Europes IAPH Conference arrives in Genoa

For the first time ever in Italy, the 26th IAPH Conference will be taking place in the country’s leading port city, Genoa. As the bi-annual conference moves to a different continent each time it takes place, the next European IAPH Conference will not be for several years. Based on the popular Italian Riviera, Genoa has been shaped by its rich maritime history and is famous for its art, culture and architectural splendour. The conference will be held in Genoa’s prestigious old harbour, providing the occasion to become familiar with and appreciate the beautiful and historic city. ‘It is a great honour for the Port Authority of Genoa to host the 26th IAPH World Ports Conference, said Port Authority of Genoa president Luigi Merlo. ‘We look forward to welcoming the numerous delegates arriving from ports around the globe and discussing important topics such as globalisation and world economic developments, traffic flow, security and safety, the city-port relationship, intermodality and all the other issues that our ports must deal with on a daily basis while serving our communities.’

The central theme to this year’s conference will be to understand how the challenges of global climate change will affect the port industry. Speakers will include IAPH president Datin Paduka O.C. Phang; Victor Schoemakers the ESPO chairman; Dr Geraldine Knotz, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles; Dr. Walter Kemmsies, chief economist at Moffatt & Nichol; Bjarne Jensen, the vice president for European Trade at the United Arab Shipping Corporation; Mariano Navas, president of Puertos del Estado in Spain; and Francesco Nerli, president of the Italian Ports Association.

As an example of what delegates can expect to hear at the IAPH conference, Alan Long, general manager at Maritime Cargo Processing PLC, will be taking part in a session dedicated to the future of ports and their communities. He will be keen to highlight just how key it is in the current economic climate for ports to continue investing in technology. He will argue that as with past recessions, it is the preparation for when the market stabilises that will make or break a business and that businesses, including ports, should be looking at ways of streamlining their operations, making them more efficient and cost effective.

Networking is absolutely key for all involved in the maritime industry and there will be numerous opportunities at this year’s IAPH to meet potential business partners. Refreshments will be served on the exhibition floor in the mornings and late afternoons, during which time delegates, speakers and exhibitors will be able to meet and discuss issues. Networking lunches are planned to take place on the exhibition floor every afternoon.

Several evening receptions are also planned that will allow colleagues to meet in a relaxed atmosphere. The Port of Genoa Welcome Reception will take place on the evening of 25 May in Plazzo San Giorgio, offering attendees the chance to meet before the conference starts in earnest the next morning. At the Busan night on Wednesday 27 May, attendees can enjoy a night of Korean entertainment and get a glimpse of what to expect when IAPH takes place in Korea in 2011. The full splendour of Genoa can be appreciated with the closing gala dinner on 28 May at Plazzo Ducale and the Opera House.

The Port of Genoa is Italy’s busiest port and handles over 58m tons of goods each year. On Friday 29 May, conference delegates will be treated to a tour of the bustling port with its 29 dedicated terminals equipped to handle all commodities. The port covers a total surface area of 7,000,000 sq/m with 140,000 sq/m of warehouses and features 80 berths with drafts up to 18m alongside 21,900m of quayline.

Free to all visitors, the IAPH World Port Conference Exhibition offers visitors the ideal opportunity to meet major international suppliers and potential partners face to face under one roof, source and evaluate new products, plus keep up to date with the latest innovations and industry developments.

Considering Genoa’s great heritage and that May offers mild yet sunny weather, IAPH will also offer an enjoyable programme to keep anyone accompanying the delegates on their trip entertained. The Accompanying Persons Programme starts with a cultural tour of Genoa on Monday 25 May and bargains on designer wear are to be had with a full day of shopping at the famous Serravalle Outlet on Tuesday.

Wednesday 27May will see a half day trip to Pisa provide the opportunity to view the renowned Leaning Tower. A boat trip around the Gulf of Tiguillio will fill guests with awe as they visit beautiful villages such as Potofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, and the inspiring cliffside city of Rapallo.

To register as a visitor to the exhibition or as a conference delegate, Tel: +44 (0)20 3377 3384, Email: peter.orford@toc-events.com or visit www.iaphconference.it.