News Release
FOR RELEASE - August 18, 2011
Contact: Peter McGraw-Port of Seattle/Aaron Ellis-AAPA, aellis@aapa-ports.org
(206) 787-3446 / (703) 706-4714
American Association of Port Authorities
Phone: (202) 792-4033
www.aapa-ports.org
Against the backdrop of one of the USA’s busiest and most picturesque working waterfronts, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) -representing seaports throughout the Western Hemisphere - will hold its 100th Annual Convention, Sept. 11-15, in Seattle.
“We’re thrilled to be holding our 100th Annual Convention and Expo in Seattle, which last hosted it 32 years ago and, prior to that, during the Port of Seattle’s 10th anniversary in 1921,” said Kurt Nagle, AAPA’s president and CEO. “Throughout the week-long business program, attendees will hear from top government, seaport and transportation industry leaders on issues ranging from infrastructure investment and ‘greening’ the supply chain, to innovative approaches to port challenges. We’ll also offer a half-day open forum of leading experts discussing trade and supply chain issues.”
The Port of Seattle, which is celebrating its centennial this year, will host AAPA’s convention and exhibit activities at the Westin Seattle Hotel, while Washington’s governor, BNSF Railway’s chairman, Microsoft’s general counsel and a host of other notable speakers will provide additional expertise and substance to the business program’s packed agenda.
“The Port of Seattle is proud to host the AAPA here in Seattle,” said Tay Yoshitani, the port’s CEO. “We’re one of the few ports in the world to showcase a vibrant working waterfront in a downtown urban setting, and look forward to providing our hospitality to the many port officials and industry representatives who will be coming here from throughout the hemisphere.”
Of special note, convention attendees will have the opportunity to hear about the important economic role of ports from Washington Governor Chris Gregoire, who will give the opening day keynote address, along with perspectives on global economy and trade trends from Microsoft Corporation General Counsel and Senior Vice President Brad Smith. Later in the week, the program will feature BNSF Chairman and CEO Matt Rose, who will speak on the value of, and challenges to, the global supply chain network.
In the convention’s busy exhibition hall, amid scores of port industry product and service providers showcasing various aspects of their equipment, technology and consultant offerings, AAPA will feature its 2011 award program winning entries in communications, environmental improvement, facilities engineering and information technology, and provide event-goers a host of opportunities to connect with and learn about their industry partners.
The convention will conclude with a members-only annual meeting and installation of new officers for the Association’s upcoming fiscal year, including appointment of Virginia Port Authority Executive Director Jerry Bridges as chairman of the board for AAPA’s centennial year, 2011-2012.
Additional information about AAPA’s 100th Annual Convention and Exhibition, including its business program agenda, exhibitors and sponsors, is available at https://www.aapa2011.org/main.aspx.
|
WHO: |
American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) and the Port of Seattle |
|
WHAT: |
100th Annual Convention & Exhibition |
|
WHEN: |
Sunday, Sept. 11 – Thursday, Sept. 15 (refer to agenda for specific session times) |
|
WHERE: |
Business programs and exhibits at the Westin Seattle Hotel, 1900 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101 |
|
MEDIA: |
Register for complimentary media access to open business sessions (Sept. 12-15) by contacting Port of Seattle’s media officer, Peter McGraw, at (206) 787-3446, or by emailing him at Mcgraw.p@portseattle.org |
About the Port of Seattle
The Port of Seattle plays a key role in bringing international trade, transportation and travel to the Pacific Northwest, and supports industries as diverse as tourism and commercial fishing. The Port is also a key builder of road and rail infrastructure, partnering with other agencies to improve freight traffic. The Port of Seattle also generates nearly 200,000 jobs throughout the region with payroll in excess of $6.8 billion.
