Freshwater set to stage British Ports Association Conference 2024 after winning major maritime client

National communications agency, Freshwater, has been appointed to deliver the British Ports Association (BPA) Conference 2024 in Portsmouth, after winning a competitive tender.

Freshwater’s specialist events division was selected by Portsmouth International Port (PIP) as the preferred supplier to deliver the annual ports conference in 2024. Freshwater will provide end-to-end event management for the conference, which is set to take place over two days in October 2024 at iconic venues throughout the city.

Already established as the UK’s most successful council-owned port, PIP will be working with the British Ports Association and Freshwater to deliver an engaging and informative event that will be based around sustainability, showcasing the marine and maritime heritage of Portsmouth, as well as its international port and newly opened terminal building.

As a major UK port, PIP is responsible for handling millions of customers and vital cargo across the globe. It is a member of the BPA, a national trade membership body representing the interests of port operators in the UK who handle 86 percent of all UK port traffic.

Mike Sellers, director of Portsmouth International Port, said: “From our early conversations with Freshwater, we knew that they understood our vision for the BPA Conference, which involves showcasing both the industry and the city of Portsmouth as leaders in innovation within the ports sector.

“In Freshwater, we’ve acquired a trusted partner with an impressive track record of delivering major industry events across multiple sectors.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming delegates to Portsmouth for next year’s British Ports Association Conference.”

This latest win for Freshwater’s events team builds on its extensive client base that spans both the public and private sector and includes Associated British Ports, British Telecom, Unite the Union, Welsh Government and several NHS trusts.

Aled Edwards, director of events at Freshwater, said: “Freshwater has been providing events management services to some of the UK’s biggest organisations for more than 25 years, and we’re very proud to add such a high-profile event to our portfolio.

“The British Ports Association Conference is a prestigious event in the maritime calendar, attracting hundreds of attendees from across the UK.

“We can’t wait to get started and look forward to working with Portsmouth International Port to host next year’s British Ports Association Conference in the city.”

Pre-registration for the British Ports Association Conference 2024 is now open.