| Reimagining “New” Next week will be the realization of a year’s worth of planning, outreach and effort to bring SHIPPINGInsight 2018 to the maritime industry. We have been touting “new” throughout the year, but haven’t taken the time (who has time???) to explain what that means. NEW VENUE– at least for SHIPPINGInsight. We felt that moving to the Stamford Hilton would promote greater opportunities for delegate integration- another term for “networking”. We are on the same floor, in the same area, the entire time. For some of you who are regulars at the CMA’s Shipping conference, it will feel like home! NEW FORMAT– after comments from last year’s delegates, we decided to change the format. We are providing keynote speeches intended to stimulate thinking on a global level. This year’s event is also more interactive, with multiple roundtable sessions designed to engage in dialog and exchange ideas! For more in-depth information, we have our breakout sessions on a variety of topical issues. NEW IDEAS– in addition to hearing NextGen voices from the dais, we have a new feature: our SHARK TANK!!! Learn about technology that is still under development and looking for support. Tomorrow’s ideas today! NEW ERA– shipping is entering a new stage of its evolution not seen since Malcolm McClain developed the container. We need to identify how we are going to efficiently and effectively address these challenges. We need to work collaboratively for the success of our industry to navigate through these times. Shipping has an opportunity to be a leader—we know it is the most beneficial industry on the planet as the engine of global trade. As we are fond of saying: “Without shipping, half the world would starve and the other half freeze”. We are indispensable to the world—let’s show it our best. See you next week “in the room where it happens”! Keep optimizing, Carleen | 
