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.

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.