HOUSTON - Following extensive port disruptions on the U.S. West Coast in early 2015, container trade professionals are eager to explore the near-term outlook for U.S. maritime labor. Join the Port of Houston Authority and the Containerization & Intermodal Institute (CII) as they kick off the first annual Container Trade Outlook Conference at the Houston DoubleTree Hotel at Bush Intercontinental Airport on Nov. 18, 2015. Benny Holland, Jr., Executive Vice President of the International Longshoremen’s Associations (ILA), David F. Adam, Chairman and CEO of the United States Maritime Alliances (USMX) and Stephen Hennessey, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) will provide updates on labor status on the U.S. East, Gulf and West Coasts. Regional and global containerized shipping markets are in the midst of a dynamic evolution as stakeholders prepare for the Panama Canal expansion and era of Super Post-Panamax vessels. Manuel E. Benítez, deputy administrator of the Panama Canal Authority, will give his insider view of the upcoming expansion during the event’s keynote address. Port of Houston Authority Executive Director Roger Guenther will provide opening remarks, while Port Authority Chief Commercial Officer Ricky Kunz will participate on the Container Trade Outlook panel. Join the Port of Houston Authority for this inaugural event with a networking reception at the end of the conference.