World Trade & Transport Conference Scheduled For February 26–28 In New Orleans
The Mississippi Valley Trade & Transport Council (MVTTC) will hold the 37th annual World Trade & Transport Conference in New Orleans, La., February 26–28 at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel, located in the historic French Quarter. And for the third year, The Coal Institute will join the conference.
The World Trade & Transport Conference schedule will start on a social note with a networking reception at the French Quarter’s Napoleon House the evening of February 26. The next morning, MVTTC will offer a golf tournament at City Park’s south golf course starting at 9 a.m. Also of note, T. Parker Host will offer a bus tour of Avondale shipyard on February 27. Space is limited, and a bus will depart the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel around 3 p.m.
The conference will start at 8 a.m. February 28 with opening remarks from MVTTC Chairman Mark Czarnecki, followed by a focus on river operations and infrastructure. That panel will include Coast Guard Captain of the Port of New Orleans Capt. Kristi Luttrell; Sean Duffy, executive director of the Big River Coalition; Capt. Michael Miller with the Associated Branch Pilots; The American Waterways Operators’ Mark Wright; and Jim Adams from the Jones Walker law firm.
The conference will also feature an economic outlook and a panel discussion on coal presented by The Coal Institute.
The World Trade & Transport Conference will then conclude with a commodity and transportation panel discussion. Informa Economics’ Ken Eriksen will moderate that panel, which will also include Bobby Landry from the Port of New Orleans; Bunge North America’s Brett Caplice; Philip Bell from the Steel Manufacturers Association; Sandor Toth of Criton’s Corner; and Trish Haver from Norfolk Southern.
As in years past, the World Trade & Transport Conference will happen during Carnival season in New Orleans. MVTTC will host a parade party on Saturday, March 2, at New Orleans Hamburger & Seafood on St. Charles Avenue, which is located along the parade route. The Mardi Gras Fête will go from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as the Krewe of Iris and Krewe of Tucks parade roll down St. Charles Avenue.
Conference registration is open to MVTTC members and non-members alike. The Omni Royal Orleans Hotel is offering a preferred rate for conference attendees. For more information, visit the Mississippi Valley Trade & Transport Council’s website or contact MVTTC Executive Director Lisa McGoey at lmcgoey@mvttc.com.
