Keep checking back for frequent updates as we confirm speakers, presentations and networking sessions!
COMPANION PROGRAM
The Association of Pacific Ports Annual Conference Companion Program offers accompanying guests an opportunity to experience the culture, history, and natural beauty of our host destination while conference delegates participate in business sessions. Designed to be both engaging and memorable, the program features a variety of guided tours, cultural experiences, and social activities that showcase […]
Pre-Conference Jet Lag Recovery Day
Hosted by AM Insurance Give yourself time to recover from jet lag! We recommend attendees arrive on August 1 and join us on Sunday, August 2 for some refreshing sea air, relaxation and fun! A boat ride, jet skis and food! A perfect way to start your time in Guam. Delegates should pre-register for this excursion […]
Post-Conference Trip to Palau (August 6 and 7)
The Port Authority of Guam would like to gauge interest from delegates to see if they would like to extend their stay following the APP Conference to visit the island of Palau. Please advise jane@pacificports.org as soon as possible to advise if you are interested in the following (we have included the selection on the […]
Golf: Country Club of the Pacific
Sponsored by Matson with support from ATOSSCOM and Saipan Shipping Company The Country Club of the Pacific is a landmark heritage golf course on Guam that was founded in 1973 and designed by renowned Japanese golf course architects Seizo Tomizawa and Hirochika Tomizawa. The breathtaking 18-hole golf course seamlessly incorporates the beauty of the surrounding […]
APP Executive Committee Meeting
Association business.
Registration Desk
Your first stop at the APP 112th Annual Conference…grab your name tag, delegate bag and start networking!
Workshop/Side Meeting: MARAD Territorial Consultation
The MARAD Dream Team (representatives from grants, environmental reviews, legal, policy and more) will be on hand for this informal consultation session with U.S. territory port representatives on federal maritime programs, funding access, and technical assistance priorities. Open to APP member ports from Guam, American Samoa, CNMI, and U.S. Pacific island affiliates.
Welcome Reception & Dinner: Celebrating the Pacific Ocean
BEACH CEREMONY: CHAMORU WELCOME & WERIYENG CANOE ARRIVAL Hosted by the Port Authority of Guam and Jacobs Delegates gather at the Hyatt Regency Beach. The CHamoru cultural welcome begins — chants and singing rising from the shore. Simultaneously, the Micronesian School of Weriyeng’s canoe sails in from the sea. The canoe’s arrival and the CHamoru […]
Tuesday Breakfast
Sponsored by the Department of Port Administration American Samsoa with support from Smithbridge Guam
Call to Order
APP President Conchita Taitano, Vice Chairperson, Board of Port Authority of Guam will officially call the 112th Annual Conference to order.
Welcome Remarks
Welcome remarks to open the APP’s 112th Annual Conference: – The Host Port — on behalf of the Port Authority of Guam, Rory J. Respicio, General Manager – The Governor of Guam, The Honorable Lourdes Aflague Leon Guerrero – The Lieutenant Governor of Guam, The Honorable Joshua “Josh” Franquez Tenorio – The Port’s Legislative Oversight […]
Keynote: Navigating the Future: Resilient and Innovative Strategies for Micronesian Ports
RADM Brett Mietus will examine the unique challenges and emerging opportunities facing Micronesian ports in an increasingly complex maritime environment. Focusing on resiliency, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth, the session will explore practical and innovative approaches to strengthening supply chain logistics, enhancing port-community relationships, and adapting infrastructure to meet future demands. Attendees will gain valuable […]
Session 1A: MARAD Update
Briefing on the Trump Administration’s Maritime Action Plan (February 2026), the Executive Order on Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance, the proposed Maritime Security Trust Fund, Section 301 port fees, and implications for Pacific island ports.
Tuesday Morning Refreshment Break
Sponsored by HDR
Session 1B (Panel): From Trade Gateways to Strategic Logistics Platforms
Military Buildup, Pacific Supply Chain Resilience, and What It Means for Your Port With military construction accelerating across the western Pacific — on Tinian, in Yap State, and on Peleliu — and the Marine Corps relocation from Okinawa to Guam reshaping the region’s logistics landscape, this session examines what the buildup demands of the ports […]
Reciprocal Member Agreement Signing
The Association of Pacific Ports and the Association of Terminal Operators, Stevedoring and Shipping Companies of Micronesia will officially enter into a Reciprocal Membership Agreement, confirming their commitment to collaborate on issues that promote education and professionalism.
Tuesday Lunch
Sponsored by the Port of Long Beach
Session 1C: Strengthening our Shared Pacific
In her presentation, U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds, Representative for the Northern Mariana Islands, explores the theme “Strengthening Our Shared Pacific”, emphasizing collaboration among ports, governments, and communities across the region. She will highlight the importance of resilient infrastructure, cultural connection, and economic cooperation in navigating shared challenges such as climate change and supply chain disruption. […]
Session 1D: Lessons in Resiliency: Typhoon Sinlaku
Following from the morning session which looked at strategic logistics for military buildup, this session will focus on supply chain logistics from the perspective of disaster recovery. Using the very recent example of Typhoon Sinlaku, panelists will consider the impact of the typhoon and highlight how pre-planning and collaboration were key to recovery.
Session 1E (Panel): Funding Pathways for Pacific Ports
A discussion on how Pacific ports can access and leverage U.S. federal funding programs. The panel will highlight eligibility, application strategies, and real-world case studies, helping port leaders navigate complex funding landscapes to advance infrastructure, resilience, sustainability, and economic growth initiatives.
Lightning Round #1
An opportunity for Associate Members and non-port Sponsors to highlight their products and services to delegates.
Tuesday Afternoon Refreshment Break
Sponsored by EXP and the Port of Nanaimo
Session 1F: Shaping the Future of Maritime Trade
As the Pacific continues to shape global trade, ports must adapt to evolving supply chains, emerging technologies, and increasing resilience challenges. Sang Yi, President and CEO of the American Association of Port Authorities will explore the trends driving the future of ports and highlight how collaboration, innovation, and strategic investment can strengthen maritime connectivity and economic […]
Lightning Round #2
An opportunity for Associate Members and non-port Sponsors to highlight their products and services to delegates.
Member Port Update Session
The tradition continues! This session allows port representatives to provide updates on major projects, business trends and issues they face within their jurisdiction. The Port Update session is a cornerstone of APP’s mission to foster idea-sharing, allow delegates to recognize patterns within the port community, and identify solutions to common challenges without having to ‘reinvent […]
Happy Hour Networking at the Dusit Hotel
Hosted by AM Insurance Join your colleagues and friends for happy hour refreshments and hors d’oeuvres at the Dusit Hotel, a short, five-minute walk from the Hyatt Regency Guam.
Wednesday Breakfast
Sponsored by the Bank of Guam and Hawaii Department of Transportation
Session 2A: Spotlight on the Port Authority of Guam -- Operations, Infrastructure & Vision
A comprehensive briefing on PAG operations, 50th anniversary milestones, current infrastructure projects, federal grant management, sustainability initiatives, and the port’s role as the critical gateway for Guam’s economy and the region’s supply chain.
Lightning Round #3
An opportunity for Associate Members and non-port Sponsors to highlight their products and services to delegates.
Session 2B: The Glass Breakwater Repair Project
The US Navy’s innovative Glass Breakwater repair project is a large-scale example of the sustainable repair/rehabilitation of deteriorated coastal/marine infrastructure in the Pacific. Representatives from the Black Construction Corporation and Baird & Associates will discuss the 80 year history of typhoon damage and ad-hoc repairs to this structure, and how recycled rock materials are being […]
Fieldtrip! Glass Breakwater Site Visit
Join representatives from the US Navy, TPC NAN JV and Baird & Associates for an exclusive site visit to the US Navy’s innovative Glass Breakwater Repair Project. This first-hand tour will provide participants with a unique opportunity to observe the project’s ongoing construction, including key design features and the use of recycled rock materials in […]
Wednesday Lunch
Lunch hosted by the Port Authority of Guam and the Port Authority of Guam Goodwill and Morale Association with support.
Session 2C: EPA Clean Ports Program & Jacobs
With nearly eight decades of expertise to provide clients comprehensive solutions to challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, aging infrastructure and emerging contaminants, Jacobs’ work with the Port Authority of Guam is a text book example of how to develop and implement comprehensive strategies to address emissions inventory, climate and air quality planning, zero-emission […]
Session 2D (Panel): Net-Zero Port Operations
This timely panel session will explore how ports across the Pacific are advancing toward net-zero operations while maintaining efficiency, resiliency, and economic competitiveness. Panelists will discuss practical strategies for decarbonizing marine terminals, electrifying cargo-handling equipment, implementing shore power, and integrating alternative fuels and renewable energy systems. They will also examine funding pathways, regulatory pressures, digital […]
Lightning Round #4
An opportunity for Associate Members and non-port Sponsors to highlight their products and services to delegates.
Session 2E: Ports & Energy
Discover how critical infrastructure operators are preparing for the future in this dynamic presentation by National Laboratory of the Rockies. Tailored for both seaport and airport leaders, the session will explore emerging technologies, operational resilience, cybersecurity, infrastructure modernization, and integrated logistics strategies shaping transportation gateways across the Pacific region. Attendees will gain insight into innovative […]
Lightning Round #5
An opportunity for Associate Members and non-port Sponsors to highlight their products and services to delegates.
Session 2F: Building the Blue Energy Economy: Ports and Offshore Wind Development
Taiwan International Ports Corporation demonstrates how ports are playing a critical role in the rapid growth of offshore wind development across the Asia-Pacific region. This presentation will highlight Taiwan’s experience in building the infrastructure, logistics networks, and industry partnerships needed to support large-scale offshore wind projects. Attendees will gain insight into port planning, supply chain […]
CHamoru Village Night Market
Sponsored by Black Construction Corporation with support from Schuyler Line Navigation Company, Port of San Diego and Liftech Held every Wednesday evening in the heart of Hagåtña, the CHamoru Village Night Market is one of Guam’s most vibrant cultural experiences. Visitors can stroll through rows of local vendors offering handmade crafts, island souvenirs, fresh tropical […]
Thursday Breakfast
Sponsored by Port of Hueneme with support from Landscape Management Systems and GHD
APP Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the Association of Pacific Ports — all are welcome!
Session 3A (Joint Presentation): Whole-of-Life Asset Management
This session explores how whole-of-life asset management enables ports to maximize the value, resilience, and performance of critical infrastructure from planning and design through operation, maintenance, renewal, and eventual replacement. Drawing on the lessons of the Port of Alaska Modernization Program, presenters will demonstrate how life-cycle planning, risk-based decision-making, and strategic investment can reduce long-term […]
Session 3B (Panel): Your Port Protected -- Cybersecurity for Ports of All Sizes
Every port is already more digitally connected than it was five years ago — and more connected than many staff realize. This session, moderated by Rigo Cisneros, starts inside the fence line, helping port authorities of all sizes take practical stock of what they have connected, make smarter decisions about what comes next, and protect […]
Lightning Round #6
An opportunity for Associate Members and non-port Sponsors to highlight their products and services to delegates.
Session 3C (Panel): Digital Port Management -- Data-Driven Performance for Pacific Ports
The session, moderated by Rigo Cisneros, Jacobs, explores how Pacific ports of all sizes are using technology to work smarter — not just bigger. Whether leveraging data to enhance operational performance, resilience, or decision-making, the port industry is actively employing real-time analytics, digital twins, and predictive tools to optimize berth utilization and cargo dwell times, […]
Thursday Morning Refreshment Break
Sponsored by Hofschneider Engineering Corporation and the Port of Redwood City
Session 3D (Panel): Extending the Life of Your Port Assets -- New Technologies and Practices
Ports face increasing pressure to maximize the lifespan of critical infrastructure. This session, moderated by Jacobs’ Rigo Cisneros, explores innovative technologies, data-driven maintenance strategies, and best practices that enhance asset performance, reduce lifecycle costs, and improve resilience. Learn how forward-thinking ports are extending asset life while maintaining safety, efficiency, and long-term operational sustainability.
Lightning Round #7
An opportunity for Associate Members and non-port Sponsors to highlight their products and services to delegates.
Thursday Lunch
Sponsored by the Port of Stockton and EA Engineering, Science,and Technology, Inc., PBC,
Session 3E: Building Climate-Resilient Maritime Infrastructure Across the Pacific
Highlighting the work of ADB as a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific.
Session 3F: Blue Economy Innovation – Port of San Diego’s Incubator Model
Jason Giffen of the Port of San Diego will explore how ports can become catalysts for sustainable economic growth through innovative blue economy initiatives. This presentation highlights the Port’s pioneering Blue Economy Incubator model, which supports start-ups focused on aquaculture, coastal resiliency, maritime decarbonization, ocean monitoring, and environmental restoration. Attendees will learn how the incubator […]
Lightning Round #8
An opportunity for Associate Members and non-port Sponsors to highlight their products and services to delegates.
Session 3G: The Infrastructure of Trust: Aligning Your Communications Strategy to Your Stakeholders
Ports operating in complex regulatory and community environments know that stakeholder concern — left unaddressed — becomes opposition. This session offers a practical framework for transforming that concern into informed advocacy, where early buy-in drives lasting support and project success.
Closing Remarks
APP now-Past President Conchita Taitano — Conference summary, acknowledgments, and call to action reflecting the spirit of inafa’maolek.
Preview of the 2027 Annual Conference / Remarks From the New APP Pres
New APP President Kirk DeJesus thanks the Port Authority of Guam and APP’s outgoing President, provides overview (video) of Port of Stockton and invites attendees to 113th Annual Conference (noting also the APP 2027 Winter Conference will be first – January 27 to 29, 2027, Honolulu, Hawaii)
Conclusion of the APP's 112th Annual Conference
Si Yu’os Ma’åse — Thank You Attendees departing August 7 are encouraged to explore Guam’s natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.