Port Houston Announces 5th Annual Houston International Maritime Conference
HIMC26: Lessons from the Past. Strategies for the Future.
Port Houston will once again bring together leaders from across the maritime, logistics, energy, and supply chain sectors as it hosts the 5th annual Houston International Maritime Conference ("HIMC26"), taking place November 2–5, 2026 at the Hilton Americas Houston in Downtown Houston. Registration for the conference officially opened on May 18.
Centered around the theme, "Lessons from the Past. Strategies for the Future", HIMC26 will focus on how the maritime industry is applying hard-earned experience and operational insight to navigate today’s rapidly evolving global environment while preparing for what comes next. Discussions throughout the conference will examine the challenges, disruptions, and market shifts that have reshaped global trade in recent years and how industry leaders are using those lessons to build stronger supply chains, improve resiliency, embrace innovation, and position their organizations for long-term success.
As home to the nation’s largest trade gateway, the country’s largest petrochemical complex, the busiest waterway in the United States, and the fastest-growing container port, Houston provides a fitting backdrop for conversations about the future of global commerce, cargo movement, energy markets, and maritime operations.
Following several consecutive sold-out conferences, HIMC26 will include “Texas-sized” networking opportunities throughout the four-day event, as well as topical discussions and presentations focused on the issues driving today’s maritime industry. Sessions will examine the changing landscape of international trade, the impact of tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty, shifting supply chain strategies, and the technologies and investments redefining cargo movement around the world.
With Port Houston growing its container volume at a compound annual growth rate of 7.2% over the last 10 years, which is far faster than any other port in the nation, HIMC26 will have a primary focus on container trade. It will also engage in meaningful conversations about petrochemicals, breakbulk cargo, and steel trade, which are sectors that consistently play a critical role in both the Houston Ship Channel and the broader global economy. As the nation’s leading export port and a key gateway for international trade, Houston remains central to the movement of energy products, raw materials, manufactured goods, and consumer products worldwide.
“At Port Houston, we are constantly looking ahead at what is next for global trade and how our industry can continue evolving to meet future demands,” said Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston. “HIMC26 creates an opportunity for leaders throughout the maritime and logistics sectors to come together, exchange ideas, and have meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities ahead. Houston continues to play a vital role in global commerce, and we are proud to once again host this important industry event.”
The conference program is being developed with guidance from the HIMC Advisory Committee, whose members represent a broad cross-section of maritime, logistics, energy, and transportation industries. Their expertise helps ensure the conference addresses the most timely and impactful topics affecting global trade and maritime operations.
The Advisory Committee includes:
- Blake Bennett, ExxonMobil
- Cris Borzani, Igloo Corp.
- Candy Cervantes, EFL Global
- Will Connell, IMC Logistics
- Stori Conrad, The Wallport Companies (WTX)
- Eloy Cortez, International Longshoremen’s Association
- Shay Downing, JS&J Solutions
- Joey Frederick, Top Lift North America
- Matt Glass, Houston Pilots Association
- Jonathan Gold, National Retail Federation
- John Hark, Bertling Logistics and Adjunct Professor, Texas A&M University
- Stephanie Hughes, Maersk
- Shaun Leone, Sunburst Truck Lines, Inc.
- Davey Miller, CMC
- Dave Morgan, Cooper/Ports America
- John Moseley, Port Houston
- Ken O’Brien, Gemini Shippers Association
- Rupak Rauniar, Professor of Supply Chain, University of Houston, Downtown
- Lynn Stacy, OEC Group
- James Timony, Tyson Foods
- John “Stacy” Wedgeworth, Walmart
“HIMC continues to grow because the conversations happening here matter to the future of our industry,” Jenkins added. “We value the insight and leadership of our Advisory Committee members as they help shape a conference agenda that reflects the complexity, scale, and innovation driving today’s maritime sector.”
HIMC26 will feature expanded networking opportunities designed to connect stakeholders from every segment of the supply chain, including beneficial cargo owners, ocean carriers, NVOCCs, freight forwarders, tanker operators, petrochemical companies, technology providers, motor carriers, terminals, and logistics leaders. The event continues to serve as a platform for collaboration, relationship building, and new business opportunities across the maritime industry.
Registration opened May 18 with Early Bird pricing of $495 per ticket available until August 31, 2026. Regular pricing of $575 takes effect on September 1, 2026. Buy tickets or learn more at www.porthouston.com/himc.