The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) is holding its Annual Conference in the heart of the Paris on 25 and 26 April.
This year’s conference in the French capital can simply not be missed, for various reasons. We are listing the five most important ones here
1° The theme: “Net-zero, resilient and competitive ports: acting now to deliver tomorrow”. Also in 2024, the new normal will most likely be defined by disruption, geo-economic and geo-political tensions leading to more frequent disruptions to supply chains, greater volatility on the energy markets and a fiercer international competition. Adding to this the need to act and progress on the ambitions and concrete policies that Europe has put in place over the last five years, it is clear there is a lot to discuss. The conference will combine very hands-on “how to implement ” sessions with sessions broadening the lens and addressing how to pave the way towards a sustainable, resilient, smart and more competitive Europe - a journey/task/ in which ports are playing more than ever a critical and strategic role. So, reasons enough for the European port community to gather in Paris, for ports and port stakeholders to put their heads together and share knowledge, and for policymakers to enter into dialogue with the sector.
2° The speakers and experts: we have already a good line up of top and offthe beaten track speakers and experts for these two days, and more are yet to come. Check our conference website regularly to see which port experts, academics and policy makers we have lined up for you.
3° Paris, évidemment! Did you ever discuss the future of ports in the heart of one of a the most beautiful cities in the world? Ever experienced “April in Paris, chestnuts in blossom, holiday tables under the trees' - as eloquently sung by Ella Fitzgerald. And what do you think of spending two days in Paris, when the city is finalising its preparations for the Olympics and getting the opportunity to sail on the Seine along the route which will be used during the opening of the Olympics? The ESPO Conference is taking place in a state-of-the-art conference venue in the city’s beautiful second arondissement, located next to the Opéra and Bourse. For the conference dinner, our hosts have chosen a place you will not easily forget: the “musée des arts forains”. You cannot really imagine what to expect there? Perfect, be surprised.
4° The annual highlight of the European port industry: 2024 marks the 20th edition of ESPO Conferences. Over time, the ESPO Conferences have developed into a real annual highlight of the European Sea Port industry. Are you a port manager and you want to meet, discuss and exchange with your colleagues? Are you a policy maker in charge of port and port-related issues? Are you a port stakeholder or user, looking for new opportunities? Book now your seat and be part of this unique event.
5° The host: our host this year is Union des Ports de France. UPF is the trade association of French commercial and fishing ports, as well as fishing auctions, in mainland and overseas France. Who better to host this Olympic edition than all the French seaports? Join us and take part in everything our host has planned for us.
The programme and all practical information are available on the conference website including to book and any practical questions or need support with your registrations, do not hesitate to contact: [email protected]
