Hosted by the Port Authority of Guam (PAG), the APP’s 112th Annual Conference was a huge success! Based on early feedback, delegates found the sessions (especially those with a panel format) engaging and informative, and the excursions — such as a boat trip around Apra Harbor to see the Port’s operations — a great way to combine learning and networking.
Highlights included:
- Jet Lag Day, held the day prior to the conference was a smashing success. Hosted by AM Insurance, attendees enjoyed a great day on the water to relax, shake off jet lag, try out the jet skis on hand and copious amounts of food and refreshments!
- A pre-conference workshop with a full team of MARAD representatives was well-attended and delegates rated the informal discussion with an overall “Excellent”.
- The APP and the Association of Terminal Operators, Stevedoring and Shipping Companies of Micronesia (ATPSSCOM) celebrated their new reciprocal membership with an official signing of the agreement.
- While all sessions received very positive feedback, early responses to the APP’s exit survey provide some of the highest marks to the presentations from keynote speaker, Rear Admiral Brett Mietus, Commander of Joint Region Marianas, U.S. Navy; the panel session on Typhoon Sinlaku and Bavi (with Michael Legler, FEMA; Esther Ada, Commonwealth Ports Authority; Rory Respicio, Port Authority of Guam); the joint presentation on “Whole-of-Life Asset Management” (with John Daley, Don Young Port of Alaska; and Steven Martinez, Liftech Consultants Inc.); and the traditional APP Port Member Update session.
- The introduction of “Lightning Rounds” for Associate Members and Sponsors was also highlighted as a great addition to APP conferences and organizers were encouraged to continue these in future events.
- When it came to excursions and networking opportunities, delegates thoroughly enjoyed the Welcome Reception & Dinner, held just steps away from the water at the Seaside Deck Restaurant. “I loved how the local culture and history were brought together to give us perspective on the important significance of the Pacific Ocean for Guam.” said one delegate. Others found the CHamoru Village Night Market loads of fun. “Choosing a dinner from one of the stalls with local cuisine was tough! I especially enjoyed browsing through shops with local crafts,” said another.
- The Association’s Annual General Meeting saw the election of Kirk DeJesus (Port of Stockton) as the new APP President and a number of new faces on the Executive Committee, including Paula Miranda (Port of Newport), DreanaLee Kallili (Hawaii Department of Transportation), and Celina Zacarias (Port of Hueneme).
The APP would like to extend a special thanks and note of appreciation to PAG staff. Their assistance and support in leading up to — and during — the conference was exceptional. “The PAG team went above and beyond in helping,” said Jane McIvor, Executive Director for the APP. “I can’t thank them enough for the amount of support they provided and how much fun they made the experience for me.”
Strong support also came in the form of sponsorships. From AM Insurance hosting both the Jet Lag Day and Happy Hour at the Dusit Hotel on the second day of the conference, to Landscape Management Systems providing live plants to decorate the entire conference area, sponsors were engaged, creative and generous.
A big thanks to all our sponsors:
We’re very grateful for the support received. Please take a minute to visit the websites of our sponsors…
Host Port: Port Authority of Guam
Fleet Admiral Sponsor: Jacobs | Black Construction Corporation
Admiral Sponsor: Port of Long Beach | Matson | AM Insurance
Commodore Sponsors: Port Administration American Samoa | The Port of Hueneme | Bank of Guam
Captain Sponsors: Port of Stockton | HDR | EXP | Hofschneider Engineering Corporation | Hawaii Department of Transportation | Schuyler Line Navigation Company
Lieutenant Sponsor: Port of San Diego | EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC | Smithbridge Guam | Port of Nanaimo | Landscape Management Systems| Pay-Less Supermarkets | GHD
Crew Sponsor: Port of Redwood City | ATOSSCOM | Liftech Consultants Inc.
Supporter: Saipan Shipping Co.
