2026 Greater Houston Port Bureau Annual Maritime Dinner
Honoring Tom Marian, 2026 Maritime Leader of the Year
Bayou City Event Center
9401 Knight RdHouston, TX 77045
* Registration open until 8/7/26 at 7:00 PM (CDT)
The Greater Houston Port Bureau (“Port Bureau”) is pleased to announce that Tom Marian, General Counsel for Buffalo Marine Service, Inc., has been selected as the 2026 Maritime Leader of the Year. Marian will be honored at the Port Bureau’s 97th Annual Maritime Dinner on August 22, 2026. The Port Bureau Board of Directors named Marian as the 2026 honoree for his exceptional leadership and steadfast dedication to advancing the maritime and port sector maritime and port region.
Marian joined Buffalo Marine Service in 2007. Prior to this, he attended the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and graduating in 1984, he was assigned to San Juan, Puerto Rico and spent the next 9 years in the waterways management arena in New Orleans, Honolulu, and Seattle. He transferred to New Orleans to attend Tulane Law School and subsequently assigned to the Eighth Coast Guard District legal staff as a Judge Advocate. In 2000, Marian was detailed to the Joint Interagency Task Forth South in Key West as the Command’s legal advisor. Upon completion of that tour, he was transferred to Vessel Traffic Service Houston/Galveston as the Commanding Officer. In 2005, Marian retired from the Coast Guard.
“We recognize Tom Marian as the Greater Houston Port Bureau's 2026 Maritime Leader of the Year. He has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the growth and success of our maritime industry and made a profound impact on the Houston port region. I deeply appreciate his personal support for these many years,” said Vincent DiCosimo, Chairman of the Greater Houston Port Bureau.
Marian has served on multiple boards and committees including Gulf Intracoastal Canal Association (Chairman), American Waterways Operators (Chairman); Lonestar Harbor Safety Committee (Chairman), Houston Maritime Center and Museum, Pilot Board Investigation and Recommendation Committee, Southeast Texas Waterway Advisory Council, and serves on the Greater Houston Port Bureau board.
“As a board member of the Port Bureau board for 20 years, I have had the privilege of witnessing the growth of the organization’s influence throughout the ports it represents. The network it has forged with its members has been instrumental in forging a community of interest focused on the well being of the nation’s largest port. The annual Maritime Dinner celebrates the accomplishments of many individuals and stakeholders , and I am honored to be a part of it,” said Marian.
To read the full announcement, click here.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
Title Sponsor
Queen of the Fleet Sponsors
The Annual Maritime Dinner is one of the largest maritime formal business events in the U.S. with over 700 attendees, bringing together maritime, transportation, and industry professionals and their guests to recognize the Maritime Leader of the Year.
Attendees are treated to an elegant night filled with complimentary perks, including free valet or self-parking, open bar during the cocktail reception, professional photography, and wine service during the gourmet dinner. The cocktail reception features a silent auction. Following the program, guests can enjoy an after party in the Lounge, featuring lite bites and live music. See photos from last year's Annual Maritime Dinner on Facebook!
Click the image below to watch highlights from last year's Maritime Dinner:
Proceeds from the Annual Maritime Dinner support the Port Bureau’s regional maritime advocacy efforts.
Table Sponsorships:
- Includes reserved table of 10 (2 tables included with Title Sponsor)
- Logo or company name recognition in sponsor presentation and all print and digital media, commensurate with level
- Location in ballroom is commensurate with level and date of registration
Event Underwriters:
- Includes 2 tickets seated together ($900 value)
- Premium logo recognition at event, in sponsor presentation, and all print and digital media
All guests receive:
- Cocktail reception with open bar
- Gourmet dinner
- Complimentary valet or parking
- Access to The Lounge after the program close
Can't attend? Get the best value for your marketing with our sponsorship only options from $500 - $5,000.
Please note: Sponsorship commitments must be received by August 1, 2026, to be guaranteed print recognition.
Premier Table Sponsorships
Includes Reserved Table of 10 and Premium Logo Recognition
| Price | |
|---|---|
|
Queen of the Fleet Sponsor
|
$15,000.00 |
|
Admiral Sponsor
|
$10,000.00 |
|
Admiral Sponsor - Non-Member Pricing
|
$10,500.00 |
Table Sponsorships
Includes Reserved Table of 10 and Company Name Recognition
| Price | |
|---|---|
|
Vice Admiral Sponsor - Members
|
$7,500.00 |
|
Vice Admiral Sponsor - Non-Members
|
$8,000.00 |
|
Commodore Sponsor - Members Only
|
$4,000.00 |
Event Underwriters
Includes 2 Tickets ($900 Value) and Premium Logo Recognition
| Price | |
|---|---|
|
Lounge Sponsor
|
$15,000.00 |
|
Decor Sponsor
|
$5,000.00 |
|
Diamond Auction Sponsor
|
$5,000.00 |
|
Raffle Sponsor
|
$3,500.00 |
|
Photobooth Sponsor
|
$3,500.00 |
|
Photography Sponsor
|
$2,500.00 |
|
Premier Auction Sponsor
|
$2,500.00 |
|
Dinner Bar Sponsor
|
$2,500.00 |
Product Add-ons
| Add-ons | Price |
|---|---|
| Floral Sponsor View Product | $1,000.00 |
| Platinum Auction Sponsor View Product | $1,000.00 |
| Gold Auction Sponsor View Product | $500.00 |
Agenda
| August 22 | |
| 5:30 PM - 7:15 PM | Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction Complimentary valet and parking. Attire: black tie preferred. |
| 7:15 PM - 8:15 PM | Dinner Silent Auction continues. |
| 8:15 PM - 8:15 PM | Close of Silent Auction |
| 8:15 PM - 9:00 PM | Honoree Recognition |
| 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM | Post Event Social in The Lounge Featuring music, lite bites, and cocktails. Open to all Maritime Dinner attendees! |
For More Information:
Admiral Sponsors
Vice Admiral Sponsors
Bay-Houston Towing Co.
Galveston-Texas City Pilots
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co.
Houston Mooring
Houston Pilots
Port Houston
Suderman & Young Towing Co.
Watco
Commodore Sponsors
SESCO Terminals
Event Underwriters
Lounge
Mobil Bidding
Dinner Bar
Valet
Floral
Suderman & Young Towing Co.