Members attend numerous conferences and seminars in 2017
London & South East Branch members recently enjoyed numerous informative and stimulating conferences and seminars in London.
Our L&SE branch organised one of the key events during London International Shipping Week, which ran from 11th to 15th September. An evening seminar entitled ‘Market Vulnerabilities’, hosted by consultants Moore Stephens, attracted a large audience. Three dynamic speakers shared their ideas – Prof Amir Alizadeh-Masoodian of Cass Business School, Martin Dixon of consultants Drewrys, and Mark Williams of shipbrokers Affinity. The presentations provided valuable overviews and thoughts about several shipping markets, and the imponderables facing these sectors.
An afternoon conference organised by WISTA, the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association took place in the council chamber at the Mayor of London’s iconic riverside headquarters, City Hall. Speakers and panellists provided useful insights into the theme of ‘Autonomous ships, robotics and the internet of things’ and how the maritime world is being affected. The internet of things (interconnected household appliances) is relevant, as it has implications for manufacturing and in turn also trade.
Another enlightening LISW week conference was entitled ‘China Shipping in London’, organised by the Chinese Shipping Association of London, and held at the Baltic Exchange. Presentations were given about trends in China’s economy, and the impact of China within the global dry bulk and tanker markets. There was a focus on various legal issues and related UK services. Finally, talks and a panel discussion explored potential for the freight derivatives market in China and the UK’s involvement.017
Some branch members not suffering from presentation exhaustion then attended a further event in the following week, on 21st September. The ‘Think Asia, Think Hong Kong’ conference organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and supported by our Institute took place at the impressive Queen Elizabeth II Centre at Westminster. Well over one thousand delegates learned much of interest. Although there was no specific maritime focus, China’s Belt & Road Initiative (with its implications for global shipping activities) was extensively discussed.
by Richard Scott FICS, London & South East Branch Committee, 28 September 2017
