HOUSTON, April 18, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Jackson will headline a distinguished and diverse group of international speakers when the 25th International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) World Ports Conference convenes April 27 through May 4, 2007 in Houston. The Conference being held at the Hilton Americas Hotel will address the challenges and opportunities that confront the global maritime industry.
The theme of the conference, "Anchored by Commitment - Buoyed by Unity," will celebrate the 30-year reunion of the IAPH conference in Houston. Conference planners are preparing for nearly 1,000 conference participants who top leadership in the maritime industry and will promote Houston as "Simply the Best" city to host such an internationally diverse group.
U.S Officials address conferees:
* Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Jackson will present the U.S. position on Port Security during Working Session II, May 1 at 9 a.m. * U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez will speak to IAPH officers and delegates at the conference luncheon that will take place Tuesday, May 1, at 12:30 p.m. Individual tickets can be purchased for this luncheon at www.iaph2007.com/registration/registration.html * U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters will address the conference on May 4 at 9 a.m. during the closing session. * Texas Secretary of State Roger Williams and U.S. Homeland Security Chief of Staff Chad Sweet and local elected officials will address international guests at the 30-year Anniversary Celebration of the Barbours Cut Terminal on Wednesday, May 2, at 12:30 p.m.
Shipping Line Leadership Opens Conference
* Chairman of the Mediterranean Shipping Company, USA Inc. (MSC,)
Captain Nicola Arena will provide the keynote address at the
opening ceremony on Monday, April 30. And a host of other
distinguished speakers will address conferees at six working
sessions that will cover critical issues, ranging from port
security to the globalization of the world economy.
-- Working Session I -- Monday, April 30
Globalization of World Economy and Its Impacts on Ports
-- Working Session II -- Tuesday, May 1
Port Security and Risk Management
-- Working Session III -- Tuesday, May 1
Challenges to Port Environment
-- Working Session IV -- Wednesday, May 2
Ports Adapting to Future Business Development Opportunities
-- Working Session V -- Thursday, May 3
Logistics Infrastructure and Port Strategies
-- Working Session VI -- Thursday, May 3
New Technological Innovations for Port Operations
The International Association of Ports and Harbors was founded in 1955. For more than 50 years, IAPH has steadily developed as the leading organization in the global maritime industry. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the IAPH comprises representatives from more than 400 ports and top executives from major industry corporations in nearly 90 countries around the world. The members' ports as a whole handle 85 percent of the world's container traffic and more than 60 percent of the global seaborne trade. More information about IAPH is available on www.IAPHworldports.org. For more information regarding conference registration, sponsorships, and exhibit opportunities, visit www.IAPH2007.com.
The International Association of Ports and Harbors logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3244