CMA Shipping returns “in person” to Connecticut

In five weeks, the much-anticipated CMA Shipping expo & conference returns to Connecticut – celebrating both its 36th edition and a return to an “in-person” event after a two-year absence due to the global pandemic.

The three-day conference – presented by the Connecticut Maritime Association; organized by Informa Markets and part of North American Shipping Week – CMA Shipping takes place October 13-15 at the Hilton Stamford Hotel, Stamford, Conn., and includes specialist insights from 50+ shipping experts in a powerful conference agenda; Commodore Gala Dinner; exceptional networking and a free-to-attend exhibition with over 80 booths.

Sharing the positive news that the event will be “in-person” with a shared virtual component, Chris Morley, Group Director, Maritime, Informa Markets, said: “Business is all about people and CMA Shipping brings together the full spectrum of the industry and we cannot wait to see this happen again.”

Addressing any concerns that the industry may have around attending networking occasions, Morley added: “We cannot ignore that the pandemic could continue to impact the way that we want to do some activities, so we want to reassure you that we will remain vigilant, keeping a close eye on local guidelines and working alongside our venue partner in providing and maintaining a clean and safe environment for all attendees.”

As organizers of the event, Informa Markets has adopted Informa AllSecure – 10 key commitments agreed in collaboration with association partners, venues, suppliers, contractors and health, government and local authorities globally to develop industry-wide All Secure best practice guidelines that raise the bar on safe, hygienic, productive and high-quality organized event experiences. More details are available on the event website.

The focus of this year’s CMA Shipping will be to bring the industry together after the last challenging two years and the agenda will address the lessons learned and also the opportunities that lie ahead as trade gets back on track with shipping leading the way.

Across seven different tracks, confirmed speakers include: Lois Zabrocky, CEO of International Seaways, Inc, CMA President, Chris Aversano; Lucinda Lessley, Acting Maritime Administrator, MARAD; DNV CEO, Knut Orbeck-Nilssen; V.Group CEO, Ship Management Bjoern Sprotte; Ardmore Shipping CEO & President, Anthony Gurnee and LISCR Sr Vice President Maritime Operations, Thomas Klenum.

Tracks include The Human Element, Insurance, Greener Shipping, Bunkering & Legal – PLUS the usual keynotes and of course – the Commodore Debate.

Another highlight and free to attend is this year’s expo, which features more than 80 world class exhibitors on the expo floor.

According to Chris Morley: “We have seen a real willingness to get back to business and the number and diversity of exhibitor reflects this.”

The expo hall will showcase leading technology, maritime equipment, fuel and lubricant, safety and sustainability suppliers, ship repair, navigation and communication, software solutions, energy, salvage and emergency response solutions providers, insurers, and maritime recruiters and entry is free.

Each day ends with a networking event with Day 3 evening dedicated to the well-attended and certainly much awaited Commodore Gala Dinner & Afterglow at which the 2021 Commodore Lois Zabrocky will be celebrated in style. Zabrocky carries the Commodorship through from the 2020 virtual event and this year will finally have the chance to be recognised and celebrated in person. A celebration not to be missed!