The Port of New Orleans will host the annual Cargo Connections Conference (CCC) April 8-10 at The Chicory in downtown New Orleans, marking the 10th anniversary of the dynamic three-day conference that focuses on the efficient transportation of energy products, steel and other raw materials, containerized cargo and more.

“The Port of New Orleans strives to be a seamless logistics solution provider to our customers, and the CCC is a great opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with our stakeholders on key supply chain challenges and opportunities,” said Brandy D. Christian, Port of New Orleans President and CEO. “The Port is looking forward to hosting this event for the 10th year and we are excited to share our bold growth plan for the New Orleans gateway with our audience.”

The CCC is highly interactive forum with several networking opportunities for shipping professionals to discuss trends and issues and learn from industry experts in America’s most unique city. Formerly known as the Critical Commodities Conference, the CCC is attended by barge lines, logistics companies, port authorities and government agencies, producers, railroads, shippers, shipping lines, terminal operators, transloaders and warehousers, trucking lines, traders and more.

“CN has been supporting the Cargo Connections Conference hosted by our supply chain partner, the Port of New Orleans, for several years. This conference provides a great platform for industry peers to network and discuss relevant topics that impact all of us in the supply chain,” said Dan Bresolin, Assistant Vice President of International Intermodal at CN. “The Port of New Orleans is an important gateway for CN and our team looks forward to connecting with you in April!”

The CCC panel discussions and keynote speakers promise to bring a wealth of knowledge and awareness to attendees. This year’s keynote speakers are Christian and Nick Fafoutis, Senior VP, Sales & COO, CMA CGM (America) LLC. Speakers and panelists include Doug Sturgis, The Dow Chemical Company; Bill Ralph, RK Johns & Associates; Lee Goodwin, Boise Cascade; Edwin Bastian, BBC Chartering USA LLC; Randy Guillot, Triple G Express; Armelle Honkou, PGS USA LLC; Rashard D. Howard, CSX; Donna Lemm, IMC Companies LLC; Jared Sleeth, New Orleans Public Belt Railroad.

Topics to be discussed include:

• State of the U.S. and global economy and how the White House is affecting the industry.
• The Trump administration’s infrastructure investment plan’s impact on Mississippi River projects.
• The importance of imports to the U.S. economy.
• Supply chain and logistics challenges, opportunities and market trends.
• The future of breakbulk cargo.
• The Class I railroads’ plans for the New Orleans Gateway.
• Port NOLA: Embracing uniqueness to enhance supply chain efficiency.

The 2018 conference celebrates the 10th anniversary of the CCC and to show appreciation for the Port’s top customers, awards will be presented to Port NOLA’s top 10 ocean carriers and shippers during a luncheon Monday, April 9.

Standard registration is still available for $450, as well as a special registration rate of $250 ($200 off standard registration rate) for Shippers and is available to BCOs, Freight Forwarder/Custom House Brokers, NOVCCs and Ocean Carriers. Email info@cccportnola.com to request the Shipper discount coupon code.

This year’s CCC will be held at a new venue, The Chicory, an architectural gem that was formerly a coffeehouse in the late 1800s. Located in the heart of the vibrant Arts and Warehouse District of New Orleans, The Chicory is within walking distance of conference hotels, Le Meridien and the Loews Hotel.

For more information and to register for CCC 2018, visit www.cccportnola.com.

Published: March 28, 2018