"Once again, I am inspired at how the inland river community came together for a few days to exchange ideas, grow their business
opportunities and celebrate successes. We are so proud to offer a place for everyone to meet, to learn from each other and grow together."
~Aimee Andres, Executive Director
For our 51st Annual Conference, IRPT headed North to the great city of Milwaukee.
By the Numbers
- 350 + Attendees
- 45 Exhibitors
- over 40 Sponsors
- over 17 Presentations and Speakers
Day 1 | September 30th
On day 1, we started bright and early to move in The CLAW. After, we moved in our other 45 exhibitors.
We hosted two meetings; an IRPT Board Meeting and The American Association of State Highway and Surface Transportation Officials (AASHTO). The AASHTO meeting brought in state DOT's from all over; including Hawaii, Texas, Oklahoma, and Illinois.
Following our busy move-in day, we celebrated and welcomed our attendees at our Welcome Reception.
This event was phenomenal from the food to the drinks to the scenic view of Lake Michigan.
Day 2 | October 1
On this day, attendees heard sessions including;
- Inland Waterway Policy & Infrastructure
- Federal Agency Update
- Inland River Dredging
- A Historical Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the European Federation of Inland Ports (EFIP)
- Port & Terminal Capital Projects
- Resilient Riverports
Later on, we wrapped the night with Dockside Connections at Venue 3.
Day 3 | October 3rd
- On our second day of sessions, we heard from speakers on topics such as;
- Foreign Trade Zones
- Chokepoints & Crossroads: Geopolitical Impacts
- Beyond the Checklist: Evolving Risk Assessment for Facilities
- Commodities Forecast
- Leadership at the Helm
- American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
Following Day 3 sessions, we hosted a sponsor dinner for Core Industries. Here, a table of experts collaborated and plotted a future of growth and expansion. Towards the end, we may have tuned in for Thursday Night Football.
Deputy Director Thoughts
What an incredible experience it was to be part of the IRPT 51st Annual Conference—held in a truly remarkable location and surrounded by an even more remarkable community. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who served, supported, and attended.
This year marked my first time “behind the curtain,” collaborating with Aimee and Tessa to help shape an event that delivered real value to our members. It was both a privilege and a rewarding challenge to contribute to something so meaningful.
Our agenda came to life through dynamic speakers who shared insights across a wide spectrum—from federal updates and geopolitical trends to commodities, port and terminal security, and resilience strategies. The conversations were rich, timely, and engaging.
It was equally inspiring to see attendees connecting with exhibitors throughout the break sessions and beyond—building relationships, exploring solutions, and exchanging ideas.
And what could top that? The evening venues, of course—where fellowship, celebration, and opportunity converged. From the scenic South Shore on Lake Michigan, complete with perfect weather, delicious food, and live music, to the vibrant energy of Venue 3 in downtown Milwaukee, every moment was memorable.
A heartfelt thank you to our board, sponsors, speakers, and volunteers. Your contributions made this event possible. IRPT remains committed to helping our members “Navigate What’s Next”—and we’re excited for the journey ahead. Anthony Gex.
