It’s here! The 5th Annual Houston Port Region Coffee Symposium is Monday, October 19, 2009 in Houston. Brought to you by the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, the Greater Houston Coffee Association and the Port of Houston Authority, this year’s theme is "Panama Canal Opening to Asian Coffee and Tea."

Returning to the Hilton Americas–Houston Hotel, coffee experts will discuss emerging opportunities and the impact of the Panama Canal on Asian coffee and tea trade in Houston. Gain first-hand knowledge of the region's vast business start-up opportunities. Network with the leaders and businesses that connect the coffee trade from east to west.

Houston’s port was designated as a green coffee exchange port on the New York Board of Trade in 2003. Clearly, Houston’s coffee port designation is the catalyst for tremendous new economic development and job growth opportunities — everything from roasting, blending, labeling, packaging, marketing and retailing to brokering, trading, warehousing, freight forwarding and transporting.

The symposium includes:
• a continental breakfast
• morning and afternoon sessions on the coffee industry and Houston’s increasing industry influence
• lunch
• many opportunities for networking

That evening, the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Annual Membership and Awards Dinner will provide the opportunity to interact with more than 600 Houston Port region business and industry leaders.

Confirmed speakers include:
• Jimmy Burke, Port Commissioner, Port of Houston Authority
• Sami Chbeir, Roaster, San Antonio Coffee Roasters–Specialty Coffee
• James T. Edmonds, Port Commission Chairman, Port of Houston Authority
• Judge Ed Emmett, Harris County
• Texas Senator Mario Gallegos, Jr., District 6
• U.S. Representative Gene Green, Texas, District 29
• Leecia Manning, Director of Membership Marketing and Events, National Coffee Association
• Scott McClelland, President, H-E-B Houston
• Doan Trieu Nhan, Representative, VICOFA (Vietnam Coffee & Cocoa Association) and Thai Hoa Group Joint Stock Company
• Rodolfo Sabonge, Vice President of Market Research and Analysis, Panama Canal Authority
• Joseph Simrany, President, Tea Association of the USA
• Monica Walker, Marketing Director, Walker Coffee Trading L.P.

Watch the symposium TV spot now!

Continental Airlines is the official airline of the symposium.