Portsmouth hosts major maritime industry event
Portsmouth International Port was the backdrop for the 2024 British Ports Association (BPA) conference last week (9 & 10 October), one of the first to be hosted at an operational port. Over 300 delegates attended the sold-out two-day event, which saw a jam-packed schedule of keynote speakers, including travel expert Simon Calder and endurance athlete and mental health campaigner Anna Wardley. There were expert panel discussions, exhibitors and evening networking events hosted onboard HMS Warrior and Portsmouth’s famous historic dockyard.
One of the key events in the national maritime industry calendar, the BPA conference provides a unique opportunity for stakeholders to come together to discuss the latest policy developments, debate topical issues and shape future industry trends within the UK ports and harbours sector.
Mike Sellers, port director and chair of the BPA said: “I was immensely proud to welcome the BPA conference to Portsmouth, and showcase our port and maritime city. The BPA play a vital role in connecting the industry to trade with government bodies and this annual conference is a key date in the sectors diary.
Our new carbon neutral terminal was transformed into a conference space thanks to the brilliant Freshwater events team, making this year one of the most sustainable conferences ever – and many of our staff helped facilitate important panel discussions around sustainability and port skills and safety.”
Richard Ballantyne, chief executive at the BPA said: “Thank you to the whole team at Portsmouth for hosting a brilliant conference. Delegates and attendees had a superb experience and we’ve had nothing but positive feedback.
On behalf of the BPA I want to say how much we appreciate all the efforts and hope you can reflect on a real achievement. It was clear how much work had gone into the event to make it a memorable one, and it did not disappoint.”
The conference also coincided with the BPA Awards ceremony, hosted at the iconic Boathouse 7 in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard. The awards received an exceptional number of entries and celebrated the best in the industry. Find out all about the winners here: PD Ports, Shoreham, Stornoway, and Montrose Ports Named as Industry Award Winners – British Ports Association.