News Release
FOR RELEASE - December 22, 2010
Contact: Aaron Ellis, aellis@aapa-ports.org
703-706-4714

American Association of Port Authorities
Phone: (202) 792-4033
www.aapa-ports.org

AAPA To Hold 4th 'Shifting Int’l Trade Routes Seminar' In Tampa

Industry Experts Will Examine Global Impacts of Recent Economic Downturn, Upcoming Panama Canal Expansion

The fourth annual Shifting International Trade Routes Seminar, in Tampa, Fla., Feb. 1-2, sponsored by the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) together with the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) and the Tampa Port Authority, will address how the various players in the freight transportation industry view the fallout of the recent economic downturn.  It will also focus on how trade patterns and infrastructure needs will be affected by the expansion of the Panama Canal that is currently underway.

This 1½ -day program will address the international economic outlook and shifts in global trade; provide an update on the Panama Canal expansion project; and discuss infrastructure needs from the perspective of cargo owners, ocean carriers, ports, terminal operators, warehouse and distribution centers, and highway and rail interests. 

"As we look back on the challenges of a difficult couple of years and ahead on how trade can spur economic recovery and future growth, we must begin now developing and implementing policy and programs that will sustain and improve critical gateways for global trade," said Kurt Nagle, AAPA president and CEO. "For the U.S., by raising the priority of seaports and their connecting infrastructure in the federal agenda, America can modernize its seaports and intermodal connections to help make the nation more internationally competitive in an increasingly fierce global trading environment."

He further noted that the discussion during AAPA's fourth Shifting International Trade Routes Seminar "will add layers of information and insight to help the seaport industry better position itself for future growth and success."

Confirmed conference speakers include:

• James Brennan, Partner, Norbridge, Inc.
• Jerry A. Bridges, Executive Director, Virginia Port Authority
• Neil Doyle, Executive VP, Infrastructure and Transportation,CenterPoint Properties
• Orlando Gotay, Deputy Maritime Administrator, U.S. Maritime Administration
• Joel Haka, Senior VP and COO, CMA CGM America
• Michael Hassing, CEO and President, Ports America, Inc.
• John Lanigan, Executive VP and Chief Marketing Officer, BNSF Railway
• Walter Kemmsies, Chief Economist, Moffat & Nichol
• Craig Mygatt, Sr. Director of Trade and Marketing, Maersk Line
• Robert Martinez, VP of Business Development, Norfolk Southern Corp.
• John C. Martin, President, Martin Associates
• Leo Penne, Program Director, Intermodal and Industry Activities, AASHTO
• Tom Simmers, President & CEO, Ceres Terminals Inc.
• Dick Steinke, Executive Director, Port of Long Beach
• Ing. Alberto Alemán Zubieta, CEO, Panama Canal Authority

WHO:	American Association of Port Authorities, cosponsored by the U.S. Maritime Administration and hosted by the Tampa Port Authority
WHAT:	Conference covering global trade pattern changes, impacts of the recent economic downturn, and infrastructure implications from an expanded Panama Canal.
WHEN:	Feb. 1-2, 2011 (Day 1, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Day 2, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon)
WHERE:	Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, 2900 Bayport Drive, Tampa, FL 33607; (813) 874-1234
INFO:	More information about AAPA's Shifting International Trade Routes workshop is available at http://www.appa-ports.org/ (click on the "Programs & Events" tab) or by calling AAPA's Ed O'Connell at (703) 684-5700.