Conference Program

Keep checking back for frequent updates as we confirm speakers, presentations and networking sessions!

January 27, 2027 8:30 am - 10:30 am Kainoa I

Executive Committee Breakfast Meeting

Association business.

January 27, 2027 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Off-site

Golf: Pearl at Kalauao

Since 1967, Pearl at Kalauao has been a cherished part of O‘ahu’s golf community. Originally designed by Akira Sato, this par-72 course has long offered golfers both a challenge and breathtaking views of Pu‘uloa (Pearl Harbor) and the Wai‘anae mountains. With recent renovations, the course and facilities have been elevated to honor its past while embracing […]

January 27, 2027 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Maile Ballroom

MARAD Workshops

Two workshops provided by the U.S. Maritime Administraton to assist and guide port staff in grant opportunities: Suggestions for Fiscal Year 27 grant applicants based on the review of Fiscal Year 26 applications; and Background on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). In addition to the above two workshops, time will be carved out to […]

January 27, 2027 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Maile Foyer

Registration Desk

January 27, 2027 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Plumeria Ocean Grove

Welcome Reception

Enjoy refreshments and good company in the beautiful setting of Plumeria Ocean Grove at the Kahala Resort & Hotel.

January 28, 2027 7:00 am - 9:00 am Maile Foyer

Thursday Breakfast

January 28, 2027 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Maile Foyer

Registration Desk

January 28, 2027 8:30 am - 8:35 am Maile Ballroom

Welcome Remarks

January 28, 2027 8:35 am - 9:15 am Maile Ballroom

Keynote Speaker

January 28, 2027 9:15 am - 10:00 am Maile Ballroom

Session #1: A.I. Panel

With Gil Ungab, Commissioner, Port of San Diego providing moderating duties, experts explore the development and implementation of A.I. in various port operations and how it can improve safety, optimize resources and support faster, more informed decisions. In addition to discussing the opportunities and challenges, our panel will provide practical advice for ports who have […]

January 28, 2027 10:00 am - 10:20 am Maile Foyer

Networking / Refreshment Break #1

January 28, 2027 10:20 am - 10:25 am Maile Ballroom

Lightning Round #1

Exclusively for Associate Members! Two-to-three minute presentations spaced throughout the conference to learn more about the offerings of Associate Members.

January 28, 2027 10:25 am - 11:55 am Maile Ballroom

Session #2: Port Updates

The tradition continues but with a twist! In addition to an update on current activities and projects, port representatives will be asked to describe their current and/or planned use of A.I. Whether it’s a full implementation of A.I. agents or simple use of ChatGPT, we want to hear!

January 28, 2027 11:55 am - 12:00 pm Maile Ballroom

Lightning Round #2

Exclusively for Associate Members! Two-to-three minute presentations spaced throughout the conference to learn more about the offerings of Associate Members.

January 28, 2027 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Maile Foyer

Thursday Lunch

January 28, 2027 1:00 pm - 1:55 pm Maile Ballroom

Session #3: MARAD Update

January 28, 2027 1:55 pm - 2:00 pm Maile Ballroom

Lightning Round #3

Exclusively for Associate Members! Two-to-three minute presentations spaced throughout the conference to learn more about the offerings of Associate Members.

January 28, 2027 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Maile Ballroom

Session #4: Ports & Innovation

The Port of Hueneme and FATHOMWERX have created a unique collaborative model that connects port operations, government, the U.S. Navy, technology developers, academia and entrepreneurs. This presentation will explore how the partnership uses the Port as a real-world test environment to identify challenges, develop solutions and accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies. Speakers will share […]

January 28, 2027 2:30 pm - 2:35 pm Maile Ballroom

Lightning Round #4

Exclusively for Associate Members! Two-to-three minute presentations spaced throughout the conference to learn more about the offerings of Associate Members.

January 28, 2027 2:35 pm - 2:55 pm Maile Foyer

Networking / Refreshment Break #2

January 28, 2027 2:55 pm - 3:00 pm Maile Ballroom

Lightning Round #5

Exclusively for Associate Members! Two-to-three minute presentations spaced throughout the conference to learn more about the offerings of Associate Members.

January 28, 2027 3:00 pm - 3:55 pm Maile Ballroom

Session #5: APP'S Engineering Technical Committee

The launch of the APP’s new Engineering Technical Committee! This session includes a description of the committee from Chair Bill Dubbs (Black & Veatch) and then delves into some of the topics they’ll be working on to assist ports.

January 28, 2027 3:55 pm - 4:00 pm Maile Ballroom

Lightning Round #6

Exclusively for Associate Members! Two-to-three minute presentations spaced throughout the conference to learn more about the offerings of Associate Members.

January 28, 2027 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm Maile Ballroom

Session #6

To be confirmed.

January 28, 2027 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Koko Head Ocean Lawn

Dinner

January 29, 2027 7:00 am - 9:00 am Maile Foyer

Friday Breakfast

January 29, 2027 11:45 am - 12:45 pm Maile Foyer

Friday Lunch

January 29, 2027 12:45 pm - 1:15 pm Maile Ballroom

Association of Pacific Ports Directors Meeting

Association business. All are welcome!

January 29, 2027 1:15 pm - 2:15 pm Maile Ballroom

Session #7: Beyond the Runway: Economic and Community Benefits of a Regional Airport

Regional airports are more than transportation hubs — they are economic engines that connect communities to business, tourism, trade and essential services. This presentation will explore how regional airports contribute to local and regional economies, create jobs, attract investment and support the movement of people and goods. It will also examine the broader community benefits […]

January 29, 2027 2:15 pm - 2:20 pm Maile Ballroom

Lightning Round #7

Exclusively for Associate Members! Two-to-three minute presentations spaced throughout the conference to learn more about the offerings of Associate Members.

January 29, 2027 2:20 pm - 2:40 pm Maile Foyer

Networking / Refreshment Break #3

January 29, 2027 2:40 pm - 3:00 pm Maile Ballroom

Session #8: From Ship to Shore: Innovative Boarding Solutions for Modern Cruise Terminals

As the cruise industry continues to evolve, ports require innovative infrastructure that increases passenger throughput while accommodating the growing diversity of cruise ship designs. This presentation will showcase how advanced passenger boarding bridges with adaptable designs enable faster embarkation and disembarkation, enhance the passenger experience, and provide maximum operational flexibility. Drawing on projects at leading […]

January 29, 2027 3:00 pm - 3:05 pm Maile Ballroom

Lightning Round #8

Exclusively for Associate Members! Two-to-three minute presentations spaced throughout the conference to learn more about the offerings of Associate Members.

January 29, 2027 3:05 pm - 3:45 pm Maile Ballroom

Session #9

January 29, 2027 3:45 pm - 4:15 pm Maile Ballroom

Session #10

January 29, 2027 4:15 pm - 4:30 pm Maile Ballroom

Closing Ceremony / Preview of APP's 113th Annual Conference

January 29, 2027 9:00 pm - 11:45 am Off-site

Field Trip!

Early plans for this excursion include a walking tour, starting at Pier 2 and ending at Pier 11 with stops to include a visit to the Aloha Tower observation deck and a walk through the cruise terminal.