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Events, Meetings & Seminars

The Washington Public Ports Association holds a variety of seminars, meetings and conferences to address issues of concern and to assist members with professional development. Board Meetings are in May and December, and several shorter, technically oriented seminars are held throughout the year. These meetings generally include panel discussions with industry experts, question and answer sessions, interactive activities, technical tours of port facilities, and opportunities to network.

May 14-15, 2008, Spring Meeting, Vancouver Hilton
The Spring Meeting provides a business casual atmosphere in which port colleagues can gain insight to the previous legislative session as well as issues which will be are of importance to ports. It also provides a forum for the Board of Trustees to conduct the business of the Association, as stipulated in WPPA bylaws. * Associate Members are welcome to sponsor portions of this event, please contact the WPPA office regarding sponsorship opportunities. - Register Now

June 12, 2008: Industrial Stormwater General Permit
Compliance Training, Embassy Suites Hotel, Lynnwood
The Department of Ecology is about to re-issue a new permit that regulates the rainfall runoff from industrial properties in order to maintain water quality in streams, lakes and saltwater bays. Ports, their tenants and companies covered by the Industrial Stormwater General Permit need to understand this new permit and how to
comply with it. The WPPA, in partnership with the Port of Bellingham, is presenting this one-day training seminar. - Register Now

June 25-27, 2008: Finance and Administration Committee Seminar, Courtyard by Marriott, Richland
The Finance and Administration Committee Seminar is held yearly in June. Topics are chosen based on relevance to port finance and administrative representatives. * Associate Members are welcome to sponsor portions of this event, please contact the WPPA office regarding sponsorship opportunities. - Register Now

July 10-11, 2008: Executive Directors Seminar, Enzian Inn, Leavenworth
The Executive Directors Seminar is held yearly in the summer and is open to Port Directors/Managers. Topics are chosen based on present day relevance to port management issues. * Associate Members are welcome to sponsor portions of this event, please contact WPPA Offices regarding sponsorship opportunities. - Register Now

July 20-22, 2008: Commissioner Seminar, Semiahmoo Resort, Blaine
The Commissioner Seminar is held every other year in the summer and is open to all port commissioners. Topics are chosen based on present day relevance to commission issues. * Associate Members are welcome to sponsor portions of this event, please contact the WPPA office regarding sponsorship opportunities.

August 7-8, 2008: Facilities and Engineering Seminar, Great Wolf Lodge, Grand Mound
The Cooperative Development Committee Seminar is held every other year in the fall. Topics are chosen based on present day relevance to port representatives. * Associate Members are welcome to sponsor portions of this event, please contact the WPPA office regarding sponsorship opportunities.

September 25-26, 2008: Environmental Committee Seminar, Hotel Bellwether, Bellingham
The Environmental Committee Seminar is held yearly in the fall. Topics are chosen based on present day relevance to port environmental representatives. * Associate Members are welcome to sponsor portions of this event, please contact the WPPA office regarding sponsorship opportunities.

October 23-24, 2008: Small Ports Seminar, Enzian Inn, Leavenworth
The small ports seminar is held yearly in October. Topics are geared to helping our smaller ports reach their goals. * Associate Members are welcome to sponsor portions of this event, please contact the WPPA office regarding sponsorship opportunities.

October 2008: Marina Seminar
The Marina Seminar is held every year in the fall in conjunction with NMTA.

November 18, 2008: CLE, Hotel Murano (formerly Sheraton Tacoma Hotel)
The continuing legal education seminar is held yearly the day before our Annual Meeting. The legal topic is chosen based on present day relevance to ports. Credits are available. * Associate Members are welcome to sponsor portions of this event, please contact the WPPA office regarding sponsorship opportunities.

November 19-21, 2008: Annual Meeting, Hotel Murano (formerly Sheraton Tacoma Hotel)
The Annual Meeting provides a professional atmosphere in which port colleagues can gain insight to the upcoming legislative session as well as issues which will be of importance to ports in the coming year. It also provides a forum for the Board of Trustees to conduct the business of the Association, as stipulated in WPPA bylaws. Associate Members are welcome to sponsor portions of this popular event. * Associate Members are welcome to sponsor portions of this event, please contact the WPPA office regarding sponsorship opportunities.

2009: Trade & Economic Development Seminar
The Trade & Economic Development Seminar is held every other year in the fall. Topics are chosen based on present day relevance to port representatives. * Associate Members are welcome to sponsor portions of this event, please contact the WPPA office regarding sponsorship opportunities.

2009: New Commissioner Seminar
The New Commissioner Seminar is held every other year the day before our Annual Meeting. New port commissioners meet to learn the ins and outs of their elected positions. * Associate Members are welcome to sponsor portions of this event, please contact the WPPA office regarding sponsorship opportunities.