2026 WPPA Port Academy Series – Fall Edition
2026-09-17 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Port of Grays Harbor, 111 S. Wooding Street, Aberdeen, Washington, 98520
Join us for the final Port Academy Series event of 2026 at the Port of Grays Harbor.
The Port Academy Series brings WPPA port members together for hands-on, port-led sessions that explore how ports operate, plan, and address real-world challenges. Each session highlights a host port and provides an opportunity for practical learning, peer exchange, and discussion grounded in day-to-day port work.
This session will feature one of Washington`s most diverse and strategically important public ports. As the state`s only deep-water port on the Pacific Coast, the Port of Grays Harbor supports international cargo shipping, industrial property development, and a world-class marina. Participants will gain insight into how the Port balances economic development, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure investment while serving as a major gateway for global trade and supporting the regional economy.
Designed primarily for port staff, the Port Academy Series is ideal for those looking to deepen their understanding of port governance, operations, environmental stewardship, and long-range planning. We welcome commissioners who may benefit from the event as well—just reach out to us to see if there’s space!
Agenda Highlights

Welcome and introductions
Overview of port governance, operations, and development strategy
Current Port of Grays Harbor projects and initiatives
Facilitated peer discussion and Q&A
Interactive tour of port facilities
Strategic planning discussion

Optional Activities – Wednesday, September 16th
Satsop Business Park Tour
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Kick off the Port Academy experience with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Satsop Business Park, a nationally recognized redevelopment success story. Once home to the unfinished WPPSS nuclear power project, the nearly 2,000-acre campus has been transformed into a thriving center for advanced manufacturing, technology,
and industrial development. Attendees will learn how the Port leveraged long-term planning to create new economic opportunities for the region.
Welcome Gathering
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Mount Olympus Brewing
105 W. Heron Street
Aberdeen, WA 98520
Connect with fellow attendees and Port of Grays Harbor staff before the Academy begins. This informal networking event features a no-host bar and food available for purchase.
Registration Information

Registration Fee: $100 plus applicable sales tax*
Registration Deadline: September 4, 2026
Capacity: Limited to 25 participants, so early registration is encouraged.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations received after the September 4th registration
deadline will incur a $25 cancellation fee.
Lunch: Included
Parking: Complimentary on-site parking is available.

*In 2025, the Washington State Legislature passed Senate Bill 5814, expanding retail sales tax to include
events such as workshops and seminars. As a result, WPPA is required to apply retail sales tax to event
registration fees.

Register Here

Hotel Recommendation
Best Western Plus
701 E. Heron Street
Aberdeen, WA 98520
Located just a short drive from the Port of Grays Harbor offices.
We encourage attendees to arrive on Wednesday, September 16th, to take advantage of the optional Satsop Business Park tour and welcome gathering before the Academy begins. We look forward to seeing you in Aberdeen for another engaging, hands-on learning experience.

2026 Environmental Seminar
2026-09-24 08:00 - 2026-09-25 12:00 | Renaissance Seattle Hotel, 515 Madison Street, Seattle, 98104, United States
Welcome
Registration
Agenda
FAQ
Sponsors

Welcome
Registration
Agenda
FAQ
Sponsors

Dear Colleagues,
It’s time to gather for WPPA’s Environmental Seminar! As you know, this event provides
participants with a relaxed venue to learn about important environmental issues, share
experiences, and reconnect with friends in the port community. In addition to
presentations by experts, this year’s agenda is full of the peer-to-peer interactions that
have proven so valuable. Our Environmental Committee Co-Chairs have taken care to
put together a great agenda for us this year!
The 2026 Environmental Seminar will be held at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown
Seattle. The meeting officially begins the morning of Thursday, September 24th and will
conclude by noon on Friday, September 25th .
We are planning an optional rsvp-only tour of the Port of Seattle on Wednesday,
September 23rd followed by an optional networking happy hour open to everyone who
will be in Seattle the evening before the Seminar begins.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you in Seattle!
Sincerely,
Carly Michiels
Sr. Director of Environmental Policy

2026 Small Ports
2026-10-22 09:00 - 2026-10-23 12:00 | Campbell’s Resort Lake Chelan, 104 W Woodin Avenue, Chelan, WA, 98816, United States
Event registration and agenda information will be posted 8 weeks prior to the event.

2026 Winter Meeting (formerly known as the Annual Meeting)
2026-12-09 08:00 - 2026-12-11 17:00 | Hilton Vancouver, 301 W 6th St, Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States

2027 Spring Meeting
2027-05-19 12:00 - 2027-05-21 12:00 | Historic Davenport Hotel, 10 S Post Street, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States
Event registration and agenda information will be posted at least 8 weeks prior to the event.

2027 Finance & Administration Seminar
2027-06-23 08:00 - 2027-06-25 12:00 | Courtyard by Marriott Richland, 480 Columbia Pt Drive, Richland, WA, 99352, United States
