The respected US trade title The Waterways Journal Weekly has highlighted Polaris founder Ben Pinnington’s keynote address at the Mississippi Valley Trade & Transport Council conference in New Orleans.
The Journal reported that Pinnington’s message at the conference was clear – that the industry must do a far better job of telling its story.
The publication added that, speaking to senior figures from across the waterways sector, Pinnington warned that maritime businesses face intense competition for talent and visibility from industries that communicate more effectively.
“We are in a war for talent,” he told delegates. “And we’re competing with industries that are much better at promoting themselves than we are.”
Pinnington stressed the importance of organisations taking advanage of a renewed political and economic focus on maritime by showcasing the scale, diversity and environmental advantages of the sector.
Highlighting the diverse range of roles available, he added: “The challenge, now, is for our sector to harness this higher profile, to showcase our businesses and to really show the mainstream what our industry is about, what it is like to work in our industry and the vast number of jobs that exist,” he said. “It’s not just seafarers. It’s not just shipyard workers. It’s lawyers, accountants and even PR people like me.”
He also stressed the importance of proactive public relations, smarter use of social media and stronger relationships with mainstream and trade media.
The conference brought together key decision-makers from across US maritime, ports and waterways to discuss river management, infrastructure investment and industry competitiveness.
The wider conference in brief
• Maritime leaders gathered in New Orleans to discuss the future of US waterway commerce
• A tribute honoured a leading Mississippi River pilot for his industry contribution
• The US Coast Guard stressed collaboration amid volatile river conditions
• Panels highlighted workforce development and the need for stronger political engagement
• Sessions covered port expansion, LNG export growth and river infrastructure investment