Port Of New Orleans To Host 10th Annual Cargo Connections Conference Next Month
The Port of New Orleans is set to host the 10th annual Cargo Connections Conference (CCC) April 8–10 at The Chicory in downtown New Orleans, La. The three-day conference, formerly called the Critical Commodities Conference, will focus on moving energy products, steel and other raw materials, containerized cargo and more.
CCC draws together key Port of New Orleans stakeholders—including barge lines, logistics companies, port and government leaders, trucking lines, railroads, shippers, terminal operators and manufacturers—to discuss trends and issues related to shipping and logistics and to network with one another.
“The Port of New Orleans strives to be a seamless logistics solution provider to our customers, and the CCC is a great opportunity to engage in dynamic discussions with our stakeholders on key supply chain challenges and opportunities,” Port of New Orleans President and CEO Brandy Christian said in a statement. “The port is looking forward to hosting this event for the 10th year, and we are excited to share our bold growth plan for the New Orleans gateway with our audience.”
The impacts of the Trump administration on shipping and infrastructure will be major topics of discussion at this year’s conference, along with the role of imports in the U.S. economy; supply chain and logistics challenges, opportunities and trends; the future of breakbulk; the Class I railroads’ plan for the New Orleans Gateway; and “Port NOLA: Embracing uniqueness to enhance supply chain efficiency.”
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the CCC, the Port of New Orleans this year will present awards to the port’s top 10 ocean carriers and shippers during a luncheon held April 9.
Keynote speakers this year will include Christian; Doug Sturgis, NAA logistics leader for The Dow Chemical Company; Bill Ralph, president and maritime economist, RK Johns & Associates; Lee Goodwin, manager of international transportation for Boise Cascade; Edwin Bastian, global sales director for BBC Chartering USA; Reily Foods Company President and CEO David T. Darragh; Randy Guillot, president of Triple G Express; Rashard D. Howard, industrial development manager for CSX; Nick Fafoutis, senior vice president of sales and COO of CMA CGM (America); and Jared Sleeth, the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad’s director of business development.
For more information on Cargo Connections Conference, visit www.cccportnola.com.
