Thousands Gathered at Home of Nation’s Largest Breakbulk Port HOUSTON - The Port of Houston Authority proudly served as host port for another successful Breakbulk Americas Conference, which drew more than 5,000 delegates to the city Oct. 5-8. The conference has an estimated economic impact of $3.6 million to the greater Houston region, taking into consideration revenues driven by hotel accommodations, transportation and restaurant services throughout the event. Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria took the stage to provide welcome remarks to a packed exhibition hall to kick off the conference sessions. “We are diligently preparing for the rapid growth that lies ahead along the Houston Ship Channel,” Chairman Longoria told attendees. The Port Authority continues to make investments in its infrastructure to capture new trade opportunities at the nation’s largest breakbulk port. Terminal road improvements will provide increased mobility and efficiencies for handling breakbulk cargo. And development of new acreage next to Wharf 32 will add much-needed area for laydown space and cargo movement. The Port of Houston Authority, which is the largest steel port complex in North America, hosted the 26th annual Breakbulk Americas conference in Houston this year after being named the primary host port in 2014. In its fourth year as host port, the Port Authority sponsored the Evening Welcome Reception Oct. 6. “We are excited to be naming Houston our home for the foreseeable future,” Breakbulk Events & Media Americas Sales Director Christian Blair Thompson said. “Being in the center of the oil and gas industry, as well as the largest breakbulk terminal city, just makes the perfect fit.” More than 340 exhibitioners showcased the world’s major carriers, freight forwarders and more than 40 ports that handle specialized heavy-lift, project and breakbulk cargo and roll on/roll off (ro-ro) logistics. “The vibe on the floor is absolutely exciting. Breakbulk really does love calling Houston home and it shows,” Thompson said.