Shippers, freight forwarders and a host of others came from far and wide to converge in Houston for the Breakbulk Americas 2017 conference Oct. 17-19.The event was held at the George R. Brown Conference Center and was hosted by Port Houston for the sixth time.

Attendees heard from industry experts during the conference sessions, which focused on issues ranging from project freight and project to steel challenges and beyond. Port Chairman Janiece Longoria provided a welcome video message to attendees.

“We are thrilled to once again host this annual event, bringing thousands of top-tiered shippers together with breakbulk and general cargo service providers. We are continually working to diversify our overall cargo mix at our port, and that includes our breakbulk facilities. Breakbulk Americas has become a tradition for us here in Houston, and we are proud of that,” said Longoria.

The conference had an estimated economic impact of $3.6 million to the greater Houston region.

More than 5,000 maritime industry professionals, including general cargo owners, terminal operators, ports authorities, ocean carriers and logistics companies gathered at the annual trade show and exposition. It is the largest exhibition of its kind in the Americas.