AGLPA 2026 Annual Conference
July 30–31, 2026 | Chicago, IL
Loews Chicago Hotel
Agenda at a Glance
Thursday, July 30, 2026
- Registration: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Welcome Lunch/Networking: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
- Sessions: 1:00 pm – 5:15 pm
- Dinner Cruise: 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Friday, July 31, 2026
- Breakfast: 8:00 am – 9:00 am
- Morning Sessions: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Lunch: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
- Afternoon Sessions: 1:00 pm – 3:15 pm
Join Us for the Premier Great Lakes Maritime Event.
The American Great Lakes Ports Association (AGLPA) Annual Summer Conference is the largest U.S.-based maritime event on the Great Lakes, bringing together the leaders shaping the region’s future.
This year, we return to the Loews Chicago Hotel, where 250+ maritime executives, policymakers, and industry stakeholders will convene for two days of insight, strategy, and high-impact networking.
Hear from port leaders, government officials, and industry experts on the most pressing and promising developments shaping the future of Great Lakes maritime commerce, and be part of the conversations driving our region forward.
Registration includes two days of conference activities, including speaker sessions, event meals, and our private dinner cruise. Plus, enjoy a reduced rate of $249 per night at our host hotel, the Loews Chicago.
- AGLPA Port & Associate Members: $695
- Non-Members: $850
- U.S. Federal Government: $500
Become an Associate Member of AGLPA and unlock exclusive benefits—including discounted conference registration for your entire team.
BECOME A SPONSOR
Position your organization at the center of the Great Lakes maritime community.
As the only organization dedicated exclusively to U.S. Great Lakes public ports, AGLPA 2026 offers sponsors unmatched visibility, access, and engagement with decision-makers from across the region.
AGLPA 2026 Early Event Sponsors
Platinum Sponsor
Reception Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Available
Media Sponsors
Associate Sponsor
Meet Our 2026 Speakers
Expect engaging sessions, timely topics, and valuable insights from an outstanding lineup of speakers.
Check back for additional speakers and this year’s agenda!
Kevin Beardsley
Executive Director, Duluth Seaway Port Authority
Bio
Kevin Beardsley is Executive Director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, bringing more than 25 years of experience in financial management, strategic planning, and public-sector operations. His leadership has helped drive record cargo volumes across the Port. He also serves as Treasurer of the American Great Lakes Ports Association (AGLPA).
Joe Cappel
Vice President of Business Development, Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority
Bio
Joe Cappel is VP of Business Development for the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, where he helps drive business growth and strategic development. His work spans transportation planning, terminal development, government relations, and environmental initiatives. He also serves as Treasurer of the American Great Lakes Ports Association (AGLPA).
Capt. Stephen M. Carmel
Administrator, Maritime Administration (MARAD)
Bio
As Administrator of MARAD, Capt. Stephen M. Carmel oversees national maritime policy, port development, and workforce initiatives. Drawing on decades of leadership in commercial shipping and maritime operations, he brings extensive industry expertise to advancing America's maritime future.
Jeff Epstein
President & CEO, Port of Cleveland
Bio
As President & CEO of the Port of Cleveland, Jeff Epstein brings more than 20 years of experience in economic development, public-private partnerships, and urban investment. Previously Cleveland’s Chief of Integrated Development, he led financing and redevelopment initiatives supporting more than $3 billion in regional investment.
Emily Finnell
Great Lakes Senior Advisor and Strategist, Michigan EGLE
Bio
Coming Soon!
Eric Griffin
VP, Global Energy Sales - Viasat Energy Services
Bio
Coming Soon!
David S. Gutheil
Chief Operating Officer, Port of Cleveland
Bio
David Gutheil is Chief Operating Officer at the Port of Cleveland and a board member of the American Great Lakes Ports Association (AGLPA). With more than 30 years of experience in transportation, logistics, and maritime commerce, he has led strategic growth, business development, and port operations initiatives throughout his career.
Jennifer L. Homendy
Chairwoman, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
Bio
The Honorable Jennifer L. Homendy, is Chairwoman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), where she leads efforts to advance transportation safety across all modes. A recognized voice in U.S. and global policy, she is a strong advocate for maritime safety and infrastructure resilience.
Jason Janisch
Climate & Energy Policy Advisor, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation
Bio
As Climate & Energy Policy Advisor for the IRRR, Janisch works at the intersection of industrial transformation, energy transition, and regional economic strategy. He helps translate trends in industrial decarbonization, emerging steel technologies, and global trade into strategies that guide public investment and regional planning.
Capt. Paul C. LaMarre, III
Director, Port of Monroe
Bio
Capt. LaMarre is Director of the Port of Monroe and President of the AGLPA. A third-generation Great Lakes mariner and licensed tug captain, he is widely recognized for his leadership in maritime advocacy and for revitalizing the Port of Monroe into a national model for seaport redevelopment.
Randy Lane
Freight & Maritime Manager, Ohio Department of Transportation
Bio
Randy Lane is the Freight and Maritime Manager for the Ohio Department of Transportation, responsible for development of the ODOT’s freight related planning initiatives and statewide freight and maritime coordination. Randy previously served as Administrator of ODOT’s Office of Local Programs and the Director of Programming for the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), the MPO for the Cleveland urbanized area.
Tiffany McClelland
Executive Director, Lorain Port and Finance Authority
Bio
Tiffany McClelland is the Executive Director of the Lorain Port and Finance Authority and serves on the board of the American Great Lakes Ports Association (AGLPA).
J.M. (Mike) McCoshen
Administrator, Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation
Bio
As GLS Administrator, Mr. McCoshen oversees the U.S. portion of the Seaway and leads efforts to strengthen maritime trade and economic development across the region. He has over 45 years of experience in maritime transportation and waterfront operations and has helped move more than 200 million tons of cargo through the Seaway System over his career.
Brian McCoy
Marine Transportation Program Planning Specialist, IDOT
Bio
Coming Soon!
Thomas McKenney, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Engineering Practice, University of Michigan
Bio
McKenney is an Associate Professor at U of M, leading research in ship design, maritime systems, and advanced technologies. Previously, he was Head of Ship Design at the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping and held senior roles at Royal Caribbean Group. He holds four degrees, including a Ph.D. focused on early-stage ship design methods.
Amanda Minks
Project Manager, The Foth Companies
Bio
Minks has more than 15 years of experience leading environmental permitting, compliance, and stakeholder engagement initiatives. She has managed complex projects involving waterways, wetlands, habitat restoration, and regulatory policy, working closely with agencies including the USACE, EPA, USFWS, and NOAA.
Eric Oberhart
Transportation Program Director, Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers
Bio
Eric Oberhart is the Maritime Program Director at GSGP. He leads initiatives advancing sustainable shipping, infrastructure development, and economic growth throughout the region to strengthen the competitiveness of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway system.
Jody Peacock
Chief Executive Officer, Ports of Indiana
Bio
Jody Peacock is CEO of the Ports of Indiana, a self-funded statewide port authority supporting over $7.8 billion in annual economic activity. He leads efforts to grow Indiana’s economy by expanding multimodal freight connections across the state’s three ports.
Mark Schrupp
Executive Director, Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority
Bio
Mark Schrupp is the Executive Director of the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority and serves on the board of the American Great Lakes Ports Association (AGLPA).
Benjamin (Benji) Timm
Port Director, Port Milwaukee
Bio
As Director of Port Milwaukee, Benjamin (Benji) Timm leverages more than 25 years of experience in economic development, industrial redevelopment, and business attraction. His work with the City of Milwaukee has shaped a deep understanding of the Port’s role in supporting regional commerce and growth.
Adam Tindall-Schlicht
Sector Lead, Ports, Transportation & Infrastructure, Ramboll
Bio
Adam Tindall-Schlicht is Americas Sector Lead for Ramboll, where he supports sustainable port, infrastructure and transportation across North America. He previously served as Administrator of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation and as Director of Port Milwaukee.
Erik Varela
Executive Director, Illinois International Port District (IIPD)
Bio
As Executive Director of the IIPD-Port of Chicago, Varela leads one of the nation’s key multimodal transportation hubs. A former senior public affairs executive, he brings extensive experience in transportation, government affairs, economic development, and public policy. He is also Vice President of the American Great Lakes Ports Association (AGLPA).
Nick Zager
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Bio
Nick Zager is Chief of Operations for USACE–Detroit District and Great Lakes Navigation Team Lead. He oversees dredging, maintenance, operations, regulatory and emergency efforts in MI, WI, and MN and is the primary USACE contact for Great Lakes navigation budgeting and stakeholder engagement.
Additional Speakers Coming Soon!
Bio
Check back for speaker updates and our finalized agenda!