Hollywood’s John D. Ratzenberger delivers keynote address at the largest regional trade event that brings thousands of project cargo and breakbulk industry professionals together for a three-day networking event

Breakbulk Americas, the region’s largest trade event for the project cargo and breakbulk industry, is welcoming back global sector leaders in-person to discover trends shaping project opportunities and engage in a variety of networking activities. The three-day event will take place Tuesday, Sept. 27 – Thursday, Sept. 29 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, the world’s hub for oil and gas. John D. Ratzenberger, widely known as Cliff Calvin from the longest-running comedy series “Cheers,” will provide the keynote address for all attendees. Ratzenberger has become Hollywood’s most outspoken advocate for manufacturing, skilled labor and the companies that are the foundation of our great country.

As a global conference, exhibition and networking experience, Breakbulk Americas attracts some of the biggest oil and gas companies and top-performing engineering, procurement and construction firms, all groups who are eager to capitalize on the benefits of Breakbulk Americas and connect with new supply chain partners. Attendees include leading energy companies, global and regional specialized service providers and more. This event will feature over 200 exhibitors, showcasing innovative solutions to aid industry progress globally and foster high-value deals among ocean carriers, ports, logistics providers, road transportation, export packers and many more.

“The industry is ready to get together. We have a great list of exhibitors, sponsors and new faces this year,” said Jamie Reesby, Event Director, Breakbulk Americas. “Breakbulk is the place to join all sector leaders and fuel unlimited networking opportunities. This event demonstrates how we can collaborate together to ensure the industry’s success.”

Ready, Set, Engage!

In response to the industry's growing landscape, a greater number of obtainable projects and investments are becoming available. Breakbulk Americas 2022 attendees will have a chance to collaborate with key decision makers on business opportunities from the U.S., Canada, and the Gulf of Mexico to Argentina and the Caribbean while gaining valuable industry intelligence vital to their companies' success in volatile trade markets, resurging projects and large infrastructure investments. The conference program will also feature keynote speakers including Roger Guenther, Executive Director at Port Houston and Ryan Foley, CEO of DHL Industrial Projects.

“From the steel we’ve handled for years to the more-recent wind turbines that arrive via the Houston Ship Channel, breakbulk cargo is a vital part of Port Houston’s business and of the Houston economy," said Roger Guenther, Executive Director, Port Houston. “It makes sense to have the Breakbulk Americas conference here in Houston and we are proud to be the host port again this year. The team at Port Houston looks forward to hosting and meeting with others in the industry during the conference.”

Breakbulk Americas continues to be the region’s largest and most diverse gathering of experts. A partial list of events and sessions includes:

Global Shipper Network Lounge – Sponsored by e2log and the hub for project owners, EPCs, manufacturers and other shippers, this lounge brings together a global network of shippers involved in the engineering, manufacturing and production of industrial projects and project cargo. The lounge will feature private meeting spaces, working sessions from Larsen & Toubro, Fluor and Schlumberger, in addition to a private meet and greet with John D. Ratzenberger.

Chartering Workshop – Hosted by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, this one-day, intermediate level workshop provides an understanding of chartering principles and applications for those who work with chartering contracts. This event will be held Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

After-party at The Rustic – Sponsored by Port of Houston, this free networking event is open to all registered Breakbulk attendees and will feature live music, food and fun. Located at The Rustic, the after-party provides a new setting for attendees to continue to socialize and network outside of daily programming and will take place Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 8:00 – 10:00 p.m., immediately following the Welcome Reception sponsored by Cooper/Ports America.

Women in Breakbulk Breakfast – To encourage further inclusion in a predominantly male-dominated industry, Breakbulk will host a Women in Breakbulk Breakfast event Wednesday, Sept. 28 from 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. at the Marriott Marquis River Oaks Ballroom. This event, sponsored by dship Carriers, will offer women the chance to connect with female colleagues, expanding their networks during the show and beyond. Keynote will be presented by Audrey Murillo, Estimating Lead at Bechtel Corporation.

Jerry Nagel Education Day – In its 12th year, Jerry Nagel Education Day introduces the project cargo and breakbulk industry to students and recent graduates considering a career in one of the most challenging sectors of transportation and logistics, followed by guided tours of the exhibition floor led by the Exporters Competitive Maritime Council (ECMC). The half-day program is designed to attract the next generation of leaders through executive-led instruction and networking. The program will take place Thursday, Sept. 29 from 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the George R. Brown Convention Center and is free for registered educators and students.

Breakbulk Americas will host 11 main stage sessions, sponsored by DHL Industrial Projects, to showcase business opportunities, strategy and answers to the most pressing industry questions.

“The Americas region is a key geography for our growth ambitions at DHL Industrial Projects. It’s therefore critical to embrace all opportunities to meet, greet and connect with our customers, partners and colleagues,” said Ryan Foley, CEO, DHL Industrial Projects, “As the main stage sponsor for the event we are extremely pleased to support Breakbulk Americas and look forward to welcoming you.”

New and notable to the show floor this year are:

Industry Outlook from the Inside, Capacity, Congestion, etc. – Sponsored by AAL Shipping (AAL), this visionary session will delve deeper into rates, capacity, congestion and how ‘normal’ will look in the industry in the short and long term. Additionally, panelists will discuss the continuing challenges they are facing across the supply chain and how current geopolitical events impact the market. The session will feature panelists from McDermott, Jumbo-SAL-Alliance, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A., DHL Industrial Projects, BIMCO, AAL Shipping (AAL) and more. The event will take place Wednesday, Sept. 28 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. on the Breakbulk Main Stage.

US Offshore Wind: The Evolving Supply Chain, Infrastructure and Managing Demand - Sponsored by MAERSK, this session will bring together representatives from across the supply chain to discuss opportunities related to offshore wind development in the Americas and where bottlenecks in the supply chain might cause issues for future projects. Featuring panelists from Liberty Green Logistics, GustoMSC, Tradepoint Atlantic and A.P. Moller- Maersk, the session will take place Wednesday, Sept. 28 from 1:15 – 2:00 p.m. on the Breakbulk Main Stage.

Air Cargo Solutions for Project Cargo – Panelists will address the pressing air cargo challenges and solutions that can help ensure the availability of suitable aircraft for charter to remote global areas. Featuring panelists from CargoLive Logistics, ANTONOV Airlines, Airbus Beluga Transport, Nabors Corporate Services and Schenker Americas, Inc., the session will take place Wednesday, Sept. 28 from 3:00 -3:45 p.m. on the Breakbulk Main Stage.