Welcome to Nanaimo: the Harbour City

Nanaimo is a vibrant urban centre found on the east side of beautiful Vancouver Island where an abundance of recreation and cultural opportunities give residents a lifestyle second to none for living, working and playing. APP Conference attendees will be delighted by an agenda that highlights Nanaimo's working harbour against a backdrop or natural beauty. Watch this site for updates!

4
Days
14
Networking Opportunities
40
Speakers
3
Companion Programs

Port of Nanaimo Preview

The link below provides excellent information about getting to and around Nanaimo. From travel information to airports and useful tips, this site will answer most of your questions.

Visit Tourism Nanaimo

Agenda

Informative and engaging sessions balanced with networking and fun! Please note: as we finalize our agenda, some changes in times may be necessary. Please check back often!
9:00 am - 5:00 pm Off-site

Guests of attendees are in for a treat as we have three days of excursions planned that highlight beauty and culture of Vancouver Island. Monday, August 11: Malahat Skywalk and Unsworth Vineyards with dinner at Saysutshun (Newcastle Island) Marine Provincial Park. Companions will be picked up (9:00 am) at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre following […]

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Douglas Rispin Room

Association business.

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Mt. Benson Ballroom A

Your first stop! Get your name tag and delegate bag filled with sponsor goodies. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and assist you with getting familiar with the conference venue.  

1:30 pm - 4:30 pm Off-site

Nanaimo Golf Club is a spectacular 18-hole semi-private course, with full practice facilities and Pro Shop. At 6,700 yards from its championship tees, the course is a test for low handicap golfers to produce long, straight drives to reach the greens in regulation. At the same time, the five other sets of tees on each […]

Kicking off the APP’s 11th Annual Conference, your first opportunity to meet new acquaintances, catch up with friends, and enjoy the view of Nanaimo Harbour with refreshments and appetizers.  

7:00 am - 9:00 am Mt. Benson Ballroom A

7:30 am - 3:30 pm Mt. Benson Ballroom C

Your first stop! Get your name tag and delegate bag filled with sponsor goodies. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and assist you with getting familiar with the conference venue.  

8:30 am - 8:45 am Mt. Benson Ballroom C

8:45 am - 9:00 am Mt. Benson Ballroom C

Join us in celebrating the Sister Port Agreement between the Nanaimo Port Authority and the Port of Kaohsiung. The agreement reaffirms the desire of both ports to collaborate on best practices.

9:00 am - 9:30 am Mt. Benson Ballroom C

Today’s Modern Terminal DP World’s Maksim Mihic, Global Executive Vice President, Operations and Engineering, explores the advancement of operational standards in today’s modern terminal. From decarbonization to digitalization and the impact of AI, Mihic highlights the efficiencies and sustainable practices that can be achieved to create some of the world’s most advanced terminals.

Maksim Mihic Global Executive Vice President, Operations and Engineering
DP World
9:30 am - 10:30 am Mt. Benson Ballroom C

The goal of this session is to highlight best practices in terminal operations to achieve greater efficiencies and sustainability. Panel members will represent cruise and break bulk, container, and liquid bulk terminals.

Abigail Struxness Director of Sustainability
SSA Marine
Joe Carrillo Regional Vice President
SSA Pacific
Joel Werner Chief Operating Officer
DP World Canada
Stephanie Snider Manager, Operational Performance (Burnaby / Westridge Terminals)
Trans Mountain
10:30 am - 10:50 am Mt. Benson Ballroom C

10:50 am - 12:00 am Mt. Benson Ballroom C

The tradition continues! This session is continually given the highest marks from attendees as port representatives provide updates within their jurisdictions. Learn about major projects, business trends, and issues faced. The topics raised during this session can then be discussed directly amongst colleagues during meals and networking sessions over the duration of the conference.

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Mt. Benson Ballroom A

1:00 pm - 1:30 pm Mt. Benson Ballroom C

The tradition continues! This session is continually given the highest marks from attendees as port representatives provide updates within their jurisdictions. Learn about major projects, business trends, and issues faced. The topics raised during this session can then be discussed directly amongst colleagues during meals and networking sessions over the duration of the conference.

1:30 pm - 2:15 pm Mt. Benson Ballroom C

Focusing on what it takes to build a successful cruise industry, Donna Spalding, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), is joined by representatives from top cruise destinations to discuss trends and issues as well as their own experiences in developing their sector.

Donna Spalding Government Affairs & Community Relations Advisor
Cruise Lines International Association
2:15 pm - 2:30 pm Mt. Benson Ballroom C

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Mt. Benson Ballroom C

Moderated by Jamie Marshall, National Sector Lead – Ports and Marine, Colliers Project Leaders, two of the leading marine-policy advocacy organizations on the West Coast of North America join together to highlight commonalities, differences, issues and opportunities for the interface between port, marine terminals and shippers.

Bonnie Gee President
Chamber of Shipping
Jamie Marshall National Sector Lead -- Ports and Marine
Colliers Project Leaders
Mike Jacob President
Pacific Merchant Shipping Association
3:30 pm - 4:00 pm Mt. Benson Ballroom C

As the voice of the worldwide ferry industry, Corrigan describes the trends and new technologies related to electrification and onshore power development as well as other sustainability practices — all playing a role in ports’ efforts to reach zero emissions.

Mike Corrigan CEO
Interferry
4:30 pm - 8:00 pm Off-site

O si:em siye’yu, nuw’ilum (Honoured friends, welcome) to Saysutshun (Newcastle Island) Marine Provincial Park. Known as Saysutshun by the Snuneymuxw, this family friendly park is accessible only by foot passenger ferry or boat. With breathtaking views of the Coastal Mountains and the Harbour City, the island offers a unique natural, historical and cultural experience for visitors. […]

7:00 am - 9:00 am Mt. Benson Ballroom A

9:00 am - 9:40 am Mt. Benson Ballroom C

Join the Port of Nanaimo and its partners for a  panel discussion on the successes of authentic community engagement through free and informed consent and spirited teamwork. This is a catalyst for reconciliation, diversification, job creation in the local community, and co-operative economic development opportunities for BC and Canada.

Jason Michell Vice President, Business Development
Port of Nanaimo
John White Marine Division Manager
Snuneymuxw First Nation
Julie Sperber President & CEO
Vancouver Island Economic Alliance
9:40 am - 10:20 am Mt. Benson Ballroom C

Short sea shipping and supply chain diversification will ensure that the Canadian Pacific maritime sector has the tools, resources and knowledge to prepare for local and national resilience to supply chain disruptions caused by climate change events, labour disputes, marine traffic congestion, and geopolitical challenges. This panel conversation will look at the opportunities and solutions […]

Kelly Williams Vice President, Terminals and Stevedoring
SSA Marine
10:20 am - 10:40 am Mt. Benson Ballroom C

10:40 am - 11:20 am Mt. Benson Ballroom C

The shipping industry has always relied on people to keep the supply chain moving. The safety and security of this skilled labour force is a vital part of the BC economy and a mainstay of the coastal community. This panel provides insights from major employers and stakeholders on the BC Coast.

Captain Steve Kennedy Licensed Pilot & President
British Columbia Coast Pilots
Lindsay Familton Senior Director, Workforce Operations & Business Excellence
BC Maritime Employers Association
Paul Hilder President
Council of Marine Carriers
11:20 am - 11:40 am Mt. Benson Ballroom C

Details to follow…

11:40 am - 12:00 pm Mt. Benson Ballroom C

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Mt. Benson Ballroom A

1:00 pm - 1:30 pm Mt. Benson Ballroom C

As Canada’s West Coast marine response organization for almost 50 years, Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (originally known as Burrard Clean Operations) is internationally renowned for their knowledge and expertise in spill response strategies. Senior Communications Manager Michael Lowry describes the growth of the organization and the plans in place for prevention, preparedness and response […]

Michael Lowry Senior Communications Manager
Western Canada Marine Response Corporation
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm Mt. Benson Ballroom C

Representative Paul Evans, Oregon State Legislature leans on a 30-plus-year career spanning military, National Guard, firefighting and emergency services to share insights into emergency preparedness and resiliency for the transportation sector.

Paul Evans Oregon House Representative
District 20, Oregon State Legislature
2:00 pm - 2:20 pm Mt. Benson Ballroom C

2:20 pm - 3:30 pm Mt. Benson Ballroom C

Practice your two-minute elevator pitch! An open forum for APP’s Associate Members to introduce themselves and explain their products and services that are invaluable to the port community.

4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Off-site

A guided tour of the Port of Nanaimo’s waterfront operations followed by dinner and entertainment on board the Magic Spirit, a three-level yacht with panoramic windows, a spacious wraparound deck and a beautiful top sundeck where guests will soak in the beauty of Nanaimo’s surrounding waterfront.

7:00 am - 9:00 am Mt. Benson Ballroom A

8:30 am - 9:00 am Mt. Benson Ballroom C

The Association of Pacific Ports Annual General Meeting — all are welcome!

9:00 am - 9:40 am Mt. Benson Ballroom C

American Maritime Lawyer Alan Goldstein and Canadian Maritime Lawyer Peter Swanson discuss where Canada and the U.S. agree, disagree, cooperate and conflict on major maritime issues.

Alan K. Goldstein Principal
Law Office of Alan K. Goldstein
Peter Swanson Partner
Bernard Barristers | Solicitors
9:40 am - 10:20 am Mt. Benson Ballroom C

Clear Seas will provide highlights from their recent study on expected changes in vessel traffic based on major resource and port expansion projects in Canada’s Pacific Region. Xanatos Marine’s Shailendra Shukra will pick up on this theme to delve into the technologies and best practices that will be useful in managing the changes.

Meghan Mathieson Director of Strategy and Engagement
Clear Seas
Paul Blomerus Executive Director
Clear Seas
Shailendra Shukra Executive Director
Xanatos Marine Ltd.
10:20 am - 10:40 am Mt. Benson Ballroom C

10:40 am - 11:20 am Mt. Benson Ballroom C

Shey-Harding Executive Search’s Managing Partner Susan Dvonch is joined by Katie Miller, Deputy Port Director, Administration, Port of Stockton, to enlighten attendees on the keys to building an effective team. Renown for their successful recruitment strategies, Miller and Dvonch will review the current state of the industry for hiring and retaining Port leaders then delve […]

Katie Miller Deputy Port Director, Administration
Port of Stockton
Susan Dvonch Managing Partner
Shey-Harding Executive Search
11:20 am - 12:00 pm Mt. Benson Ballroom C

Alex Rueben, Executive Director for the Association of British Columbia Marine Industries (ABCMI) and Catherine  Hofmann, Principal, Catherine Hofmann Law, highlight the issues and implications of regulations covering ship recycling and the resulting implications for ports.

Alex Rueben Executive Director
Association of British Columbia Marine Industries (ABCMI)
Catherine Hofmann Principal
Catherine Hofmann Law
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Mt. Benson Ballroom A

1:00 pm - 1:15 pm Mt. Benson Ballroom C

A big part of a port’s responsibility is to handle waste from its vessels. For the Port of Newport in Oregon, that is everything from engine waste to commercial fishing nets. Handling waste properly is incredibly important and something we should all be concerned about; the proximity to the ocean means that anything mismanaged has […]

Nicole Baker Owner
Net Your Problem LLC
1:15 pm - 1:30 pm Mt. Benson Ballroom C

Alex Velasco, with AXYS describes the technology used in building and commissioning hundreds of meteorological and oceanographic stations for marine, hydrological, and wind energy resource assessment applications around the world.

1:30 pm - 1:45 pm Mt. Benson Ballroom C

Konrad Mech highlights the features of Cellula Robotics and its use in underwater security and critical infrastructure inspection.

Konrad Mech, CD, P.Eng., PMP, BEng, BA, MBA Director of Sales
Cellula Robotics Ltd.
1:45 pm - 2:00 pm Mt. Benson Ballroom C

CEO Scott Beatty described how MarineLabs harnesses the power of their continuously expanding sensor network to provide the highest-resolution data, enhancing safety, streamlining marine operations, and building climate-resilient coastlines.

Scott Beatty CEO
MarineLabs Data Systems
2:00 pm - 2:15 pm Mt. Benson Ballroom C

Details to follow…

Captain Brian Tuomi President
Nautical Consulting International
2:15 pm - 2:30 pm Mt. Benson Ballroom C

Autonomous marine systems are opening new possibilities for port operations across security, logistics, and environmental monitoring. Uncrewed surface vessels offer agile, cost-effective tools that can be deployed for a range of missions—from surveillance and enforcement to data collection and infrastructure assessment. This session explores how ports can leverage emerging technologies to meet evolving operational needs, […]

Sebastian Berg Director, Product Development
Shift Coastal Technologies
2:30 pm - 2:45 pm Mt. Benson Ballroom C

Final remarks plus a preview of the APP’s 112th Annual Conference location: Guam! Hosted by the Port Authority of Guam.

Meet our amazing speakers

Nicole Baker
Owner Net Your Problem LLC
Scott Beatty
CEO MarineLabs Data Systems
Sebastian Berg
Director, Product Development Shift Coastal Technologies
Paul Blomerus
Executive Director Clear Seas
Joe Carrillo
Regional Vice President SSA Pacific
Mike Corrigan
CEO Interferry
Susan Dvonch
Managing Partner Shey-Harding Executive Search
Paul Evans
Oregon House Representative District 20, Oregon State Legislature
Lindsay Familton
Senior Director, Workforce Operations & Business Excellence BC Maritime Employers Association
Bonnie Gee
President Chamber of Shipping
Alan K. Goldstein
Principal Law Office of Alan K. Goldstein
Paul Hilder
President Council of Marine Carriers
Catherine Hofmann
Principal Catherine Hofmann Law
Mike Jacob
President Pacific Merchant Shipping Association
Captain Steve Kennedy
Licensed Pilot & President British Columbia Coast Pilots
Michael Lowry
Senior Communications Manager Western Canada Marine Response Corporation
Jamie Marshall
National Sector Lead -- Ports and Marine Colliers Project Leaders
Meghan Mathieson
Director of Strategy and Engagement Clear Seas
Konrad Mech, CD, P.Eng., PMP, BEng, BA, MBA
Director of Sales Cellula Robotics Ltd.
Jason Michell
Vice President, Business Development Port of Nanaimo
Maksim Mihic
Global Executive Vice President, Operations and Engineering DP World
Katie Miller
Deputy Port Director, Administration Port of Stockton
Alex Rueben
Executive Director Association of British Columbia Marine Industries (ABCMI)
Shailendra Shukra
Executive Director Xanatos Marine Ltd.
Donna Spalding
Government Affairs & Community Relations Advisor Cruise Lines International Association
Stephanie Snider
Manager, Operational Performance (Burnaby / Westridge Terminals) Trans Mountain
Julie Sperber
President & CEO Vancouver Island Economic Alliance
Abigail Struxness
Director of Sustainability SSA Marine
Peter Swanson
Partner Bernard Barristers | Solicitors
Captain Brian Tuomi
President Nautical Consulting International
Joel Werner
Chief Operating Officer DP World Canada
John White
Marine Division Manager Snuneymuxw First Nation
Kelly Williams
Vice President, Terminals and Stevedoring SSA Marine

The Venue...

Vancouver Island Conference Centre

Nanaimo, British Columbia Canada

The Vancouver Island Conference Centre is an award-winning event venue conveniently located in vibrant downtown Nanaimo. A short walk from either of two hotels booked to accommodate conference attendees, the VICC is located in the heart of Nanaimo with easy access to many sites and experiences.

Testimonials from past conferences