Dear Madam, Sir,
 
Following the successful ITMMAPS 2002 conference in Antwerp - Belgium, the First International Conference on Logistics Strategies for Ports (ICLSP) in Dalian - China, the ESPO 2005 conference in Malta and the ESPO 2006 conference in Stockholm, we are proud to announce the next major port event: the ITMMA Maritime and Port Symposium 2006 (ITMMAPS 2006).
 
ITMMAPS 2006 will be held in Antwerp from 25 till 27 October 2006. The conference is organized by ITMMA, University of Antwerp in close partnership with the Dalian Maritime University (DMU), the European Sea Ports Organization (ESPO) and the Antwerp Port Authority. DP World, PSA HNN and the Flemish Government are among the main sponsors of the event.
 
ITMMAPS 2006 will bring together industry leaders and academics to exchange ideas on the conference theme 'Fostering Seaports - and Beyond'. Ports are confronted with changing economic and logistics systems. The global market place, with powerful and relatively footloose players, extensive business networks and complex logistics systems, have a dramatic impact on the raison d'être of seaports. The logistics environment creates a high degree of uncertainty and leaves port managers with the question how to respond effectively to market dynamics. We should foster the role seaports have to play in facilitating the global economy. But at the same time, seaports need to be embedded in their local multi-stakeholder environment. ITMMAPS 2006 will help to unravel today's challenges and advance and update our thinking on ports. Conference topics include logistics integration in shipping and ports, port governance and the role of port authorities, the 'China factor' in the European port and logistics industry, the human factor in terminal operations, a stakeholders approach to port planning and more. The event will incorporate the results of past conferences (ITMMAPS 2002, ICLSP 2004, ESPO 2005 and ESPO 2006).  
 
We look forward to welcoming you in Antwerp !