Sponsored by Matson with support from ATOSSCOM and Saipan Shipping Company The Country Club of the Pacific is a landmark heritage golf course on Guam that was founded in 1973 and designed by renowned Japanese golf course architects Seizo Tomizawa and Hirochika Tomizawa. The breathtaking 18-hole golf course seamlessly incorporates the beauty of the surrounding […]

Association business.

Your first stop at the APP 112th Annual Conference…grab your name tag, delegate bag and start networking!

An informal consultation session with U.S. territory port representatives on federal maritime programs, funding access, and technical assistance priorities. Open to APP member ports from Guam, American Samoa, CNMI, and U.S. Pacific island affiliates.

Gus Hein Mid-Pacific Gateway Director
U.S. Maritime Administration

BEACH CEREMONY: CHAMORU WELCOME & WERIYENG CANOE ARRIVAL Hosted by the Port Authority of Guam and Jacobs Delegates gather at the Hyatt Regency Beach. The CHamoru cultural welcome begins — chants and singing rising from the shore. Simultaneously, the Micronesian School of Weriyeng’s canoe sails in from the sea. The canoe’s arrival and the CHamoru […]

Conchita SN Taitano Vice-Chairperson, Board of Directors
Port Authority of Guam

The Honorable Jesse L.G. Alig Mayor
Municipality of Piti, Guam

Sponsored by the Department of Port Administration American Samsoa

APP President Conchita Taitano, Vice Chairperson, Board of Port Authority of Guam will officially call the 112th Annual Conference to order.

Conchita SN Taitano Vice-Chairperson, Board of Directors
Port Authority of Guam

Welcome remarks to open the APP’s 112th Annual Conference: – The Host Port — on behalf of the Port Authority of Guam, Rory J. Respicio, General Manager – The Governor of Guam, The Honorable Lourdes Aflague Leon Guerrero – The Lieutenant Governor of Guam, The Honorable Joshua “Josh” Franquez Tenorio – The Port’s Legislative Oversight […]

Rory J. Respicio General Manager
Port Authority of Guam

Senator Jesse A. Lujan Senator
38th Guam Legislature

The Honorable Joshua Franquez Tenorio Lieutenant Governor of Guam
Office of the Governor

The Honorable Lourdes Aflague Leon Guerrero Governor of Guam
Office of the Governor

Confirmation pending…

Briefing on the Trump Administration’s Maritime Action Plan (February 2026), the Executive Order on Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance, the proposed Maritime Security Trust Fund, Section 301 port fees, and implications for Pacific island ports.

Gus Hein Mid-Pacific Gateway Director
U.S. Maritime Administration

Sponsored by HDR

Military Buildup, Pacific Supply Chain Resilience, and What It Means for Your Port With military construction accelerating across the western Pacific — on Tinian, in Yap State, and on Peleliu — and the Marine Corps relocation from Okinawa to Guam reshaping the region’s logistics landscape, this session examines what the buildup demands of the ports […]

Derek Chow Business Development Manager
Burns & McDonnell

Lee Cabrera President
Association of Terminal Operators, Stevedoring and Shipping Companies of Micronesia

Michelle Quidachay General Manager, APL Guam & Saipan
American President Lines

The Association of Pacific Ports and the Association of Terminal Operators, Stevedoring and Shipping Companies of Micronesia will officially enter into a Reciprocal Membership Agreement, confirming their commitment to collaborate on issues that promote education and professionalism.

Conchita SN Taitano Vice-Chairperson, Board of Directors
Port Authority of Guam

Lee Cabrera President
Association of Terminal Operators, Stevedoring and Shipping Companies of Micronesia

Sponsored by the Port of Long Beach

In her presentation, U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds, Representative for the Northern Mariana Islands, explores the theme “Strengthening Our Shared Pacific”, emphasizing collaboration among ports, governments, and communities across the region. She will highlight the importance of resilient infrastructure, cultural connection, and economic cooperation in navigating shared challenges such as climate change and supply chain disruption. […]

Kimberlyn King-Hinds Representative, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands
U.S. Congress

Following from the morning session which looked at strategic logistics for military buildup, this session will focus on supply chain logistics from the perspective of disaster recovery. Using the very recent example of Typhoon Sinlaku, panelists will consider the impact of the typhoon and highlight how pre-planning and collaboration were key to recovery.

Esther Ada Executive Director
Commonwealth Ports Authority, Northern Mariana Islands

Michael Legler Transportation Planning Program Analyst -- Distribution Center Hawaii | Logistics Management Directorate
Federal Emergency Management Agency

Rory J. Respicio General Manager
Port Authority of Guam

Tricia Granillo Vice President
AM Insurance

A discussion on how Pacific ports can access and leverage U.S. federal funding programs. The panel will highlight eligibility, application strategies, and real-world case studies, helping port leaders navigate complex funding landscapes to advance infrastructure, resilience, sustainability, and economic growth initiatives.

Gus Hein Mid-Pacific Gateway Director
U.S. Maritime Administration

Joe G. Javellana III Chief Planner
Port Authority of Guam

Kimberly Mak Energy Coordinator, Technologies and Partnerships Section
USEPA

An opportunity for Associate Members and non-port Sponsors to highlight their products and services to delegates.

Sponsored by exp

As the Pacific continues to shape global trade, ports must adapt to evolving supply chains, emerging technologies, and increasing resilience challenges. Sang Yi, President and CEO of the American Association of Port Authorities will explore the trends driving the future of ports and highlight how collaboration, innovation, and strategic investment can strengthen maritime connectivity and economic […]

Sang Yi President and CEO
American Association of Port Authorities

An opportunity for Associate Members and non-port Sponsors to highlight their products and services to delegates.

The tradition continues! This session allows port representatives to provide updates on major projects, business trends and issues they face within their jurisdiction. The Port Update session is a cornerstone of APP’s mission to foster idea-sharing, allow delegates to recognize patterns within the port community, and identify solutions to common challenges without having to ‘reinvent […]

Sponsored by the Port of Hueneme with support from Landscape Management Systems

A comprehensive briefing on PAG operations, 50th anniversary milestones, current infrastructure projects, federal grant management, sustainability initiatives, and the port’s role as the critical gateway for Guam’s economy and the region’s supply chain.

Rory J. Respicio General Manager
Port Authority of Guam

An opportunity for Associate Members and non-port Sponsors to highlight their products and services to delegates.

With nearly eight decades of expertise to provide clients comprehensive solutions to challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, aging infrastructure and emerging contaminants, Jacobs’ work with the Port Authority of Guam is a text book example of how to develop and implement comprehensive strategies to address emissions inventory, climate and air quality planning, zero-emission […]

Emily Sanders Adaptation & Efficiency Lead -- Ports & Maritime
Jacobs

The US Navy’s innovative Glass Breakwater repair project is a large-scale example of the sustainable repair/rehabilitation of deteriorated coastal/marine infrastructure in the Pacific. Representatives from the Black Construction Corporation and Baird & Associates will discuss the 80 year history of typhoon damage and ad-hoc repairs to this structure, and how recycled rock materials are being […]

Erica Treflik-Body, Ph.D. Junior Coastal Engineer
W.F. Baird & Associates

Michael Delaney Senior Project Manager
Black Construction Corporation (Guam)

Join representatives from the US Navy, TPC NAN JV and Baird & Associates for an exclusive site visit to the US Navy’s innovative Glass Breakwater Repair Project. This first-hand tour will provide participants with a unique opportunity to observe the project’s ongoing construction, including key design features and the use of recycled rock materials in […]

Lunch hosted by the Port Authority of Guam and the Port Authority of Guam Goodwill and Morale Association in a relaxed beachside setting — celebrating the CHamoru tradition of gathering, sharing food, and building community.

This timely panel session will explore how ports across the Pacific are advancing toward net-zero operations while maintaining efficiency, resiliency, and economic competitiveness. Panelists will discuss practical strategies for decarbonizing marine terminals, electrifying cargo-handling equipment, implementing shore power, and integrating alternative fuels and renewable energy systems. They will also examine funding pathways, regulatory pressures, digital […]

Anna Joy Tagatac-Quito Officer in Charge, Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority

Joe Carrillo Regional Vice President, Northern California
SSA Marine

Kristi McKenney Executive Director
Port of Oakland

An opportunity for Associate Members and non-port Sponsors to highlight their products and services to delegates.

Discover how critical infrastructure operators are preparing for the future in this dynamic presentation by National Laboratory of the Rockies. Tailored for both seaport and airport leaders, the session will explore emerging technologies, operational resilience, cybersecurity, infrastructure modernization, and integrated logistics strategies shaping transportation gateways across the Pacific region. Attendees will gain insight into innovative […]

Jason Lustbader Group Manager, Center for Integrated Mobility Sciences
National Laboratory of the Rockies

An opportunity for Associate Members and non-port Sponsors to highlight their products and services to delegates.

Taiwan International Ports Corporation demonstrates how ports are playing a critical role in the rapid growth of offshore wind development across the Asia-Pacific region. This presentation will highlight Taiwan’s experience in building the infrastructure, logistics networks, and industry partnerships needed to support large-scale offshore wind projects. Attendees will gain insight into port planning, supply chain […]

Jerry Su Manager, TIPC Investment Department
Taiwan International Ports Corporation

Sponsored by Black Construction Corporation with support from the Port of Stockton and the Port of Redwood City Held every Wednesday evening in the heart of Hagåtña, the CHamoru Village Night Market is one of Guam’s most vibrant cultural experiences. Visitors can stroll through rows of local vendors offering handmade crafts, island souvenirs, fresh tropical […]

Sponsored by Hawaii Department of Transportation Harbors with support from Smithbridge Guam

The Annual General Meeting of the Association of Pacific Ports — all are welcome!

This session explores how whole-of-life asset management enables ports to maximize the value, resilience, and performance of critical infrastructure from planning and design through operation, maintenance, renewal, and eventual replacement. Drawing on the lessons of the Port of Alaska Modernization Program, presenters will demonstrate how life-cycle planning, risk-based decision-making, and strategic investment can reduce long-term […]

John Daley Engineering Manager, Port of Alaska Modernization Program, Port of Alaska
Don Young Port of Alaska

Steven Martinez, PE, PMP Senior Associate
Liftech Consultants Inc.

Every port is already more digitally connected than it was five years ago — and more connected than many staff realize. This session, moderated by Rigo Cisneros, starts inside the fence line, helping port authorities of all sizes take practical stock of what they have connected, make smarter decisions about what comes next, and protect […]

DreanaLee Kalili Deputy Director
Hawaii Department of Transportation

Eddie Galang Chief Information Security Officer
Port of Long Beach

Gus Hein Mid-Pacific Gateway Director
U.S. Maritime Administration

Rigo Cisneros Director, Global Advisory
Jacobs

An opportunity for Associate Members and non-port Sponsors to highlight their products and services to delegates.

The session, moderated by Rigo Cisneros, Jacobs, explores how Pacific ports of all sizes are using technology to work smarter — not just bigger. Whether leveraging data to enhance operational performance, resilience, or decision-making, the port industry is actively employing real-time analytics, digital twins, and predictive tools to optimize berth utilization and cargo dwell times, […]

David Yeo Founder and Group CEO
Innovez One

Rigo Cisneros Director, Global Advisory
Jacobs

Sponsored by Hofschneider Engineering Corporation

Ports face increasing pressure to maximize the lifespan of critical infrastructure. This session, moderated by Jacobs’ Rigo Cisneros, explores innovative technologies, data-driven maintenance strategies, and best practices that enhance asset performance, reduce lifecycle costs, and improve resilience. Learn how forward-thinking ports are extending asset life while maintaining safety, efficiency, and long-term operational sustainability.

Carla Neal Business Development Manager
Vector Corrosion Technologies Inc.

Rigo Cisneros Director, Global Advisory
Jacobs

Sean Chapman Senior Vice President
Marine Solutions Inc.

Steven Martinez, PE, PMP Senior Associate
Liftech Consultants Inc.

An opportunity for Associate Members and non-port Sponsors to highlight their products and services to delegates.

Sponsored by the Port of San Diego, the Port of Nanaimo, and EA Engineering, Science,and Technology, Inc., PBC, 

Highlighting the work of ADB as a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific.

Kaoru Kasahara Principal Transport Specialist
Asian Development Bank

Jason Giffen of the Port of San Diego will explore how ports can become catalysts for sustainable economic growth through innovative blue economy initiatives. This presentation highlights the Port’s pioneering Blue Economy Incubator model, which supports start-ups focused on aquaculture, coastal resiliency, maritime decarbonization, ocean monitoring, and environmental restoration. Attendees will learn how the incubator […]

Jason H. Giffen Chief Sustainability & Innovation Officer
Port of San Diego

An opportunity for Associate Members and non-port Sponsors to highlight their products and services to delegates.

Ports operating in complex regulatory and community environments know that stakeholder concern — left unaddressed — becomes opposition. This session offers a practical framework for transforming that concern into informed advocacy, where early buy-in drives lasting support and project success.

Shannon Arnold CEO/Founder
Path Strategy LLC

APP now-Past President Conchita Taitano — Conference summary, acknowledgments, and call to action reflecting the spirit of inafa’maolek.

New APP President Kirk DeJesus thanks the Port Authority of Guam and APP’s outgoing President, provides overview (video) of Port of Stockton and invites attendees to 113th Annual Conference (noting also the APP 2027 Winter Conference will be first – January 27 to 29, 2027, Honolulu, Hawaii)

Si Yu’os Ma’åse — Thank You Attendees departing August 7 are encouraged to explore Guam’s natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.