Student and Young Professional Events at Ports® ’28
The COPRI Ports & Harbors Committee encourages students and young professionals to participate in the Ports® '28 Conference through the Student Presentation Competition and other planned events. All events will occur during the conference between Monday, May 22 - Thursday, May 25, 2028, at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center in Mobile, Alabama.
Please get in touch with the Students & Young Professionals Committee at [email protected] with any questions.
Scheduled Events for Students & Young Professionals
Additional student and young professional (SYP) events will occur throughout the conference, including evening gatherings and networking opportunities.
SYP Ice Breaker Reception
May 22, 2028
5:30 - 6:30 PM
Free for SYP participants
All students and young professionals (SYPs) are invited to kick off the conference at the SYP-focused Ice Breaker Reception, sponsored by ASCE. This event offers a fantastic opportunity to network with fellow SYPs, explore the impressive posters created by your peers, and learn more about the SYP committee and the other SYP events throughout the conference. Enjoy food, drinks, and great conversations as you make connections to start the conference on a high note! The reception will transition into the larger Welcome Reception, open to all conference attendees.
SYP Networking Luncheon
Wednesday, May 24, 2028
12:00 - 1:30 PM
RSVP Required During Registration
Engage in meaningful conversations and expand your professional network during this interactive 1.5-hour event. Students and young professionals will have the opportunity to connect with experienced industry leaders, ask questions, and gain valuable insights. The first 30 minutes will be dedicated to lunch and casual networking, allowing for informal conversations. The remaining hour will feature a more structured format, fostering in-depth discussions and knowledge sharing. Take advantage of this unique setting to exchange perspectives and develop professional relationships.
Ports® ’28 Student Presentation Competition
Calling all undergraduate and graduate students interested in ports and harbor engineering. The Ports® ’28 Student Presentation Competition offers students the opportunity to showcase their research, projects, and innovative ideas to industry leaders while competing for valuable prizes and national recognition. Students are invited to submit an abstract on a ports-related topic, with selected participants advancing to a virtual presentation round before a committee of industry professionals. Four finalists will then be chosen to present in person at the Ports® ‘28 Conference in Mobile, Alabama.
Beyond the competition, participants gain exposure to leading port and maritime professionals, networking opportunities with potential employers, and insights into the latest advancements, best practices, and innovations shaping the ports industry. The winning and runner-up presentations will be recognized during the conference's Closing & Awards Breakfast, with cash prizes available for top performers.
The competition timeline begins with the call for abstracts in January 2027, followed by virtual presentations in December 2027 and finalist presentations at the conference on Wednesday, May 24, 2028. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity to develop their presentation skills, expand their professional network, and engage with the future of the ports industry.
Ports 101 Series
Tuesday, May 23 - Thursday, May 25, 2028
During concurrent technical sessions
The Ports 101 series is a concurrent technical track designed for young professionals and those new to the industry. Carefully curated topics give attendees a comprehensive overview of the port and marine engineering industry. Sessions feature 20-minute presentations delivered by experienced practitioners, offering practical insights in an accessible format. For more details, visit the interactive program on the conference app.