2026 Annual Convention Agenda
We are currently working on building the agenda for the 2026 Annual Convention. Agenda details will begin to go live in late June 2026.
To give you an idea of what to expect, a tentative schedule looks like:
- Sunday will feature an evening kick-off reception
- Monday will include port tours, the popular Commissioner's Symposium, and committee meetings followed by an exhibit hall welcome reception
- Tuesday is when the full content program kicks off and we have a networking reception in the evening
- Wednesday is the last day of content followed by our can't-be-missed closing reception
Featured Speakers
Website
https://www.ports.org
Description
Prior to joining AAPA, Sang served as Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD), where he oversaw key programs supporting the nation’s commercial and strategic maritime infrastructure. Before his appointment to MARAD, Sang served in the U.S. House of Representatives for almost a decade and a half. Prior to his congressional career, he served in the Intelligence Community. Sang also served as a City Councilman in Fairfax, VA. For more than two decades, Sang has served as an officer in the Navy Reserve and held a U.S. Coast Guard-issued Merchant Marine license.
Sang holds a B.S. in Logistics and Intermodal Transportation from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, a M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, and a J.D. from the George Washington University Law School.
Website
https://www.portfourchon.com/
Description
Chett is the Executive Director at Port Fourchon and also serves as the Chair of the AAPA Board of Directors.
Website
https://www.portofalbany.us/
Description
Rich was selected by the Board of Commissioners to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Albany-Rensselaer in June 2008. Since that time the Port has experienced historical increases in vessel calls, tonnage and longshore labor hours worked at the Port. Rich has also overseen the largest capital investment and infrastructure upgrades since the Port was established in 1932, nearing $100 million. Rich was elected as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) United States in 2024, serves on the Board of Commissioners of Pilots of the State of New York–North Atlantic Ports, on the Board of Directors (Past President) of the North Atlantic Ports Association, on the Board of Directors of the Seafarers International House NYC, and was recently elected to the Board of Directors for AAPA's Foundation for Seaports of the Americas.
Rich is also on the Board of the Historic Cherry Hill in South Albany and serves on the Board of Directors of the W.F. Bruen Hose Company [Clinton Heights Fire Department] in East Greenbush, NY. Prior to serving as CEO, Rich was the Director of Security and Threat Assessment for the Port of Albany. Rich retired from City of Albany Police Department as a Detective after serving for 17 years.
Website
https://portnola.com/
Description
Beth Ann Branch, President & Chief Executive Officer of Port NOLA and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB)
With more than 20 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry, Beth Ann Branch has focused her career on advancing commercial strategy and operational excellence. As the current CEO and President of the Port of New Orleans and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB), Branch brings decades of strategic expertise in logistics and maritime operations to her role. Her leadership is instrumental in advancing the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT), the first greenfield container terminal to be developed in the United States in decades — a project poised to redefine global trade through the Gulf.
Branch’s proven track record in supply chain strategy, infrastructure planning, and stakeholder engagement uniquely positions her to drive the LIT project forward. With a deep understanding of the complex logistics landscape and a steadfast commitment to sustainable, efficient growth, she is ensuring the terminal will meet the evolving demands of global commerce while delivering transformative economic benefits for Louisiana and beyond.
Branch previously served as Chief Commercial Officer for the Alabama Port Authority in Mobile, where she led commercial strategy and growth initiatives. Prior to that, she oversaw business development and international marketing for the Port of Oakland’s maritime division. At both ports, she spearheaded strategic initiatives that drove record container volumes, significantly enhancing throughput and overall operational performance.
Earlier in her career, Branch spent 18 years in various leadership roles at Maersk, working in the company’s U.S. regional headquarters outside New York as well as its global headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark. In addition, she brings a decade of experience in program development and administration within the nonprofit sector, including oversight of a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) grant program in Eastern Europe.
Beth received a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina.
Program Track Themes
The agenda will feature a wealth of panels, keynotes, workshops and discussions focused on 1 of 8 key topic areas:
Finance & Administration
Port finance leaders are navigating rising costs, funding gaps, and ESG pressures. From securing capital to budgeting for talent and cyber resilience, finance is central to strategic port success.
Infrastructure Modernization
Ports must modernize aging infrastructure to handle larger vessels, shifting trade routes, and climate demands. Investing in automation and green tech is now essential for staying competitive and future-ready.
Labor Relations & Workforce
As ports adopt automation and green tech, skilled labor and strong workforce relations are more vital than ever. This track focuses on upskilling, recruitment, and preventing disruptions through collaboration.
Supply Chain & Logistics
Ports are redefining logistics amid trade volatility and rising expectations for speed and visibility. The focus: building resilient, tech-enabled supply chains through collaboration and inland connectivity.
AI, Cybersecurity & Technology
Digital transformation is reshaping port operations, from AI-driven efficiency to cybersecurity defense. Investing in smart, secure tech is critical to innovation and protecting mission-critical systems.
Energy & Resilience
As ports face rising energy costs, extreme weather events, and stricter emissions regulations, resilience and sustainability are more critical than ever. This track explores how ports are investing in clean energy, grid reliability, climate adaptation, and future-ready infrastructure to reduce risk, lower emissions, and ensure operational continuity.
Environment & Community Stewardship
Strong local engagement is critical to port growth and project success. This track explores how ports are addressing community concerns—like air quality, noise, and jobs—to build trust and secure long-term license to operate.
Cruise
While demand for cruising continues to grow, challenges remain constant. This track will explore the ongoing growth of cruising at American ports while highlighting industry needs like increased customs processing capacity, decarbinzation and electrication efforts, local concerns of over tourism, and traditional terminal infrastructure needs.