The Marine Industrial Base: Recruitment, Upskilling, & Labor Partnerships Track

As ports confront workforce shortages, evolving skill requirements, and growing competition for talent, AAPA’s Annual Convention & Expo will feature a dedicated track exploring innovative approaches to workforce recruitment, education, leadership development, and labor partnerships. 

Sessions include:

 – “Restoring America’s Maritime Workforce: A Case Study from the Port of Tacoma” with Alisa Praskovich of the Port of Tacoma and Kristie Wolford of Maritime 253 Skills Center, Tacoma Public Schools
 – “Amazing Women in the Port Industry” with Susan Dvonch of Shey-Harding Executive Search and Sydney Plante of MARAD
 – “Investing in Communities: Workplace Development and Empowering Innovation” with Michael Walker of STAX

Attendees will discover how ports, educational institutions, employers, and community partners are collaborating to build a skilled, diverse, and resilient workforce for the maritime industry’s continued growth.

Join us September 28-30 in New Orleans for AAPA’s 2026 Annual Convention & Expo — Ports Built to Lead.

Register today, and note that hotel rooms at the group rate are going fast!