Port of Houston Authority Proud to Host Successful 2015 Breakbulk Americas Conference
Thousands Gathered at Home of Nation’s Largest Breakbulk Port
HOUSTON, Oct. 20, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Port of Houston Authority proudly served as host port for another successful Breakbulk Americas Conference, which drew more than 5,000 delegates to the city Oct. 5-8. The conference has an estimated economic impact of $3.6 million to the greater Houston region, taking into consideration revenues driven by hotel accommodations, transportation and restaurant services throughout the event.
Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria took the stage to provide welcome remarks to a packed exhibition hall to kick off the conference sessions.
“We are diligently preparing for the rapid growth that lies ahead along the Houston Ship Channel,” Chairman Longoria told attendees.
The Port Authority continues to make investments in its infrastructure to capture new trade opportunities at the nation’s largest breakbulk port. Terminal road improvements will provide increased mobility and efficiencies for handling breakbulk cargo. And development of new acreage next to Wharf 32 will add much-needed area for laydown space and cargo movement.
The Port of Houston Authority, which is the largest steel port complex in North America, hosted the 26th annual Breakbulk Americas conference in Houston this year after being named the primary host port in 2014. In its fourth year as host port, the Port Authority sponsored the Evening Welcome Reception Oct. 6.
“We are excited to be naming Houston our home for the foreseeable future,” Breakbulk Events & Media Americas Sales Director Christian Blair Thompson said. “Being in the center of the oil and gas industry, as well as the largest breakbulk terminal city, just makes the perfect fit.”
More than 340 exhibitioners showcased the world’s major carriers, freight forwarders and more than 40 ports that handle specialized heavy-lift, project and breakbulk cargo and roll on/roll off (ro-ro) logistics.
“The vibe on the floor is absolutely exciting. Breakbulk really does love calling Houston home and it shows,” Thompson said.
About the Port of Houston Authority
For more than 100 years, the Port of Houston Authority has owned or operated the public cargo-handling facilities of the Port of Houston – the nation’s largest port for foreign waterborne tonnage. The port is an economic engine for the Houston region, the state of Texas and the nation. It supports the creation of more than one million statewide jobs and more than 2.1 million nationwide jobs, and the generation of economic activity totaling more than $178.5 billion in Texas and $499 billion across the nation. For more information, visit the Port Authority website at: www.portofhouston.com
The Port of Houston Authority logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=719
CONTACT: Lisa Ashley, Director, Media Relations Office: (713) 670-2644 Cell: (832) 247-8179 E-mail: lashley@poha.com
