2021 Port of the Future Virtual Conference

The 2021 Port of the Future Virtual Conference will offer corporate leaders, trade and logistics professionals, government officials, and leading researchers the opportunity to examine an expanding and evolving vision of future Ports of Entry.

The virtual platform will allow attendees, sponsors and speakers to:

• Watch presentations both live and on-demand
• View all attendees and network with them inside the platform
• See the latest technologies transforming ports of entry
  And more!

Registration is less than $100.

"The event was super informative with various types of technology discussed, such as cyber terrorism, that were enlightening. I thought it was a really good conference about how to move freight in the future, through air, land ports and marine ports. I would absolutely recommend it to others to attend.” 
- Veronica Green - Houston Galveston Area Council

Conference Positioning Overview

The Port of the Future Virtual 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.

You will virtually hear 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 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.

We look forward to welcoming you virtually in 2021.

Presentations and panel sessions will be 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

Government

• U.S. Coast Guard 
• Transportation Security Administration
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
• Office of Field Operations
• Chief Information Security Officer

“I enjoyed the conference and thought all the agenda items were very helpful, especially the maritime track. I would attend again and would recommend it for other directors to attend as well.” - Walker Smith, Port of Harlingen

Since the early 1940s, the University of Houston College of Technology is one of the nation's largest and fastest growing Tier 1 technology institutions focused on advancing workforce development, research, and economic prosperity.  With over 6,200 students, the college pursues applied ingenuity in practical fields from Science-Technology-Engineering-Math to degrees in innovation management, cyber security, and consumer sciences.

In addition to hosting the Homeland Security Center of Excellence for BTI, the college offers accredited studies through four departments (Construction Management, Engineering Technology, Human Development and Consumer Sciences, and Information and Logistics Technology).  The international student body mirrors the University of Houston which is ranked among the most ethnically diverse universities in the United States.

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.

Terms and conditions
Payment by invoice will incur a $50USD administration fee
Payment Terms Payment is due in full by credit card upon completion of this registration form. By completing this registration form you agree to Energy Conference Network charging your credit card for the amount stated above and you agree to pay Energy Conference Network the price in order to secure your conference ticket. Your registration will not be confirmed until payment has been made by credit card and cleared funds are received in full. Admission to the conference will be refused if payment has not been received.
Cancellation and Substitution Policy Cancellations must be received in writing and we do not offer refunds once payment has been made. If the cancellation is received more than 14 days before the conference, attendees will receive a full credit to a future conference. Cancellations received 14 days or less (including the fourteenth day) prior to the conference will be liable for the full fee. A substitution from the same organization can be made at any time in writing at no extra charge. If Energy Conference Network cancels a conference, payments received at the cancellation date will be credited towards attendance at a future conference or in the event of postponement by Energy Conference Network, towards the rescheduled date. Credit notes remain valid for twelve months.
Changes to Conference and Agenda Energy Conference Network reserves the right to postpone or cancel an event, to change the location or alter the advertised speakers for an event. Energy Conference Network is not responsible for any loss or damage as a result of substitution, alteration, postponement or cancellation of an event due to causes beyond its control including without limitation, acts of God, natural disasters, sabotage, accident, trade or industrial disputes, terrorism or hostilities. In the event that a conference is cancelled, Energy Conference Network is not liable for any costs incurred by delegates in connection with their attendance.
Occasionally it is necessary for reasons beyond our control to alter the content and timing of the program, venue or the identity of the speakers without any liability to the delegates. Changes to the agenda will be updated on our website as soon as possible.

For questions regarding registration email us by clicking HERE.