HIMC Agenda

November 2 – 5, 2026 – Hilton Americas, Downtown Houston

Our comprehensive schedule of events features an exciting lineup of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to inform and inspire attendees and to help them stay ahead of the latest trends and developments in the industry.

With a focus on the future of shipping, our conference is the perfect platform to learn from experts, network with peers, and explore innovative solutions to the maritime industry’s challenges.

Join the conversation with #HIMC26.

Contact [email protected] for 2026 sponsorship opportunities.

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HIMC26 Event Topics Agenda

Day 1: Monday, November 2
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Waterside Terminal Tour Details
Includes refreshments and hors d’oeuvres. Transportation provided.
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Welcome Reception Details
Location: Zaranda, 1550 Lamar St., Houston, TX 77010

Day 2: Tuesday, November 3
7:00 AM
Registration and Breakfast
7:50 AM
Port Houston Welcome and Opening Remarks
8:20 AM – 8:50 AM
Macro Economic Keynote: The Economic Forces Fueling Texas and the Nation
8:50 AM – 9:20 AM
Powering Houston’s Future: Driving Regional and Statewide Economic Growth Details

Moderator: Rina Lawrence, PH

Panelist: Aaron Demerson, President & CEO, TX EDC

Panelist: Steve Kean, President and CEO, Greater Houston Partnership

Panelist: Larry McManus, Director, Business and Community Development, Office of the Governor, ED&T

Hear from state and regional economic development leaders as they discuss the forces shaping the Texas and Houston economy. This panel highlights regional priorities, emerging opportunities, and how Port Houston’s global reach and infrastructure investments fuel business expansions and strengthen Texas’ overall competitiveness.
9:20 AM – 10:10 AM
The State of Trade: Ocean Carriers on Market Dynamics and What’s Next Details

Moderator: Peter Tirschwell, Independent Shipping Journalist

Panelist: Pedro Silva, Senior Vice President of Sales, Hapag-Lloyd

Following an unexpectedly strong second quarter marked by surging import volumes, tight capacity, and soaring spot rates, how do carriers see the market evolving into 2027? Against a backdrop of new tariffs, economic uncertainty, and ongoing conflict in the Middle East, we will look at a range of topics such as their volume outlook, formula for good shipper relationships and inland issues and big picture trends.
10:10 AM – 10:30 AM
Networking Break
10:30 AM – 11:20 AM
Keeping Cargo Moving: Port Efficiency in a Demanding Supply Chain Details

Moderator: Ryan Mariacher, Chief Port Operations Officer, Port Houston

Panelist: Patrick Burgoyne, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Operations Officer, Logistec

Panelist: Donna Lemm, Chief Commercial Officer, IMC

Panelist: Steve Rothberg, Partner, Mercator International

Process optimization has long been at the core of Port Houston’s operating philosophy. In a global supply chain environment where volatility has become the norm, it’s now more important than ever to provide customers with safe, efficient, and transparent solutions. This panel brings industry experts together to share how they measure port efficiency and the metrics that matter the most.
11:20 AM – 12:10 PM
Moving Resins: Houston Trade and Global MarketsDetails

Panelist: Scott Campbell, Vice President, Global Supply Chain, LyondellBasell

Panelist: Ritesh Kothari, COO, Tricon Energy

Panelist: Jennifer Matuszak, Director Global Marine Freight, Vinmar

What does it take to move millions of tons of resins from Houston to customers around the world? This panel will explore the logistics behind the trade, from production and inland transportation to terminals, vessels and international markets, while examining the trends that could reshape Houston’s resin export business.
12:10 PM – 1:20 PM
Lunch
1:20 PM – 2:10 PM
Navigating Uncertainty: Geopolitics, Trade Policy, and Global Supply Chains Details

Moderator: John Hark, Chartering Director, North America, Bertling

Panelist: José Luis Vidal, Chairman of the Board, WV Logistics & Services

Panelist: Wim Dillen, International Development Manager, Port of Antwerp

Panelist: Pete Mento, Director – Global Trade Advisory, Baker TIlly

Panelist: Jonathan Gold, VP, Supply Chain & Customs Policy, NRF

The global business environment has become exponentially more complicated in the years since the COVID pandemic. Disruptions on a global basis are continuing to make it challenging to effectively navigate in international business. This panel of seasoned experts will look at the current landscape and offer ideas for companies to continue executing business in spite of the uncertainty though which they are navigating.
2:15 PM – 2:50 PM Breakout Sessions
Grand Ballroom – Intelligent Supply Chains: Harnessing AI to Drive Performance and Resilience Details

Moderator: Dr. Steve Zhou, Chair – GMSC Department, PLM Endowed Professor, Professor of Supply Chain Management and Business Intelligence, University of Houston-Downtown

Panelist: Ted Boeglin, VP of the Americas, Flexport

Panelist: Tony Glass, Ligentia

Panelist: Ed Gonzalez, Sheriff, Harris County, Texas

Panelist: Paul Madrid, Transportation Account Manager, Bentley Systems

Panelist: Shaun Srivastava, Chief Growth Officer, RTW Logistics

As supply chains face growing disruption, AI is emerging as a powerful tool to improve efficiency, visibility, and resilience. Industry leaders will share real-world applications and practical strategies for addressing data quality, cybersecurity, governance, workforce impacts, and human-AI collaboration.

Room A – From Zero to Zone: Understanding U.S. Foreign Trade Zones Details

Speaker: Diana Urelius, Director, Trade & Customs, KPMG

Curious about how Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ) can benefit your business, but not sure where to start? This session gives you a clear, approachable introduction to the U.S. FTZ program. Whether you’re brand‑new to FTZs or simply need a refresher, you’ll learn what FTZs are, how they work, and why they’re becoming increasingly valuable in today’s shifting trade environment.

Room B – The Cotton Supply Chain: Challenges and Opportunities Details

Moderator: Michael Symonanis, Global Container Strategy Lead, Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) and Chair, Transportation and Insurance Committee, The American Cotton Shippers Association

Panelist: William “Buddy” Allen, President and CEO, The American Cotton Shippers Association

Panelist: Shaun Leone, President, Sunburst Truck Lines

Panelist: John-Michael Ruder, Chair, Transportation and Warehouse Committee, Texas Cotton Association

What if the biggest threat to U.S. export competitiveness isn’t happening at the port? What if the early warning signs are already visible across trucking, warehousing, agriculture, trade policy,and inland logistics? Join industry leaders for a candid discussion on the forces reshaping the cotton supply chain and what they mean for exporters, carriers, logistics providers, and maritime stakeholders. This isn’t a retrospective. It’s a look at the decisions being made today that will determine tomorrow’s supply chain winners and losers. One session. One room. Perspectives rarely heard together. Miss it, and you’ll hear about it later from competitors who didn’t.

Room C – Moving the World: Breakbulk, Project Cargo & Global Trade Details

Moderator: Dave Morgan, President & CEO, Cooper Ports

Panelist: Mohaned Alsheqaiq, Line Vice President, Bahri Line

Panelist: Benjamin Liewald, Fracht Group

Houston is a critical gateway for breakbulk and project cargo, supporting the energy, manufacturing, infrastructure and industrial sectors that drive the region and global economy. This discussion will explore the challenges and opportunities of moving oversized, heavy and specialized cargo, from transportation and logistics to port infrastructure and growing global demand
2:50 PM – 3:10 PM
Networking Break
3:10 PM – 3:50 PM Breakout Sessions
Grand Ballroom – Keeping Commerce Cool: The Critical Role of the Cold Chain Details

Moderator: Dante Galeazzi, President and CEO, Texas International Produce Association

Panelist: Kim Flores, VP, Business Development and Marketing, Pro Citrus Network

Panelist: Le Harlin, Head of Growth Enablement-Cold Chain Logistics, Maersk

Panelist: Ray Keffer, CEO, J&K Fresh

Cold chain failures can cost 10% to 100% of a shipment’s value, resulting in hundreds of thousands in losses and clean-up. Efficient, well managed temperature control is vital. Join us as we explore the challenges and future of cold chain logistics.

Room A – The FTZ Advantage: Smart Tariff Mitigation for Global Competitiveness Details

Speaker: Shane Williams, Indirect Tax, Ernst & Young

With shifting trade policies and new tariffs affecting supply chains, many companies are looking for ways to manage costs. Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) offer a practical solution. This session will explain how businesses use FTZs to reduce tariff exposure and stay competitive, even in an unpredictable trade environment.

Room B – Building the Talent Pipeline: Connecting Education and Industry

Moderator: Eloy Cortez, International Vice President and South Atlantic & Gulf Coast District Representative, ILA

Panelist: Diana Davila, Senior Vice President of US Operations, UTC Overseas

Panelist: Margaret Kidd, Department Chair, Business, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management, San Jacinto College

Panelist: Shareen Larmond, President, WGMA

Room C – The Future of Steel Logistics Details

Moderator: Joey Frederick, Top Lift North America

Panelist: Susan Bray, Braybridge Logistics Consultants, LLC

Panelist: Jesse Despain, Nucor Jewett Steel Mill

Steel has shaped our past and continues to define our future. As innovation, global competition, sustainability, and policy transform the industry, the questions ahead have never been more important. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion featuring a diverse panel of industry leaders who will share their perspectives on where we are headed, and why the future of steel extends far beyond the mills—impacting our economy, our communities and even our national security.
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Competing in Global Markets: The Export Perspective

Moderator: Eric Holbik, Trade Development Director, Port Houston

Panelist: Mance Adams, BDTC Logistics Manager, SLB

Panelist: Peter Friedmann, AgTC

Panelist: Jennifer Matuszak, Vinmar
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Evening Reception Details
Location: 4th Floor, Outside Grand Ballroom

Day 3: Wednesday, November 4
7:45 AM
Registration and Breakfast
8:30 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks
8:50 AM – 9:40 AM
Navigating Risk and Building Resilience in Global Supply Chains Details

Moderator: Stephanie Hughes, Global Client Director, Maersk

Panelist: Marco Caminati, Global Category Lead, Nouryon

Panelist: Richard Soja, Global Head of Marine, Allianz

Panelist: Zera Zheng, Global Head of SC Resilience and Consulting, Maersk

The discussion will address critical market conditions, emerging challenges, and forces reshaping global logistics, with a strong emphasis on geopolitical risk and building resilience across global supply chains.
9:40 AM – 10:20 AM
Guest Speaker
10:20 AM – 10:40 AM
Networking Break
10:40 AM – 11:30 AM
Navigating Global Trade: The Panama Canal’s Next Chapter Details

Speaker: Ilya Espino de Marotta, ACP

Few waterways have as much influence on global commerce as the Panama Canal. This conversation will examine the Canal’s critical role in connecting markets and supporting international trade, while looking ahead at what its next chapter means for the maritime industry.
11:30 AM – 12:20 PM
The Import Outlook: Navigating Change in Global Supply Chains Details

Moderator: Jonathan Gold, VP, Supply Chain & Customs Policy, NRF

Panelist: Joe Delussey, Group Vice President of Supply Chain, Ross Stores

Panelist: Jesse Kreinbrink, Vice President of Supply Chain, Rooms To Go

Panelist: Craig Starnes, Vice President, Logistics, Four Hands

Panelist: Addison Stewart, At Home

Global supply chains are under constant pressure. From geopolitical challenges to trade policy changes, importers continue to face ongoing pressure in the supply chain. Hear from BCO’s about how they address the constant changes to deliver for their company and consumer.
12:20 PM – 1:00 PM
Petrochemical Supply Chains: Challenges and Opportunities Details

Moderator: Eric Holbik, Trade Development Director, Port Houston

Panelist: Blake Bennett, President/CEO, ExxonMobil

Panelist: David Ellis, President, Packwell

Houston’s petrochemical sector plays a critical role in global supply chains, but changing markets, trade dynamics, infrastructure demands and shifting customer needs continue to create challenges and opportunities. Industry leaders will examine the forces shaping petrochemical supply chains and how companies are adapting to remain competitive and resilient.
1:00 PM
Closing Remarks

Day 4: Thursday, November 5
8:00 AM
Golf Outing – Wildcat Golf Club Details
Registration & Driving Range Open
9:00 AM
Shotgun Start
2:30 PM
Awards Presentation