Port Corpus Christi is hosting the upcoming Professional Project Group (PPG) Conference to be held for the first time in United States. PPG members move complex, unconventional (often over-sized) cargoes and materials around the world. The PPG conference runs from July 29 to August 1, 2009 and will be held at the Port Corpus Christi's meeting and banquet facility, the Solomon P. Ortiz International Center located at 402 Harbor Drive.
The Project Professionals Group annual conference brings together logistics solutions providers from around the world. With more than 100 freight forwarding executives from 34 countries in attendance, this year's conference has set a record for participating sponsors. Countries represented at the PPG conference include Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Jordan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, USA, Venezuela and Vietnam. 'Port Corpus Christi and the City of Corpus Christi are much honored to host the PPG group. It provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the capabilities of our port to this important international audience,' said Ruben Bonilla, Chairman Port Corpus Christi Commission.
The conference will have a 'green' theme with the United States Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay delivering keynote presentation. A special forum discussion is scheduled on 'How can green logistics work in the supply chain and what are the challenges?' Other major guest presenters include Port Corpus Christi Executive Director John LaRue, and representatives from Rickmers-Linie GmbH (Germany), Scan-Trans Worldwide Shipping (Denmark), Chipolbrok America, Beluga Shipping (Germany), TransGroup Worldwide Logistics (USA), Sun Communications (Australia), Sinokor Merchant Marine (Korea), Quebec Stevedoring Company, Tradelossa (Mexico), Sahil Freight Express (India) and Sea-Concert (Thailand). 'PPG members are among the best in the project cargo business and, along with our partners in the shipping, air bridge and associated freight forwarding industries, are planning for a bright future rebounding from the current global financial crisis,' said Kevin Stephens, PPG General Manager.
'Despite the doom and gloom associated with the economic downturn and the impact of swine flu on international travel, it is extremely encouraging to see such fantastic support for this year's PPG conference from both our members and sponsors,' Mr. Stephens continued. The four-day conference is expected to inject at least $US300,000 into the South Texas economy and will be officially opened by the mayor of Corpus Christi, Mr. Joe Adame. Conference networking events include a golf tournament, American style beach party and a visit to a Texas ranch.
