Local experts will discuss the growth of the Houston Ship Channel during a two-day conference at the Pasadena Convention Center, 7902 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, according to an Aug. 27 press release.

The Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, which seeks to market and grow the regional economy around the Port of Houston, will expand its annual Gulf Coast Industry Forum to two full days from Sept. 19-20, according to the release.

The forum will include keynotes, panels and policy updates from petrochemical, maritime and logistics experts, Winkler Public Relations representative Dennis Winker wrote in an email to Community Impact Newspaper.

“We will also have panels of federal, state and local policymakers discussing infrastructure, regulatory and business environment that impacts the region's growth and expansion,” he wrote.

Port Houston Chairman Janiece Longoria will give an update on the collaborative efforts to improve the Houston Ship Channel. Over 200 million tons of cargo move through the Port of Houston annually, and its efficiency and safety are vital to maintaining the regional and state economy, according to the release.

U.S. Reps. Brian Babin, R-Woodville; Gene Green, D-Houston; and Randy Weber, R-Friendswood, will lead a congressional panel about infrastructure investment, regulatory reform and foreign trade, according to the release.

The conference includes several other discussions related to freight transportation, workforce development and more. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick also will speak, according to the release.

“We already have a strong lineup of speakers, and we anticipate one or two more big names might confirm their participation in the next couple of weeks,” Chad Burke, Economic Alliance Houston Port Region president and CEO, said in a written statement. “More than 1,200 people registered for the Gulf Coast Industry Forum last year. We clearly expect to exceed that number this year.”

The forum began in 2010 and has since grown, according to the release.

“Very much like our region continues to expand, this conference continues to grow in every aspect,” conference Chairman Roger Blackburn said in the release. “We have added value with more speakers and content; we have secured more event sponsors, and we expect to break all attendance records.”

To register for the conference or get more information, visit www.allianceportregion.com/gcif.