Event Programme

Opening Remarks

COVID-19 Impact

Business Outlook for Key Sectors

In this session, executives from key sectors of the business will provide their perspectives on the last six months and what they anticipate for their segment of the business in the next 12 to 18 months. We’ll cover shippers, carriers, freight forwarders, road and rail transport, as well as ports and terminals.

Questions that will be answered:

• What will be the future of capital projects and its impact on all sectors?
• How does recovery look across the various sectors?
• What does the next 12 – 18 months hold for your business sector?
• Which sectors have proved to be most resilient and why?

Speakers

Regional Focus

Project Outlook for Central and Atlantic Coast Canada

This session will include presentations on the regional economic outlook and planned/ongoing projects for these regions in Canada. Hear perspectives from project owners, freight forwarders, transport companies and ports on opportunities for a variety of projects.

Panellists will provide answers to:

• What are the key projects planned in the region?
• Are renewables an important element of Canada’s climate plan?
• What are the strongest sectors in the region?
• What new business strategies are at work in these areas of Canada that could be applied elsewhere?

Infrastructure

US$ Billions of Project Investment on the Table, but When Will Projects Begin?

President Trump has expressed his support for an infrastructure package worth US$760 billion. MARAD introduced a $280 million package for ports. But politics could derail projects.

Is this a ray of sunshine in an otherwise gloomy future? Find out:

• Will there be a resurgence in financing projects for infrastructure?

• Are there particular cargo segments which will be of more interest/business in this new environment?
• How will technology influence new infrastructure projects?

Renewables

Offshore Wind Projects in the US

A discussion session on the outlook and timelines for offshore wind development in the U.S., particularly off the East Coast. Which states will get the greenlight and who will participate in these projects? Our moderator will set the stage by providing a snapshot of where projects stand today and a roadmap for development, including key contacts to help suppliers identify opportunities.

Many segments of this market are watching with interest and getting involved. People want to know:

• Which states will drive offshore wind energy?

• Will this extensive business result in benefits for all or will there be clear winners and losers?
• What is the impact of the Jones Act on building this renewable capacity and will it be expensive to follow the requirements?
• Will manufacturing take place in the US or will components be imported?
• What infrastructure projects are under consideration to support construction offshore?

Moderators

Speakers

Employment

Strategies for Job Seekers

In this turbulent time many individuals have been furloughed, laid off, or let go for a variety of reasons. Houston, in particular, has suffered a double whammy of excessive COVID-19 cases and the collapse of oil prices. So, what’s the best way forward? This panel will discuss how to look for a new job, how to extend your experience to another sector for a broader job search and the mechanics of creating a modern resume, using social media in your search and acing remote interviews.

• Should I look at other sectors and how do I determine which ones hold the most potential based on my experience?
• How should a resume be written in today’s technology-based HR reviews?
• While we are here at Breakbulk, what can I do to benefit my career and future?

COVID-19 Impact

Lessons Learned for Operations During the Pandemic

The project cargo and breakbulk industry learned some hard lessons very quickly earlier this year, coming on top of the IMO2020 regulations and collapse in oil prices. Some of these lessons were painful reminders and some were new and useful, such as how use technology to continue operations when everyone is working remotely. Cargo and vessel operations were directly and immediately impacted. Trucker and truck transport were negatively affected. Join the discussion to add your thoughts on what you believe are the most important operating lessons from the pandemic and how they can aid in recovery. Consider:

• Which technologies have proved useful and how will they be best implemented in the future?
• What makes an effective business continuity plan and how can one help my business prepare for the next challenge?
• How have changes to jobs and people functions been impacted versus the business operations? Which pandemic adaptations are here to stay?

Space Logistics

A New Challenge: Space Cargoes Transportation

Come fly with us to learn about the specialized logistics required for moving cargoes bound for space. What better place than in NASA’s backyard? This session will cover projects across the aerospace industry planned for the immediate future as well as those farther out, from government agencies and private companies. You’ll learn:

• What sets the logistics for space cargoes apart from other cargoes?
• As NASA looks ahead, what projects will require support from project cargo specialists?
• How do I pursue government contracts versus those from private companies?
• Where are the opportunities within the U.S. and in South America within the aerospace sector?

Technology & Innovation

Implementation out of Necessity

One of the outcomes of the pandemic and working remotely is the rapid adoption of technologies for the project and breakbulk industry. Minimum requirements such as video conferencing are now in place.  Electronic transfer of documents, use of drones, block chain technologies and digital cargo receiving are becoming commonplace. No business wants to be left behind.
 
Our speakers will demonstrate some of the technologies that they’ve adapted and discuss the benefits and pitfalls of implementation, so you can proceed with confidence. The discussion will also tackle:

• During the COVID-19 outbreak, have groups come together to work on technology to improve business processes? What types of collaborations are out there?
• Have shippers started to demand improvements in the business processes of their suppliers, or consider the use of such technologies during the vetting process?
• How might the industry transform in the year ahead?

Speakers

Sustainability

Building a Practical Approach to Meet IMO2050 Goals

To meet the sustainability levels outlined by the IMO with a deadline of 2030 and complete sustainability by 2050, our industry must turn its attention to a variety of actions to achieve these goals. Are alternative fuels the answer? Are ship design and propulsion the only way to go? What other practical changes can be made to improve sustainability over the next decade?  Our discussion will address these topics, along with the challenges to implementation.

• What in addition to CO2 reduction is considered building sustainability? 
• Is there a business aspect to sustainability or just about engineering?
• How do companies ensure that their suppliers/vendors are working toward the same sustainability goals?

Opening Remarks

COVID-19 Impact

Business Outlook for Key Sectors

In this session, executives from key sectors of the business will provide their perspectives on the last six months and what they anticipate for their segment of the business in the next 12 to 18 months. We’ll cover shippers, carriers, freight forwarders, road and rail transport, as well as ports and terminals.

Questions that will be answered:

• What will be the future of capital projects and its impact on all sectors?
• How does recovery look across the various sectors?
• What does the next 12 – 18 months hold for your business sector?
• Which sectors have proved to be most resilient and why?

Speakers

Regional Focus

Project Outlook for Central and Atlantic Coast Canada

This session will include presentations on the regional economic outlook and planned/ongoing projects for these regions in Canada. Hear perspectives from project owners, freight forwarders, transport companies and ports on opportunities for a variety of projects.

Panellists will provide answers to:

• What are the key projects planned in the region?
• Are renewables an important element of Canada’s climate plan?
• What are the strongest sectors in the region?
• What new business strategies are at work in these areas of Canada that could be applied elsewhere?

Infrastructure

US$ Billions of Project Investment on the Table, but When Will Projects Begin?

President Trump has expressed his support for an infrastructure package worth US$760 billion. MARAD introduced a $280 million package for ports. But politics could derail projects.

Is this a ray of sunshine in an otherwise gloomy future? Find out:

• Will there be a resurgence in financing projects for infrastructure?

• Are there particular cargo segments which will be of more interest/business in this new environment?
• How will technology influence new infrastructure projects?

Renewables

Offshore Wind Projects in the US

A discussion session on the outlook and timelines for offshore wind development in the U.S., particularly off the East Coast. Which states will get the greenlight and who will participate in these projects? Our moderator will set the stage by providing a snapshot of where projects stand today and a roadmap for development, including key contacts to help suppliers identify opportunities.

Many segments of this market are watching with interest and getting involved. People want to know:

• Which states will drive offshore wind energy?

• Will this extensive business result in benefits for all or will there be clear winners and losers?
• What is the impact of the Jones Act on building this renewable capacity and will it be expensive to follow the requirements?
• Will manufacturing take place in the US or will components be imported?
• What infrastructure projects are under consideration to support construction offshore?

Moderators

Speakers

Employment

Strategies for Job Seekers

In this turbulent time many individuals have been furloughed, laid off, or let go for a variety of reasons. Houston, in particular, has suffered a double whammy of excessive COVID-19 cases and the collapse of oil prices. So, what’s the best way forward? This panel will discuss how to look for a new job, how to extend your experience to another sector for a broader job search and the mechanics of creating a modern resume, using social media in your search and acing remote interviews.

• Should I look at other sectors and how do I determine which ones hold the most potential based on my experience?
• How should a resume be written in today’s technology-based HR reviews?
• While we are here at Breakbulk, what can I do to benefit my career and future?

COVID-19 Impact

Lessons Learned for Operations During the Pandemic

The project cargo and breakbulk industry learned some hard lessons very quickly earlier this year, coming on top of the IMO2020 regulations and collapse in oil prices. Some of these lessons were painful reminders and some were new and useful, such as how use technology to continue operations when everyone is working remotely. Cargo and vessel operations were directly and immediately impacted. Trucker and truck transport were negatively affected. Join the discussion to add your thoughts on what you believe are the most important operating lessons from the pandemic and how they can aid in recovery. Consider:

• Which technologies have proved useful and how will they be best implemented in the future?
• What makes an effective business continuity plan and how can one help my business prepare for the next challenge?
• How have changes to jobs and people functions been impacted versus the business operations? Which pandemic adaptations are here to stay?

Space Logistics

A New Challenge: Space Cargoes Transportation

Come fly with us to learn about the specialized logistics required for moving cargoes bound for space. What better place than in NASA’s backyard? This session will cover projects across the aerospace industry planned for the immediate future as well as those farther out, from government agencies and private companies. You’ll learn:

• What sets the logistics for space cargoes apart from other cargoes?
• As NASA looks ahead, what projects will require support from project cargo specialists?
• How do I pursue government contracts versus those from private companies?
• Where are the opportunities within the U.S. and in South America within the aerospace sector?

Technology & Innovation

Implementation out of Necessity

One of the outcomes of the pandemic and working remotely is the rapid adoption of technologies for the project and breakbulk industry. Minimum requirements such as video conferencing are now in place.  Electronic transfer of documents, use of drones, block chain technologies and digital cargo receiving are becoming commonplace. No business wants to be left behind.
 
Our speakers will demonstrate some of the technologies that they’ve adapted and discuss the benefits and pitfalls of implementation, so you can proceed with confidence. The discussion will also tackle:

• During the COVID-19 outbreak, have groups come together to work on technology to improve business processes? What types of collaborations are out there?
• Have shippers started to demand improvements in the business processes of their suppliers, or consider the use of such technologies during the vetting process?
• How might the industry transform in the year ahead?

Speakers

Sustainability

Building a Practical Approach to Meet IMO2050 Goals

To meet the sustainability levels outlined by the IMO with a deadline of 2030 and complete sustainability by 2050, our industry must turn its attention to a variety of actions to achieve these goals. Are alternative fuels the answer? Are ship design and propulsion the only way to go? What other practical changes can be made to improve sustainability over the next decade?  Our discussion will address these topics, along with the challenges to implementation.

• What in addition to CO2 reduction is considered building sustainability? 
• Is there a business aspect to sustainability or just about engineering?
• How do companies ensure that their suppliers/vendors are working toward the same sustainability goals?