ABOUT
The Port of Virginia in partnership with the Port of San Diego, is proud to present the 3rd Annual National Port Partner Emergency Response Summit, taking place November 12th & 13th, 2025, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in beautiful San Diego, California. This two-day, nationally and internationally attended event brings together public- and private-sector leaders from across the maritime transportation system to advance collaboration, innovation, and all-hazards preparedness.
Building on the success of last year’s summit, this year’s program will feature a dynamic series of panels and discussions highlighting real-world lessons learned, best practices, and evolving strategies in emergency management, marine firefighting, hazardous materials response, port security, and maritime resilience. Attendees will engage directly with experts, agency leaders, and industry professionals as they explore emerging technologies, policy updates, and coordination models that strengthen response capabilities and continuity of operations across the port community.
From major case studies to forward-looking policy discussions, the National Port Partner Emergency Response Summit serves as a premier forum for shaping the future of maritime readiness. Together, we’ll build upon the strong foundation established through past summits and continue advancing our shared mission to protect lives, infrastructure, and commerce through unified preparedness and response.
The 2026 summit will be hosted by the Port of Corpus Christi on November 4-5, 2026.
SPONSORS
HOST PORT
GATEWAY TIER
TERMINAL TIER
BERTH TIER
AGENDA & PANEL INFORMATION
Tuesday, November 11
1800-2000: Welcome Networking Social at Grand Hyatt Hotel
Wednesday, November 12
0630-0800: Registration & Breakfast at Grand Hyatt Hotel
0800-0830: Introduction & Welcoming Remarks
0830-0930: Port of San Diego Overview and Port Stakeholders, Why are We Here?
Moderator: Dave Foster, Port of San Diego
Panelist: Chris Anderson, Port of San Diego
Panelist: Lt. Sigrid Phinney, South Carolina Interagency Operations Center
Panelist: Trace Barrow, Jacksonville Fire Department / IAFF
1200-1300: Lunch
M/V Admiral Hornblower, City Cruises
1800-1900: Networking Social
1900-2100: Summit Dinner
Thursday, November 13
0630-0800: Breakfast
Moderator: Dave Foster, Port of San Diego
Panelist: Joseph Allen, Six Martime
Panelist: Paula Sylvia, Port of San Diego
Panelist: Manolis Lasaridis, Hellenic Navy, DSIX International Corp.
Panelist: Ionannis Feretinos, DSIX International Corp.
Moderator: Josh Finch, TT Club
Panelist: Justin Wakeman, The Port of Virginia
Panelist: Bill Carson, Long Beach Container Terminal
Panelist: Adria Mead, National Cargo Bureau
Moderator: Christian Corbo, Gallagher Marine
Panelist: Todd Duke, Resolve Marine
Panelist: Chris James, Witt O’Brien’s | Ambipar
Panelist: Guillermo Hernandez, Donjon-SMIT
Panelist: Matthew Cooke; Teichman Group/T&T Salvage
Moderator: Jonathan Sawicki, Witt O’Brien’s | Ambipar
Panelist: Michelle Little, Witt O’Brien’s | Ambipar
Panelist: Bill Burket, The Port of Virginia
1200-1300: Lunch
Moderator: Capt. Chris Woodward, Port of San Diego Harbor Police
Panelist: Renee Yarmy, Port of San Diego
Panelist: Capt. Eric Faulk, San Diego Fire Department
Panelist: Matthew Salmon, San Diego Fire Department
Moderator: Bill Burket, The Port of Virginia
Panelist: Brianna Barnes, The Port of Virginia
Panelist: Justin Wakeman, The Port of Virginia
Panelist: Robert “Bobby” O’Connor , Montgomery McCracken’s New York Office
Panelist: Thorsten Schmittberger, Atlantic Container Line