Port Houston Inclusive Procurement Day

1:45 pm – 3:45 pm, November 1, 2023

Unlocking the Potential: Navigating the Foreign Trade Zone Program for Enhanced Global Trade

Topic: The Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Program can be a game-changer for companies seeking to expand their global reach. Expert speakers will guide you through the intricate details of FTZs, providing insights on the application process, various benefits, strategies, and compliance requirements. Discover how your organization can leverage FTZs to reduce costs, streamline supply chains, and enhance competitiveness in the global marketplace.

10:15 am – 11:00 am, October 31, 2023

The Next Generation of the Logistics Workforce

Topic: On January 1, 2011, the oldest Baby Boomers started turning 65. Every day, about 10,000 boomers cross that threshold. By 2030, when all Baby Boomers will have turned 65, fully 18% of the nation’s population will be at least that age, according to Pew Research Center population projections. Today, just 13% of Americans are ages 65 and older. The industry is all facing a talent gap and need to proactively recruit and retain employees – and bring more diversity into maritime and logistics work if it is to be successful. This panel will discuss what various sectors are doing to proactively work on this challenge – from seafarer needs and terminal labor to shoreside business roles.

1:45 pm – 2:30 pm, October 31, 2023

Sustainability on the Seas

Topic: Engage in a dynamic discussion on both the current state and the future of sustainability in ocean shipping. This panel will focus on the pressure shippers face to address carbon neutrality and the consequential pressure put on their supply chains to measure, reduce, and offset CO2 emissions.

11:15 am – 12:00 pm, November 1, 2023

A Conversation with the Carriers, Riding the Waves of Container Shipping

Topic: Emerging from the industry disruption brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, panelists will share their insights on current state of the container shipping industry, views on changes to supply and demand impacting liner carriers as well as current and potential shifts in the alliance landscape, and their impacts to U.S. ports and shippers. Against this backdrop, digest the ripple effects impacting the industry including a fluid regulatory environment, digitalization, decarbonization and changes in cargo delivery impacted by chassis pools, drayage, rail, and port infrastructure.

11:00 am – 11:45 am, October 31, 2023

Successful Strategies to Manage Growth and Risk on the Busiest Ship Channel in the US

Topic:  Promoting growth and managing risk don’t have to be mutually exclusive. On the busiest ship channel in the US by vessel movements and tonnage, governmental regulators and industry have developed collaborative processes that achieve both. Through a massive channel improvement project, regular channel maintenance dredging, and occasional seasonal weather closures, stakeholders have developed protocols that positively contribute to channel efficiency and navigation safety.