Once a year, leaders from the Mid-Atlantic come together to learn about the challenges and opportunities at Maryland’s ports. It all takes place at the Annual State of the Ports & Global Flavor Showcase. Beyond getting the lowdown from port leaders, attendees will have the chance to:
- Sample wines and food from around the world at the Global Flavor Showcase
- Learn about key challenges impacting international trade at our breakout sessions
- Network with the influential leaders driving economic growth in our region
- Hear the State of the Ports address directly from Maryland’s Secretary of Transportation
2026 State of the Ports Agenda
3:30pm - Doors Open
3:45pm - Breakout Sessions
BALTIMORE’S FREIGHT ADVANTAGE: BUILDING THE PORT FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
Discover how the Port of Baltimore’s major investments in rail and terminal infrastructure are creating new opportunities for trade connectivity, and learn how our broader freight ecosystem can adapt to changing cargo flows.
BWI’S NEXT CHAPTER: KEEPING MARYLAND CONNECTED, COMPETITIVE, AND CARGO-READY
This panel brings together airport leadership, an airline, an economic development voice, and a logistics/cargo perspective to ask the bigger question: what does BWI need to do—in air service, infrastructure, and cargo capacity—to remain competitive and keep Maryland connected to the global economy over the next decade?
RETHINKING THE SUPPLY CHAIN: AI, RISK & RESILIENCE
Panelists will also examine where AI and automation are creating practical value—from planning and forecasting to decision-making—and how companies are balancing efficiency with resilience.
5:15pm - State of the Ports Address
Maryland is home to two of the largest transportation and trade meccas in the United States: the Port of Baltimore and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. Once a year, we are fortunate to welcome port leaders to share their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing our ports.
5:45pm - Global Flavor Showcase
Prepare to embark on a delectable journey as we present a remarkable selection of international food and beverages from across the world without leaving Baltimore at our global flavor showcase.
8:00pm - Program Ends
2025 State of the Ports Highlights
Held on December 3, the 2025 State of the Ports & Global Flavor Showcase brought together Maryland’s top transportation, trade, and logistics leaders for an essential conversation on the future of our ports. From timely breakout sessions on port security, emerging technology, and supply chain resilience to a powerful State of the Ports fireside chat with state leadership, the program delivered insight you couldn’t afford to miss. The evening wrapped with a vibrant Global Flavor Showcase, celebrating international trade through cuisine and connection. Explore the highlights and relive the energy of the event.
Sponsorship Opportunities
To learn about sponsorship, contact Jeremy Rosendale or download our sponsor information packet.
$5,500
- 10 Tickets to the event
- Opportunity to request post-event introductions to attendees
- Recognition during the program
- Pre- and post-event list of attendees (upon request)
- Display table (upon request)
- Premium seating
- Inclusion of logo in print and digital marketing materials
- Sponsor ribbons for all employees who attend
- Exclusive Sponsor of VIP networking reception
$5,000
- 6 Tickets to the event
- Opportunity to speak at or moderate a breakout session and to help WTCI choose panel speakers
- Pre- and post-event list of attendees (upon request)
- Display table (upon request)
- Premium seating
- Inclusion of logo in print and digital marketing materials
- Sponsor ribbons for all employees who attend
$3,500
- 8 Tickets to the event
- Pre- and post-event list of attendees (upon request)
- Display table (upon request)
- Premium seating
- Inclusion in relevant earned media pitches
- Inclusion of logo in print and digital marketing materials (e.g., WTCI website, email marketing messages that go to 5,000+ people and on-site event banners/slides)
- Sponsor ribbons for all employees who attend
$2,000
- 5 Tickets to the event
- Inclusion in relevant earned media pitches
- Inclusion of logo in print and digital marketing materials
- Sponsor ribbons for all employees who attend
2026 State of the Ports Sponsors
Co-Host
Signature Sponsor
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Breakout Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Ecosystem Partners
