VMA's Annual International Trade Symposium 2026

The 2026 symposium is held in Norfolk, Virginia.

The intended audience includes top executives, policymakers, economists, and industry experts.

It suits port, cargo and logistics professionals who want executives, policymakers and economists in the same sessions, since the attendee mix spans all three and the stated focus is port operations and cargo logistics. Those after hands-on technical training or a large exhibit floor of equipment buyers will likely get less, as the published material centres on speakers and policy and market discussion rather than product demonstrations.

Attendees at port, shipping and trade conferences usually wear business casual to business professional, such as slacks and a blazer or collared shirt.