The Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has completely overshadowed the dramatic change brought about by the implementation of the IMO 2020 global sulphur cap and the subsequent high sulphur fuel carriage ban. This unexpected crisis has forced strict lockdowns the world over, decimated economies, curtailed travel plans, prompted stock market collapse and wreaked havoc in global oil and shipping markets.
As we all know, bunkering is a true ‘contact sport’ where personal interaction and shared experience are every bit as important as the information gathered from industry events – or given the current restraints caused by the Coronavirus – online seminars. But while travelling to attend overseas conferences is impossible at present, the need and desire to communicate with the outside world has never been stronger.
With the pandemic still very present in many countries throughout the world, the decision has been to reschedule this year’s long-anticipated Maritime Week Americas in Panama to May 2021, when – hopefully – the world will be safer and travel and social networking will again be possible.
Instead, we are very excited to be launching the first Maritime Week Americas Virtual Conference, an amazing event designed to recreate the unique sounds, colours and fun of the onsite conferences that hundreds of delegates from all over the Americas have grown to love for more than a decade.
This unique event will offer so much more than a webinar or online meeting by including:
- live debate and Q&A sessions
- 1-to-1 meetings with fellow attendees
- Private access to speakers and sponsors
- Special guests, cameo appearances and lots of surprises.
CONFERENCE SESSIONS
MAXIMISING OPPORTUNITIES IN CHALLENGING TIMES
Rather than markets just coming to terms with the new IMO regulations and contemplating the 2050 greenhouse gas reduction challenge, the entire maritime industry now finds itself facing a very different, insecure and completely unpredictable future.
Against such a background, how will shipping, oil and bunker markets fare during the second half of the year and beyond? And what specific impact will this unprecedented turmoil have on those involved in these markets in North, South and Central America and the Caribbean? The answers may be few and far between, but there is no doubt that these pressing issues will be firmly at the top of the agenda.
The Maritime Week Americas Virtual Conference will consist of ten carefully curated sessions, each designed to offer exciting, sharply focussed and rigorous discussion and featuring the industry’s leading experts.
- Insightful keynotes
- Detailed market analysis
- ‘Live’ interviews with key market players
- Analysis of global and regional fuel characteristics and behaviour
- Examination of bunker supply chain developments
- Regional overviews
- ‘Live’ reports from ports throughout the Americas.
Each subject will offer a unique view of the direction the bunker industry is taking in the Americas and beyond.
EXHIBITION
Every physical conference has its side shows and the Maritime Week Americas Virtual Conference is no different. It offers exhibition stands where companies can display their products and services, via video presentations, one-to-one meetings, and poster displays.
Exhibitors can gather visitor data for later follow up and attendees can plan their visits and gather the information they require from each of the exhibitors.
VIRTUAL CONNECTIONS
All attendees will be able to book virtual meetings with each other, even with people they do not yet know, assisted by the Maritime Week Americas Virtual Conference artificial intelligence tool that will use your personalised profile to recommend who you should meet.
Everyone will be able to manage their own agendas and will have access to a resource centre, including virtual ‘shops’ where they may order books, equipment and other items. But best of all, everyone attending will be able to see who else is online and connect with them directly.
REGISTRATION - FREE
A major benefit of MWA virtual is that it is entirely free of charge to attend and open to everyone. You just have to register and complete your personalised profile so that you can connect with others and others can connect with you.
The biggest upside for sponsors and exhibitors is that visitor data is automatically captured for future follow-ups, providing a fast and efficient way to reach a large number of potential clients.