AAPA and GPA to Host Conference

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), in coordination with the Georgia Ports Authority, will host the seminar Communicating the Importance of Infrastructure Investment, June 21-23, at the Hyatt Regency in Savannah, Ga.

Targeting public and government relations professionals throughout the freight transportation industry, the conference will focus on effectively communicating with policymakers, and those who influence policy, on the benefits of freight infrastructure improvements.

“We appreciate the work the AAPA does on behalf of our seaports and look forward to this informative communications seminar that will help those who advocate for freight,” said GPA’s Executive Director Curtis J. Foltz. “We welcome Atlanta Mayor Reed and Senator Mattingly, along with port communicators from throughout the U.S., Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.”

Among the array of multimodal experts on transportation policy, government relations and public communications will be keynote speakers Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, representing the Building America's Future coalition, who will address the topic of Successfully Promoting the Infrastructure Investment Agenda; and former U.S. Senator Mack Francis Mattingly (R-GA 1981-87), who will address Effectively Communicating with Key Legislators.

Another focus of the program will be to help those who advocate for freight break down the barriers that may separate their organization's government relations and public relations functions.

"With tight budgets at local, regional and federal levels, it is more important than ever that individuals, businesses, ports and other entities with a vested interest in goods movement strongly and effectively advocate for a greater focus on, and heightened funding for, freight transportation infrastructure," said AAPA President/CEO Kurt Nagle.

Other seminar topics include:
· Infrastructure Agendas of Freight Stakeholder Groups
· Successful Activities That Promote the Value of Infrastructure Investment
· Measuring Success By Outcomes and Outputs
· Utilizing Social Media for Internal & External Stakeholder Outreach
· Perspectives on Connecting With Policymakers
· Effective "Grassroots" Advocacy Programs
· Rising Above the Clamor-Leveraging the Media Spotlight
· Are Gateways the Way?