information and to register for CCC 2017, visit cccportnola.com.
