HOUSTON - The Port of Houston Authority, the largest breakbulk and general cargo port complex in North America, hosted the 27th annual Breakbulk Americas 2016 conference in Houston for the fifth time. The event had an estimated economic impact of $3.2 million to the greater Houston region. More than 5,000 maritime industry professionals, including general cargo owners, terminal operators, ports authorities, ocean carriers and logistics companies gathered at the annual trade show and exposition held Sept. 27-29 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston. During the opening night reception, Port Authority Chairman Janiece Longoria participated in the exhibition hall ribbon cutting and accepted a proclamation for “Port of Houston Days: Breakbulk Americas 2016” on behalf of the City of Houston. The proclamation was presented by Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and Mayor Pro-Tem Ellen Cohen. “We are thrilled to once again host this annual event, bringing thousands of top-tiered shippers together with breakbulk and general cargo service providers,” said Port Authority Executive Director Roger Guenther in his welcoming remarks. “We are continually working to diversify our overall cargo mix at our port, and that includes our breakbulk facilities.” Industry presentations throughout the two and a half-day conference included a shippers panel on project management, as well as other technical sessions on breakbulk trends, trade policy perspectives, assessing and mitigating cargo risk and wind and steel developments. A total of 355 exhibitioners showcased the world’s major carriers, freight forwarders and ports this year, making it one of the largest trade shows in the country in the home of the nation’s largest breakbulk port. “Breakbulk Americas has become a tradition for us here in Houston,” added Guenther.