August 26, 2025
Economic Development
PORT
DATE: August 26, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Charles Gerard, Port Director
Subject:
Approval for International Travel for Port Director to
Québec Canada for the 114th American Association of
Port Authorities Annual Convention
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The proposed $5,195 expenditure is included within the approved fiscal year 2025-2026 Port budget (Account
String: 40161080-400243).
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) is
an international organization across North America. Port Director Charles Gerard is an active member of this
industry organization and plans to attend the annual
conference. The 2025 conference is being held in
Québec, Canada from October 6-8, 2025. City Council
approval is required for international travel.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: APPROVE the request for international travel for the Richmond Port Director, Charles Gerard, to Québec City, Québec, Canada for the 114th American Association of
Port Authorities Annual Convention & Exposition with
dates of October 6-8, 2025 – Economic Development
(Charles Gerard/510-620-6792).
AGENDA
REPORT
August 26, 2025
DISCUSSION:
About the AAPA Convention
The 114th American Association of Port Authorities Annual (AAPA) Convention & Exposition is a premier event for the seaport industry. The 2025 event will be hosted in Québec City, Québec Canada from October 6-8, 2025. The event allows gathering of port professionals, terminal operators, service providers, and supply chain partners. Its leading-edge business program explores the latest trends, and its dynamic exhibit hall showcases innovative solutions. It provides access to top decision makers, professionals and experts through invaluable networking, technical and policy sessions.
The Annual Convention is AAPA’s largest membership meeting of the year, allowing port professionals, transportation leaders and marine industry innovators to explore trends and discover solutions that empower ports, people and businesses.
As global trade undergoes significant transformation, this year’s convention offers a timely forum to hear from leading voices, exchange insights with peers, and explore new strategies to strengthen Port industry. It’s also a unique opportunity for ports across the Americas, including the United States, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean to deepen cross-border collaboration.
The important elements for the Port Director to attend the 2025 AAPA Convention & Exposition are:
Government Advocacy and Access
Engage directly with federal decision-makers shaping port policy. Demonstrate industry strength through unified presence and collective influence.
Peer Learning and Strategic Insight
Engage in open, peer-to-peer dialogue focused on real challenges and practical solutions. Gain actionable ideas on funding, infrastructure, security, and resilience.
Networking and Industry Alignment
Reconnect with peers, partners, and vendors in a dynamic, collaborative setting.
Share insights across regions—trading lessons learned and success stories that elevate the entire industry.
Visibility and Influence
Ensure your port’s voice is represented in key industry conversations. Position yourself or your organization for leadership roles within the industry.
Showcasing and Storytelling
Share your port’s story and highlight its impact. Highlight operational excellence, community engagement, and sustainability.
August 26, 2025
SYNERGISTIC POLICIES:
AAPA membership supports the Port’s mission and objectives. Participation will allow best practices in port operations, leadership, and strategic planning while also strengthening industry connections that could lead to future opportunities for building revenue, creating innovation, collaboration and growth.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Request for Travel Memo
Attachment 2 – Request for Travel and Training_Charles AAPA Quebec Attachment 3 – AAPA Annual Convention Agenda