Our popular public lecture series is back! Engaging speakers are invited to present on a specific topic related to the Port of Vancouver USA. Each season we cover several subjects from the maritime industry to global trade, tourism and more. It’s a great way to learn more about your port and what we do for Vancouver.
Lectures are FREE and open to the public, and are held at the Kiggins Theater, 1011 Main Street, Vancouver. Concessions are available for purchase (the popcorn is excellent!), including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. A percentage of food sales will benefit the Fort Vancouver Seafarers Center.
Note that parking is free downtown after 6:00 p.m.
Port of Vancouver USA 2024 Lecture Series kicks off March 7
Free public lectures include presentations from Columbia River pilots, Port of Portland and United Grain Corporation
People interested in attending one or more of the free lectures are encouraged to RSVP online by clicking here, or by calling the port at (360) 823-5297.
Lecture #1 “PDX Next – What’s Happening at Your Favorite Airport”
Thursday, March 7, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
PDX Next is a $2 billion investment to make Portland International Airport—the best airport in America—even better. Christopher Neal is Director of PDX Next Operations and he will showcase the new Pacific Northwest-inspired design for PDX, its sustainability features, earthquake resilience and new opportunities for local restaurants and businesses. Portland International Airport sees 20 million people per year, with that number expected to be 35 million by 2045. Chris will give a sneak peek at the new 9-acre wood roof, new public art, indoor landscaping—and where the new shoe selfie stations with the famous carpet will be located! Chris was Director of Port of Portland Public Safety and Security before he took on his new role as Director of PDX Next Operations in 2020.
Lecture #2 “From Farm to International Markets – United Grain Corporation Working to Feed the World”
Thursday, March 28, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
United Grain Corporation’s (UGC) Vancouver Export Terminal is the largest grain export terminal on the U.S. West Coast. Located at the Port of Vancouver USA, the terminal ships up to 6 million metric tons of grains and oilseeds to global destinations each year. UGC is one of the port’s oldest tenants, celebrating more than 50 years working with over 2,000 producers and suppliers in the Pacific Northwest and Northern Plains. Last year UGC loaded more than 200 ships with grains for export to global customers to feed the world. UGC President and CEO Augusto Bassanini and public relations executive Stephanie McClintock will discuss the history of UGC and how grains arrive at the Vancouver Export Terminal via trains, trucks and barges. You will learn how grains are unloaded, stored and loaded onto ocean-bound ships. Speakers will also discuss how climate and world politics affect grain shipments.
Register for lecture #2
Lecture #3 “The Mighty Columbia – Our Working River”
Wednesday, April 24, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Columbia River Pilots is an association of 40+ licensed, professional mariners who provide pilotage services to all ports on the lower Columbia and Willamette Rivers. This represents over 100 nautical miles of the Columbia River from Astoria to the ports of Columbia County, Longview, Kalama, Vancouver and Portland. They also provide pilotage service on 13 miles of the Willamette River from its mouth to the Portland seawall. Each year the Columbia River Pilots safely guide more than 1,400 arriving ships supporting 50 million tons of foreign trade worth over $24 billion in cargo value on our river system. Learn about this fascinating job, history of the river pilots, types of ships they pilot, technical aspects and challenges of piloting and facts about the river system. Captain Jeremy Nielsen has been a Columbia River Pilot for 11 years with an extensive background in logistics, as a shipping agent and stevedore, deckhand and tugboat captain. This is his fifth year serving as president of the Columbia River Pilots.
Register for lecture #3
When asked if she would recommend the lectures to others, one attendee last year responded: “Yes! It’s an opportunity to see the great things happening here. You learn to appreciate how everyday lives are affected by trade and all the different work being done at the port.”
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One of the ways the Port of Vancouver USA fosters community engagement is through our sponsorship and attendance of various community events. In 2023 we supported several local groups and events in Vancouver:
Ever been curious about what goes on at the Port of Vancouver USA? Ever wonder how nearly 75,000 Subarus get from ship to land every year? If so, join us for a free port tour. We’re always excited to welcome guests to the port and show our neighbors around. Tour season runs from May through September with several dates and times provided. Click here to learn more about the port’s tours.
Each year, the Port of Vancouver USA produces the “Port Report” video. This annual report looks back at the highlights and challenges of the previous year and gives an update on current and future projects. To view last year’s video, click here.
3103 NW Lower River Road, Vancouver, WA 98660
PHONE360-693-3611 FAX360-735-1565 EMAIL info@portvanusa.com
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