Event Coverage: 108th AAPA Annual Convention Coverage

The 2019 convention in Norfolk, Va., was revolutionary!

The AAPA Annual Convention took place October 13-16 with a much-anticipated return to Norfolk, Va. This was the fourth time The Port of Virginia hosted the convention, with the last one being in 2007. “A lot has happened to our industry and our country since then,” said John Reinhart, CEO and executive director at The Port of Virginia, during the Welcome Address. But, two things have remained constant: “AAPA is really important to all of us” and “we need to continue to support one another.” Chris Connor, AAPA’s new president and CEO, concurred: “The unity of our common goals is the unity that will define our success.”

This year’s convention included technical and policy committee meetings, a “Revolutionary Challenge” in the exhibit hall, and business sessions and social events that enabled port professionals and stakeholders to share information on key issues facing ports and expand business contacts.

While Connor is just stepping into his role at the helm of the organization, Kurt Nagle, long-time president and CEO, is now officially retired after serving nearly 35 years. “This is a bittersweet moment for me,” said Nagle. The port industry and AAPA have been “a huge part of my life for over 30 years.” Kurt was honored for his dedicated service to the port industry and was presented with AAPA’s Distinguished Service Award by outgoing AAPA Chairman of the Board Will Friedman, president and CEO of Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority. Port of Grays Harbor Executive Director Gary Nelson officially began his role as AAPA’s Chairman and the entire slate of 2019-20 delegation officers and board of directors was also installed during a membership meeting at the convention.

Planning is already underway for the 109th AAPA Annual Convention, so get your passports ready to join us in Québec, September 13-16, 2020!

See the photos…