Delivering a standout British Ports Association Conference on the Humber
Freshwater delivered a second consecutive sell-out success for the 2025 British Ports Association (BPA) Annual Conference, held at the Forest Pines Hotel in Brigg, near the River Humber. Working closely with hosts Associated British Ports and Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprises, the event marked the conference’s long-awaited return to the Humber region, bringing together maritime leaders from across the UK and beyond for two days of discussion, networking and celebration.
360+
registered delegates from the UK, Europe and North America
42
speakers across 16 sessions
37
exhibiting partners
Everyone felt it was well organised and a credit to the Freshwater team for pulling off the event. I personally have found you all very professional and organised. It’s been a joy to work with you all, knowing the event was in capable hands, and it’s been great to sit back and watch!
Well done to you all.
Emma Lingard, Corporate Communications Manager (Humber) at Associated British Ports
Brief
Freshwater was appointed by Associated British Ports and Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprises to deliver the BPA’s flagship Annual Conference over two days in October 2025. The objective was to create a dynamic, engaging and memorable event that reflected the Humber’s pivotal role in the UK’s maritime industry. The project required comprehensive event management – from marketing and delegate registration to sponsorship, exhibition, logistics and social programme delivery – ensuring a seamless experience for more than 360 attendees.
Delivery
Freshwater managed every aspect of the event, coordinating multiple venues, sponsors and suppliers to deliver a first-class delegate experience. A refreshed, fully branded event website provided a smooth registration process, while an upgraded event app provided enhanced functionality for exhibitors and delegates.
An integrated communications campaign, which included digital marketing, media relations and industry event activity, drove early interest and sales, supported by BPA membership emails and a Freshwater-produced promotional toolkit, with bespoke social assets for sponsors, exhibitors and award nominees. With more than 100 individuals on the waitlist by early October, demand exceeded capacity for conference registration, evening events and exhibition opportunities and quickly resulted in strong expressions of interest in the 2026 event.
The conference programme featured 42 speakers across 16 sessions, including a keynote from journalist and broadcaster David Yelland and a recorded address by Kier Mather MP, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation. Delegates could also book one-to-one consultation appointments with the Maritime Management Organisation during the event’s dedicated surgery sessions.
Freshwater’s event sponsorship strategy was successful in delivering two headline event partners, 17 ‘gold’ sponsors, as well as three ‘Insight Hub’ sessions, which provided sponsoring companies a dedicated room to present to targeted audience in a more intimate setting.
A carefully planned social programme complemented the conference: a Welcome Drinks Reception at Forest Pines, the ‘Party Underwater’ at one of the UK’s top aquarium attractions, The Deep and the Gala Dinner and 2025 BPA Awards. The evening also raised valuable funds for Humber Rescue, this year’s chosen charity partner.
Logistics were meticulously coordinated, with shuttle buses connecting three hotels to the venue and social events. Freshwater also secured a discounted accommodation rate for delegates and managed on-site support throughout, ensuring smooth transitions and a professional finish.
When we first talked about you organising the event I had every confidence you would do a good job. What I didn’t realise is that you would do a fantastic job! The dedication you put in to make the event so well received was amazing. I can’t thank you enough. What a great few days and which has ended as a memorable event!
Martyn Boyers, Chief Executive of Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprises Ltd
Results
The 2025 BPA Annual Conference was another standout success, selling out ahead of schedule and attracting maritime professionals from across the UK, Europe and North America. Despite using a smaller venue than 2024, delegate engagement and exhibitor satisfaction remained exceptionally high, with strong feedback praising the event’s organisation and excellent opportunities for networking.
Freshwater once again delivered an end-to-end service – handling everything from pre-event marketing to on-site logistics – helping reinforce the BPA’s reputation for excellence and ensuring the UK’s maritime community took centre stage.
Learn more about Freshwater’s delivery of the BPA 2024 Conference in Portsmouth