2020 Smart Ports Conference to Take Place in San Pedro

By Karen Robes Meeks

Artificial intelligence, automation, cybersecurity and workforce development are among the topics that will be discussed at the American Association of Port Authorities’ 2020 Smart Ports event on Feb. 5-6 in San Pedro, Calif.

Centered around the theme “Envisioning the New Decade,” the event will feature talks on digital technology, advice on how to protect from cyber threats and ways to improve cargo flow.

“AAPA’s 2020 Smart Ports seminar will provide a comprehensive drill-down into how seaports are adapting to information, mechanization, security and workforce development changes as they embrace the digitized world,” said AAPA CEO Chris Connor. “Speed-of-light electronic data exchanges and robotics are fast becoming the norm in cargo transportation and supply chain logistics. Presenters at this seminar will detail many of the changes, challenges and charges that seaports face to compete in an increasingly technological marketplace.”

“The maritime industry’s digital transformation is at our doorstep,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “The AAPA ‘Smarts Ports’ seminar is important because digital transformation is the future of seaborne trade. Pushing it off puts ports and maritime stakeholders at risk of competitive loss.”

The event will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton – San Pedro – Port of Los Angeles, 2800 Via Cabrillo-Marina, San Pedro, Calif., 90731.

By Sarah Spangler