2026 Port of the Future Conference

The 2026 Port of the Future Conference “2 Days, 50 Ports,” returns on March 24-25, 2026, at the to the Hilton University Houston. Now in its seventh year, the event continues to bring an array of visionaries, researchers, and thought leaders to present the latest concepts and cutting-edge technologies in the ports and maritime sector.  In each of the last three years, the event has hosted representatives from more than sixty ports worldwide.

In its short history, the Port of the Future Conference has earned a stellar reputation, addressing the most urgent and pressing issues facing ports of entry, regulators, and associated industries. It offers an information-packed agenda, hosting prominent leaders in the port and maritime industry to discuss new concepts and best practices, projected trends and emerging challenges, and promising research and innovations in the port and maritime industry.

The conference’s coverage of issues and advances in the ports and the maritime industry is impressive. This year’s conference is organized in nine tracks, covering the areas of: Increasing Port Operational Efficiency, Enhancing America’s Maritime Security; Developing Ports; Intermodal Connectivity; Decarbonization and Alternate Fuels; Port Energy and Sustainability; Port Infrastructure 4.0 (consisting of advances in Artificial Intelligence; automation, robotics, digitalization and information sharing); Port Security, Cybersecurity and Emergency Management, and Advances in Dredging Technology and Techniques.

This year’s program is highlighted by an impressive slate of guest speakers. Keynote speakers include MG Jason Kelly, Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; RADM James Watson, USCG (retired) and co-author of “ZeroPointFour: How U.S. Leadership in Maritime Will Secure America’s Future.” Prominent international speakers are led by Capitán de Altura Manuel Gutierrez Gallardo, Coordinator General of Ports and Merchant Marine of Mexico and Darwin Telemaque, President, the Port Management Association of the Caribbean. Dan Yuska of the U.S. Maritime Administration ("MARAD") and David Walker, Vice President of ABS, will return to highlight advances by MARAD’s U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation.

For Port of the Future Conference, including its agenda, speakers, and associated events, visit www.PortoftheFutureConference.com.