Annual Convention Succeeds in New Orleans
More than 700 people came to New Orleans last week to mark the 105th AAPA Annual Convention. A mix of port executives and professional, port industry solution providers, high-profile speakers, exhibitors, guests and sponsors enjoyed three days of productive meetings, presentations, networking opportunities and social events. The 2016 Annual Convention was hosted by the Port of New Orleans.
Speakers covered a gamut of timely issues, including upcoming U.S. elections, energy forecasting, trade policy and port industry best practices on communications, environmental issues and information technology. Nearly 70 companies, government agencies and ports participated in a robust and lively exhibit hall that saw consistent traffic throughout the convention. Evening events were hosted by the Port of New Orleans and its sponsors, as well as the 2017 AAPA Annual Convention host, the Port of Long Beach.
The Annual Convention included several highlights, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Lamar University to allow AAPA PPM® graduates to receive credit toward a master's degree, the installation of a new Board of Directors and Association officers (see related article) and the recognition of outgoing Port of New Orleans President and CEO Gary LaGrange with AAPA’s Distinguished Service Award for his work on behalf of the port industry.
