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As host port of the APP’s 111th Annual Conference (August 10 to 13, 2025), the Port of Nanaimo is to be congratulated for organizing such a successful conference!
Comments from the exit survey noted the interest and relevance of sessions balanced with fun and engaging networking events. “Fun location, great hosts, good scheduling and activities; a good variety of sessions; very interesting and informative…” were just a few of the comments provided as feedback.
“The goals of APP annual conferences are three-fold,” said Jane McIvor, Executive Director of the Association of Pacific Ports. “There should be an agenda with relevant topics that will engage and educate port representatives while highlighting trends and issues; opportunities for attendees to network and build relationships through shared experiences; and a spotlight on the operations and best practices of the Host Port. In this case, the Port of Nanaimo met — and spectacularly exceeded — each goal.”
Indeed, high marks were given to all presentations, particularly those from Keynote Speaker Maksim Mihic, DP World, the Host Port Spotlight Panel on the “Waterfront Workforce: People & Pilotage”, and “One Waterway, Two Legal Systems” with Alan K. Goldstein representing the U.S. system, and Peter Swanson representing the Canadian system. And with strong local support, the Port was able to highlight many local, regional and national best practices, including the close relationship and collaboration with the Snuneymuxw First Nation; the partnership with terminal operators DP World and SSA Marine to highlight logistic efficiencies; and Canada’s National Supply Chain Office which provided insights into supply chain initiatives.
A special ceremony which held great significance for both the Port of Nanaimo and the Port of Kaohsiung, Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC), was the Sister Port Agreement signing. Representing Nanaimo, Donna Hais, Board Chair, and Ian Marr, President and CEO, joined Taiwan representatives Chin-Jung Wang, President, TIPC, and Tsu-Chiang Chen, Harbour Master of the Port of Kaohsiung, on stage to sign the agreement that committed each to foster greater understanding, build lasting friendships, and advance bilateral trade.
“This sister port agreement not only marks a new friendship between our ports but also symbolizes a new chapter in Taiwan–Canada port collaboration,” said Mr. Wang. “As Taiwan’s largest port, the Port of Kaohsiung continues to actively advance in smart port development, sustainability, low-carbon transformation, and global connectivity. We firmly believe that our partnership with the Port of Nanaimo will lead to broader cooperation in all the above aspects.”
“Taiwan’s ports are truly impressive and we here at the Port of Nanaimo are honored to enter into this Sister Port Agreement,” said Ms. Hais. “While our populations are vastly different despite a very similar land size, we share commonalities in our responsibilities as stewards of the waters in which we work, the importance in ensuring national economic stability, and our commitment to providing opportunities for local communities to thrive. This Sister Port Agreement provides an unparalleled opportunity for growth through cooperation and collaboration.”
In addition to high marks given for organization and relevance of presentations, the exit survey gave the highest overall ratings of the conference to the Saysutshun Salmon Bake and the Dinner Cruise – both of which were compliments for their focus on local culture and local waterfront features as well as the opportunity they afforded to network and build new relationships. The golf outing at the Nanaimo Golf Club received special mention with almost all golfers rating the club as “very good” and “excellent” (albeit a windy experience!).
With more than half of attendees reporting that this was their first APP Conference, feedback focused on the “excellent idea sharing” and the opportunity to meet new people, aligning with the Association’s goals and mandate. In closing the conference, Conchita Taitano, representing the Port Authority of Guam and newly elected President of the APP for the 2025/26 year, gave remarks that closely resonated with this mandate: “…The Ocean is not something that separates us. It connects us. It is our teacher, our pathway and our shared inheritance. This is what the Association of Pacific Ports represents – a family of ports and communities tied not just by shipping lanes or economic activity, but by common purpose. Whether we are managing massive terminals or small island ports, we all play a vital role in the sustainability and security of our respective region, country, home and family.”
Ms. Taitano and the Port Authority of Guam are excited to be hosting the 112th Annual Conference of the APP in 2026. Work on planning has already begun!
