PORT OF LOS ANGELES TO BRING WORLD PORTS CONFERENCE TO LOS ANGELES IN 2013
Up To 1,000 Visitors Expected To Generate More Than $3.6 Million in Economic Activity for Los Angeles Area
SAN PEDRO, Calif. — July 6, 2011 — The Port of Los Angeles has started preparations to host the International Association of Ports and Harbors’ (IAPH) 28th World Ports Conference, to be held in Los Angeles May 6-10, 2013.
The World Ports Conference will take place at the JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles. It is estimated that the conference will generate more than $3.6 million in economic activity in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. As the conference host, the Port of Los Angeles -- a non-taxpayer funded port authority -- is making the upfront investments to promote the conference, reserve facilities and create sponsorship opportunities. These activities will be managed through a non-profit 501c4 entity approved in May by the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners.
As many as 1,000 IAPH member delegates and guests will attend the biannual conference – most of whom will travel to Southern California from destinations beyond North America. As an organization, IAPH was formed nearly six decades ago due, in part, by a convening of members from the global port community in Los Angeles in 1955.
“The City and Port of Los Angeles are pleased and honored to host the 28th World Ports Conference that will generate millions of dollars for our City by spurring two of our largest industries: trade and tourism,” said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. “With the largest shipping container port in the country, the City of Los Angeles is uniquely qualified to host this forum for the global port community to discuss common industry issues such as safety, climate change and clean technology standards.”
“The Port of Los Angeles is a very active member of the IAPH and collaborates with leading ports elsewhere in the world through the IAPH forum,” added IAPH Secretary General Susumu Naruse. “To that end, we look forward to convening the ports of the world in 2013 for a very enjoyable and productive 28th World Ports Conference in Los Angeles.”
Founded in 1955, the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) is a nonprofit global alliance of roughly 200 ports and 150 maritime companies and institutes representing about 90 countries. The IAPH is dedicated to fostering cooperation among ports and harbors and promoting the vital role they play in creating a peaceful, more prosperous world. Based in Tokyo and recognized as the only voice speaking for ports around the globe, the IAPH has Consultative NGO status from the United Nations and is active in developing international trade and maritime policy. IAPH member ports handle about 80 percent of world container traffic and more than 60 percent of all international maritime trade.
The Port of Los Angeles is America’s premier port and has a strong commitment to developing innovative strategic and sustainable operations that benefit the economy as well as the quality of life for the region and the nation it serves. As the leading seaport in North America in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port generates more than 830,000 regional jobs and $35 billion in annual wages and tax revenues. A proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles, the Port is self-supporting and does not receive taxpayer dollars.
The Port of Los Angeles – A cleaner port. A brighter future.