Alexandria, Va -- Jan. 23, 2007 -- The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) will host the Executive Management Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean on February 12 � 14.

The conference will be held in Miami's Marriott Biscayne Bay Hotel and Marina, and delegates will address issues that are relevant to Caribbean and Latin American port professionals.

Top issues will include navigation dredging, seaport security, port privatization, Panama Canal expansion and port operating strategies.

The seminar's opening keynote address will focus on the impact of industry trends on Latin American and Caribbean ports. TransSystems Corporation principal M. John Vickerman, Jr., and Tampa Port Authority CEO Richard
Wainio will discuss what ports need to do to sustain themselves as globalization evolves.

The three-day event will also feature a discussion on the improvement of transportation system infrastructure to address the competitive aspects of globalization and a presentation on effective leadership in port environments.

On the second day, William Reid, a partner with Victoria-based Elevate Consulting, will share predictions on port finance trends with two other international experts. The trio will also provide forecasting and planning tools for wise financial decisions.

The conference will conclude with a strategic planning workshop with Trainmar Americas regional director Raymond Byl.

More information about the conference is available at www.aapa-ports.org under the "Programs & Events" tab or by calling 703-684-5700.