AAPA’s Communications & Economic Development Seminar Draws Over 100

More than 100 participants, some from as far away as Curaçao and Jamaica, came to network, share best practices and learn from industry experts at AAPA’s June 13-14 Communications and Economic Development Seminar in Portland (OR).

Hosted by the Port of Portland and sponsored by the Gulf Ports Association of the Americas and J-U-B Engineers, Inc., speakers ranged from port executives, Maritime Administration representatives, infrastructure and supply chain experts, media measurement and interview trainers, to an industrial psychologist. They shared their expertise and case studies on topics as diverse as finding "hidden" grant money for ports and preparing for contentious media encounters, to getting that all-important community "social license to operate" and breaking down internal conflicts within organizations that can act as barriers to success.

Deb Deluca, Duluth Seaway Port Authority, poses a question to panelist Ed Galligan, executive director for the Port of Olympia
Photo/AAPA

Retiring Port of Portland Executive Director Bill Wyatt opened the program by warmly welcoming participants and reiterating the important relationship Port of Portland has with AAPA. Judy Adams, marketing vice president for the Alabama State Port Authority and chair of AAPA’s Public Relations Committee, closed the program two days later with a bulletized list of benefits to be gained through greater engagement with AAPA, and a set of personal "challenges" to encourage that engagement.

Judith Adams, ASPA marketing VP, gives closing remarks at seminar's end
Photo/AAPA