Tickets are on sale for the annual keynote “State of the Port” address, which Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka will present next month.
Seroka will talk about the past year, which he’s described as “a rollercoaster,” but much of the focus will be on what lies ahead in 2026. The year promises to hold challenges that include the nation’s shifting trade policies and the upcoming full closure (for 16 months) of the Vincent Thomas Bridge for the state’s road replacement work. The bridge is a key connector for cargo movement.
The future of that 1960s era bridge has also stirred discussion in the past year as it sits too low for some of the much-larger, cleaner ships to pass through to reach some of the port’s terminals that lie on the back side of it.
Despite the challenges and trade uncertainty in the past year, the port still anticipates topping 10 million cargo units at the end of 2025.
The upcoming 11th annual speech — typically staged at the port’s cruise ship terminal with sell-out crowds — will also have a new location. It has typically been held at the cruise terminal but is being staged this year at Alta Sea to accommodate the larger audiences.
The Port of Los Angeles and Pacific Merchant Shipping Association will present the event and lunch from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at Lands End at Alta Sea, at a historic waterfront warehouse, 2451 Signal St., in San Pedro (door no. 39, near the end of the warehouse row).
Tickets are available online and cost $130. For tickets, go to events.humanitix.com/11th-annual-state-of-the-port-of-los-angeles-luncheon.
The annual keynote remarks will outline projects and priorities for 2026 and beyond.
“We are excited to host the State of the Port at AltaSea for the first time, pairing this historic waterfront venue with our annual must-attend maritime industry event,” said Mike Jacob, president of the PMSA. “The maritime industry can also be proud that this event continues to give back to the community, with over 10 years of State of the Port proceeds benefiting outstanding local nonprofits.”
Sponsorships for the event are still available, with all proceeds going to support two local nonprofits, EXP and Toberman Neighborhood Center.
EXP provides education programs to thousands of local area high school students every year, helping young people gain experience, unlock doors and build the confidence they need to succeed in school, career and life.
The Toberman Neighborhood Center is a more than 100-year-old organization serving the communities of San Pedro, Wilmington and Harbor City, offering a wide spectrum of vital transformative services ranging from food and housing assistance to youth education, violence prevention and intervention, and family resource programs.
For questions, contact Natasha Villa at nvilla@pmsaship.com.