Events
2025 In-Person Fall-Winter Meetings of
IMPAC Ports Atlantic Canada
December 1 & 2, 2025
Dartmouth, NS
Sandman Signature Hotel
Dartmouth Crossing
Room Block Details:
The Code for the room block is: “2510INDEPE“, reserve before Nov. 1 using the Block Code as follows:
1. via website: www.sandmanhotels.com
2. via Telephone at: 1-800-SANDMAN
3. via email at: reservations@sandman.ca
For sponsorship and other inquiries, please email: info@impacports.com
Conference Agenda: Monday, December 1st
Monday, December 1st – Sponsored by: Port of Corner Brook
Registration desk open 8am to 6pm
8:00 am – 10:00 am: Exhibitor and Conference setup / Breakfast on your own
10:00 am: Nutrition Break – Sponsored by Port of Summerside
10:30 am: Welcome Remarks by Andrew Daggett, Port of Souris
10:40 am: Executive Director Update and Industry Overview – Patrick Bohan – 10 minutes
Fireside Port Chats including:
- NL Ports – Corner Brook, Argentia, Long Pond Harbour
- PEI Ports – Summerside, Charlottetown, Souris
- NS Ports – Sydney, Yarmouth, Digby, Atlantic Canada Bulk Terminal, etc
11:45 am: Keynote Speaker, Senator Jim Quinn
“A View from Ottawa and what it means for Ports in Atlantic Canada”
Senator Quinn’s remarks and question period will run until 1230 when lunch will be served
1:00 pm: Micheal Hebb, Griffin Engineered Systems – Industry Presentation
1:30 pm: Ron Keefe, Harbourside Engineering – Industry Presentation
2:00 pm: Todd Burgess, Forest Nova Scotia – A Fireside Chat moderated by Patrick Bohan with Q&A from the audience
2:30 pm: Afternoon Nutrition Break – Sponsored by National Port Security Services
3:00 pm: Andrew Black, GSTS – Ideas for a Regional Project utilizing Geo Spatial Technology
4:00 pm – Day 1 wrap-up remarks by Greg Shay, Port of Yarmouth
4:15 pm: Industry Reception Opens – invited guests join until 6 pm
Conference Agenda: Tuesday, December 2nd
Tuesday, December 2nd – Sponsored by: Port of Sydney Development Corporation and Atlantic Canada Bulk Terminal
8:00 am to 10:00 am: Exhibitors Open / Breakfast Served / Registration desk open
9:00 am: Formal AGM of the Association (Members Only)
Outside the AGM / Exhibitor Networking until 10:30 am when Opening Session Begins
Nutrition Break – Sponsored by the Port of Sydney
10:30 am: Welcome Remarks by Lorna Campbell and Richard Morykot
A fireside chat with attending Associate Members – moderated by Patrick Bohan
Session Sponsor: Port of Yarmouth
11:45 am: Keynote Speaker – Patrick Brannon, Atlantic Economic Council
“A View of Major Projects in Atlantic Canada”
Introduction by Lorna Campbell, CEO, Port of Sydney Development Corporation
Patrick Brannon’s remarks and question period will run until 12:30pm when lunch will be served
1:30 pm: Jenna MacDonald and Jim Lambe, Logistec Corporation
A Fireside Chat moderated by Patrick Bohan on a Terminal Operator’s view of the Atlantic Ports
2:15 pm: Afternoon Coffee Break – Sponsored by Atlantic Canada Bulk Terminal
3:00 pm: Working Session Module – Canadian and Global Industry Ports Update
Land, Labour, Capital and Technology – The Port Factors of Production
Open Discussion – Implications for IMPAC Ports and Associated Members
4:30 pm: Conference Closing Remarks by Andrew Daggett, Port of Souris
Exhibitors Open Until 4:30 pm / Registration Services Desk Closes
5:45 pm: Optional Post-Conference Dinner at La Cucina Restaurant in Dartmouth Crossing
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Monday, December 1st: Senator Jim Quinn
SENATOR JIM QUINN
Jim was appointed as President & Chief Executive Officer of Saint John Port Authority in September 2010. Jim brought over 30 years of experience in the marine and public sectors to Port Saint John where he began his career on Coast Guard (CG) ships and oil tanker ships in 1973. In 1981 he rejoined the CG and in 1982 Jim moved to the CG headquarters in Ottawa where he was promoted to leadership positions including Regional Director of the Central and Arctic Region and Director General, Marine Programs. Jim’s Coast Guard experience took him to ports across Canada and around the world.
After 23 years with the Coast Guard, Jim joined the Privy Council Office’s Machinery of Government Secretariat and Social Development Policy Secretariat as a Senior Advisor. In 2002, Jim joined Indian and Northern Affairs Canada as Director General of Lands and was promoted through several leadership positions culminating in the Chief Financial Officer/Assistant Deputy Minster role. Jim also held the position of Chief Financial Officer at the Canadian International Development Agency before leaving government to work at Port Saint John.
Jim is a graduate of Dalhousie University (BSc) and holds the professional designation of Certified Management Accountant (CMA) – Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
From 2019-2021, Jim served as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the Association of Canada Port Authorities (ACPA). Jim served for several years as Chair of the Canadian Delegation at the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) and served as Chairman of the Board for 2015-2016.
From 2012-2021 Jim served as Honorary Lieutenant Colonel for the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment (The Loyal Company), 5th division army. He was involved in a number of business committees in Saint John including serving as Board Chairperson in 2018-2019 for the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Saint John and being an active volunteer on the Board of Directors for the Saint John Seafarers Mission from 2010-2021. Jim remains active in poverty reduction and youth employment activities in his local community.
Tuesday, December 2nd: Patrick Brannon
PATRICK BRANNON
Patrick is the Senior Researcher and Director of Major Projects for the Atlantic Economic Council. He has been active in economic and business analysis for over 25 years.
He is a leading voice on the issues impacting the economy of Atlantic Canada. Patrick recently authored reports on artificial intelligence and defence in Atlantic Canada. He is currently leading a new two-year research series on the importance of health care to the region’s economy.
Patrick is a frequent speaker at events discussing the economic and investment outlook for Atlantic Canada and is passionate about the continued success of the region.