2021 Port of the Future Virtual Conference

Conference Positioning Overview

The Port of the Future Conference is shaped by research and innovation, advances in technology, increased dependence on automation, enhancements in data security and information sharing, and heightened environmental compliance – all impacting the ability to rapidly and securely move cargo and people across international borders.

This conference focuses on creating and revitalizing our Nation’s ports, infrastructure, and processes -across air, maritime, land, and cyber domains.

Registrants virtually heard from government and industry leaders on their visions for Ports of the Future, projected trends and emerging challenges, promising research, and new, cutting-edge technology.

The March 2021 virtual event saw over 800 registrants from around the globe, including 175 speakers and over 20 sponsors and partners.

The first conference, held in March 2020, was attended in-person by over 120 executives and 60-plus speakers, who, in the midst of the beginnings of the uncertainty of the COVID-19 scenario, learned, debated, discussed and networked with peers from around the United States and world.

Presentations and panel sessions were aimed to:

Expand and evolve the roles of airports, seaports, and land ports of entry in a modern, globalized, and interconnected American economy;
Envision the Future: increased size of container ships, full automation, faster processing, environmentally cleaner and efficient, creation of off shore ports, deep ocean cargo transfers;
Facilitate Trade and Ensure Security: through the design and conduct of efficient logistics processes, and enhancements to secure traveler and trade programs;
Integrate New Technology: incorporate technological advances in traveler and cargo processing, biometric screening, surveillance, non-intrusive inspection equipment, and more;
Port Projects: current and pending projects to expand and enhance port facilities, and the creation of environmentally friendly and sustainable facilities;
Enhance Collaboration: between government agencies and corporate entities, expand opportunities to work jointly to address new challenges;
Increase Resilience: to natural and technological disasters, terrorist acts, and criminal activities;
Address Connectivity: through railways, ground transportation, pipelines and future modes of transport;
Enhance Security: recognize ports as an economic target, bring attention to emerging vulnerabilities and possible solutions; strengthen efforts to counter corruption and curb the influence of cartels and other criminal organizations;
Promote Cybersecurity: Identify emerging cyber vulnerabilities and possible solutions to protect electronically sensitive information of American citizens and ensure the integrity of port systems and networks.
Ensure Environmental Compliance: upgrade port infrastructure to contend with impacts of climate change, rising sea levels, and increased frequency of severe weather events and natural disasters
Develop the workforce of the future: identify industry needs and the skills, knowledge, and abilities needed in the modern and future workforce; credentialing.

Private Sector

Chief Executive Officers (airports, seaports, passenger and cargo carriers)
Port and Harbor Commissioners
Airport General Manager
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Information Officer
Chief Technology Officer
Chief Commercial Officer
Chief, Port Infrastructure Officer
Port Director
Director of Aviation
Director of Port Operations
Director, Security/ Information Technology
Director of Security, Facilities and Regulatory Compliance
Director, Environmental Affairs
Port Security and Emergency Operations Officer
Director, Environmental Affairs
Export Executive
Operation Executive – Freight Forwarding
Ship Captain
Terminal Manager

The BTI Institute: A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Center of Excellence

The Homeland Security Centers of Excellence bring together leading experts and researchers to conduct multidisciplinary research and education for homeland security solutions.

The centers are sponsored by the DHS Science and Technology Directorate's (S&T) Office of University Programs (OUP) and selected through a competitive selection process. Each center is led by a university in collaboration with partners from other institutions, agencies, laboratories, think tanks, and the private sector.

The Borders, Trade, and Immigration (BTI) Institute, led by the University of Houston, conducts and transitions research, develops innovative solutions, and provides education that enhances the Nation’s ability to secure the borders, facilitate legitimate trade and travel, and ensure the integrity of the immigration system.

Through a multi-disciplinary team of national and international experts, the Institute delivers transformational technology-driven solutions, data-informed policies, workforce development opportunities for today’s Homeland Security Enterprise, and trans-disciplinary education for the next generation of homeland security experts.