conference agenda

7:30amRegistration, breakfast and exhibit opening runs from 7:30am - 8:00am. The events below run until 6:00pm, followed by a cocktail reception.

8:00am
Master of Ceremony: Joyce Hammock, Canadian Sailings Magazine, Publisher & Editor (bio)
Event Introduction: Mayor Fred Eisenberger, City of Hamilton (bio)
Neil Everson, Hamilton Economic Development, Director (bio)

Panel 1: Multimodal Gateway – The Routes to Bring It All Together

8:30am

The Southwestern Ontario transportation hub is without question a thriving and growing engine for economic success, serving as the gateway both to and from the world.  But how do companies maximize the available routes to advance their supply chain?  How can you effectively integrate the various modes of transportation and logistics operations?  How do you manage the ever escalating economic and competitive pressures in the field?  The panelists will explore these and many other pressing questions, as they draw upon years of practical experience to provide insightful and pertinent commentary on the region’s stronger future as a transportation and logistics gateway. 

10:00amNetworking break & visit exhibits

10:30amPanel 2: Getting It Airborne – Accessibility, Affordability, ASAP

Prompt and efficient delivery is at a premium in today’s hyper-energized business environment.  Yet, the demands on air cargo have never been more pronounced, as rising cost and operational factors continue to exacerbate the pressures on management decisions pertaining to air freight.  Leaders in the air freight sector, drawing upon their extensive experience in the field, will speak on their company’s initiatives to advance their air cargo operations, control costs and access the expanded potential afforded by round-the-clock operations (including Customs inspections), while avoiding congestion and delays.

12:15pmLunch and Keynote Speaker: Rob MacIsaac, Chairman of Metrolinx (bio)

Rob MacIsaac is the chairman of Metrolinx (previously known as the Greater Toronto Transportation Authority), and former Mayor of the City of Burlington, having been appointed by the provincial government with coordinating and integrating all modes of transportation in the region.  Mr. MacIsaac will address initiatives in the commercial transportation sector and its anticipated impact on promoting national and cross-border trade.

1:45pmPanel 3: Optimizing Marine Advantages – Unseen Opportunities

The maritime sector is in the midst of an economic renaissance, as its historical allocation of prime waterfront real estate is being rediscovered.  Situated in the highly enviable position of being located on the primary routes to trade and commerce, it powers economic development and competitive efficiencies.  The panelists will discuss their experiences in optimizing their marine location, together with further opportunities made available through modernizing port lands and Brownfields legislation.

3:45pmPanel 4: Supply Chain Security: Changes, Challenges and Compliance in 2008

Security obligations have been elevated to a new level with the revisions of the Canada Border Services Agency’s Partners in Protection program and Transport Canada’s new Air Cargo Security Initiative.  Organizations are under increased pressure to comply with a myriad of new security requirements, as they work to insure that supply chains are not compromised.  Government representatives have been invited to discuss their objectives and their intentions for collaborating with business to create efficiencies, not delays.  Industry and freight forwarder representatives will also participate on the panel, addressing the challenges that need to be overcome and providing practical suggestions to guide delegates through what appears as an overwhelmingly complex security burden.

5:15pmKeynote Speaker: Dr. Jayson Myers, President of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (bio)

Dr. Jayson Myers, president and chief-economist of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, who will address the major challenges impacting Canada’s manufacturing sector.  Particular attention will be directed towards the opportunities to optimize transportation and logistics operations in the reinvigoration of the manufacturing sector and how these fields can more effectively work together to achieve improved results.

5:45pmNetworking cocktail reception