Traveling from the Big Apple to the Big Easy, three Maritime students attended the International Propeller Club Convention in New Orleans, LA from October 15 to 17. The Women’s Propeller Club of the Port of New York and New Jersey sponsored Macy Blakeley 1/C, Kelly Guerrero 2/C and Samantha Brow 2/C to participate in the 2019 conference. The International Propeller Club is a global business network committed to promoting the maritime industry, commerce and global trade. Each year, a convention is held bringing together top executives, decision makers and students to discuss the future of the maritime industry.

The trio joined members representing ports from Tacoma, Washington to Piraeus, Greece to explore and learn where the industry is headed. They contributed to discussions on impending disruptions affecting ports and identified opportunities accompanying global trade, rising sea levels, and the balancing act between tourism and trade. As mariners, they recognized inevitable changes in the industry and shared ideas on how to prepare for the future. “As an environmental science major, it is interesting to see the implementation of environmental regulations and comprehend how the industry is shifting” said Kelly Guerrero.

Celebrating the conclusion of the annual convention, guests gathered for a gala dinner where the three cadets networked with maritime industry professionals. Reflecting on the event Cadet Guerrero noted, “It was a great experience meeting new people, learning more about the industry and seeing what lies ahead.”