By Joy Vann
In a region where shipbuilding and ship repair fuel both the economy and national defense, Ϲ is bringing industry, government and academia together to chart what comes next.
On Tuesday, March 10, the University will host its fourth annual maritime conference, “Nextwave: Advancing the Future of Shipbuilding and Ship Repair through Industry Collaboration, Innovation and Workforce Development.”
The conference will feature discussions with experts from the blue economy about the workforce and technology needs of these vital Hampton Roads industries.
Elspeth McMahon, Ph.D., associate vice president of Ϲ’s maritime initiatives organized the event to appeal to students and industry insiders alike.
"The conference will be an invaluable platform for participants to share industry workforce and technology needs, learn about Ϲ’s supporting capabilities and network with experts from academia, industry and government. Keynote speakers and panelists will offer in-depth discussions on the shipbuilding and ship repair industries, which are crucial to the economic vitality of Hampton Roads and to the nation,” Dr. McMahon said.
“With a focus on the transformative role of technology and modernization, this event will provide insights and strategies that can propel us toward increased innovation and new partnerships."
Conference topics will cover all aspects of the maritime industry and will appeal to a variety of students, particularly those in the School of Supply Chain, Logistics and Maritime Operations, the Batten College of Engineering and Technology and the Strome College of Business.
Morning sessions include a discussion on the research being conducted by experts at Ϲ and how the University’s partnerships drive development. Attendance is free, and it will be held in the North and Central Cafes at WebbUniversity Center.
Other sessions will include Barbara Blake, Ed.D., executive director of the University’s Monarch Internship and Co-Op Office; a panel discussion on “Technology and Talent: Navigating Modern Maritime Challenges,” moderated by retired Rear Adm. John Polowczyk, president of the Virginia Ship Repair Association; luncheon speaker Jordan Webb, president and general manager of Colonna's Shipyard; keynote speaker Matthew Sermon, direct reporting program manager of the Maritime Industrial Base; and a panel about “Strengthening Supplier Success: People, Performance and Partnerships,” moderated by John Rhatigan, chairman of Marine Machinery Association.
The following is a lineup of events, which is subject to change.
LINEUP OF EVENTS:
8-9 a.m.: Registration and continental breakfast
9-9:45 a.m.: Morning keynotes and maritime initiatives update, Dr. Elspeth McMahon, associate vice president of maritime initiatives, Ϲ
9:45-10 a.m.: Internships and Apprenticeships, Dr. Barbara Blake, executive director, Monarch Internship and Co-Op Office, Ϲ
10-10:15 a.m.: Networking break, exhibitor tables open and student poster presentations
10:15-11:30 a.m.: Ϲ Capabilities and Highlighted Research, Faculty Members
11:30-11:45 a.m.: Industry and Student Clubs, Mike D’Amato, American Society of Naval Engineers, Tidewater Chapter. Recognition of all University maritime affiliated student clubs and a presentation of the inaugural Ϲ Maritime Student of the Year Award
11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.: Lunch
Noon-12:30 p.m.: Luncheon speaker Jordan Webb, president and general manager, Colonna’s Shipyard
12:45-1:45 p.m.: Panel I, Technology and Talent: Navigating Modern Maritime Challenges, moderated by retired Rear Adm. John Polowczyk, president, Virginia Ship Repair Association
1:45- 2:15 p.m.: Keynote speaker Matthew Sermon, direct reporting program manager, Maritime Industrial Base
2:15-2:30 p.m.: Networking break and exhibitor tables open
2:30-2:45 p.m.: Hampton Roads Maritime Training System, Whitney Lester, vice president of talent development, Hampton Roads Workforce Council
2:45-3 p.m.: The Hampton Roads Playbook, Doug Smith, president and CEO, Hampton Roads Alliance
3-3:45 p.m.: Panel II Strengthening Supplier Success: People, Performance and Partnerships, moderated by John Rhatigan, chairman, Marine Machinery Association
3:45 p.m.: Closing remarks, Dr. Elspeth McMahon, associate vice president of maritime initiatives, Ϲ
4-5 p.m. Networking hour and tours of the Engineering Systems Building labs
The conference is sponsored by Fairlead; Maritime Institute; River Port, LLC; and Task Force Movement. It is presented in partnership with Virginia Ship Repair Association, Virginia Maritime Association, Hampton Roads Workforce Council, Hampton Roads Alliance, Colonna's Shipyard, Marine Machinery Association and American Society of Naval Engineers Tidewater Chapter.
Strategically located near the Port of Virginia and Naval Station Norfolk, Ϲ is at the forefront of maritime initiatives. It offers a wide range of programs aimed at fostering workforce development and driving innovation in the blue economy.