CMA Shipping - Annual Shipping Conference and Exhibition 2027
Event Date
March 16–18, 2027
Location
Houston, TX
Expected Exhibitors
80
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryCMA Shipping is North America's premier maritime conference and exhibition, bringing together shipowners, operators, managers, suppliers, and decision-makers from across the shipping and logistics industry. Established in 1985, the three-day event is a cornerstone of North America's shipping and logistics industry, attracting more than 1,000 attendees. CMA Shipping is brought to you by the Connecticut Maritime Association and organised by Seatrade Maritime, which is part of Informa Markets.
Over three days of expert-led discussions, the CMA Shipping conference provides attendees a strategic overview of the maritime industry's current state and future trajectory within the global trade ecosystem. From suppliers of technology, communication services, environmental solutions, classification, and finance, the Supplier Expo at CMA Shipping brings together the best maritime suppliers.
The event is worth attending for its blend of thought leadership, commercial networking, and market intelligence. Each year, industry leaders, innovators, and individuals come together for three invaluable days, jam-packed with opportunities to learn, network, inspire — and of course, be inspired. For 2027, the show moves to Houston, Texas, tapping into one of North America's most significant maritime and energy hubs.
Show Highlights
Key features of CMA Shipping 2027 include:
- A stellar speakers line-up — the event features 100+ speakers and 80+ suppliers alongside its 1,000+ attendees.
- Vibrant Supplier Expo — suppliers of technology, communication services, environmental solutions, classification, finance and more bring together the best maritime suppliers.
- Networking opportunities — dedicated sessions and an official CMA Shipping networking event for meeting new and existing customers.
- Student Maritime Task Force — an exclusive initiative dedicated to showcasing the leaders of tomorrow, with students able to attend.
2026 speakers included senior industry figures such as Dag Von Appen (Non-Executive Chairman of Navigator Gas), Lois Zabrocky (President & CEO, International Seaways), Hamish Norton (President, Star Bulk Carriers), and Scott Bergeron (Managing Director, Oldendorff Carriers).
Attendance
The event features 80+ exhibitors, 1,000+ expected attendees, and 100+ speakers. Established in 1985, the three-day event attracts more than 1,000 attendees. The audience is concentrated among maritime professionals, including shipowners, operators, managers, and suppliers across the shipping and logistics sectors.
Registration
Registration is handled through the official CMA Shipping website, where prospective attendees can register their interest for 2027.
Booking options include a Conference Pass, a Networking Gold Card, or an Expo Pass. You can register for the Expo Pass for free, but this does not include access to the conference theatre or the official CMA Shipping networking event, with more information on 2027 ticket prices to come.
Additional options:
- Students — students can attend and are encouraged to contact the event team, with an exclusive 'Student Maritime Task Force' dedicated to showcasing future leaders.
- VIP passes — complimentary VIP passes are available for vessel owners and are subject to eligibility. These are limited and available only to C-Suite executives who work for a ship owner, ship operator or ship manager operating trade-going vessels, operational service vessels, and cruise/passenger vessel operators.
History
CMA Shipping is the premier conference for the shipping industry in North America, established in 1985 by the Connecticut Maritime Association (CMA) as a luncheon for members and guests, and has since become an industry cornerstone. The event was originally established in Stamford, Connecticut, in the 1980s and is now organized by Informa Markets.
The next edition of CMA Shipping will be its 42nd edition, held on 16–18 March 2027 at the Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria, Texas. The event will be held in Houston for the first time in 2027. A director from the Seatrade Maritime group noted that Houston's significant maritime industry presence, port facilities, and concentration of business leaders provided strong reasons for the relocation.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Last updated: September 8, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is CMA Shipping 2027 taking place?
CMA Shipping 2027 will take place from March 16–18, 2027 at The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria in Houston, Texas. It marks the event's first edition held in Houston.
Who organizes CMA Shipping and who attends?
CMA Shipping is brought to you by the Connecticut Maritime Association and organised by Seatrade Maritime, part of Informa Markets. It attracts more than 1,000 maritime professionals, including shipowners, operators, managers, and suppliers, along with 100+ speakers and 80+ suppliers.
How do I register and what pass types are available?
You can attend with a Conference Pass, a Networking Gold Card, or an Expo Pass. The Expo Pass is free but does not include access to the conference theatre or the official networking event; more information on 2027 ticket prices is coming soon.
Can students attend CMA Shipping?
Yes. Students can attend and are encouraged to contact the event team, and there is an exclusive 'Student Maritime Task Force' dedicated to showcasing future maritime leaders.
What parking and travel options are available at the venue?
Free parking is available at The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria, along with a discounted room rate for attendees. Houston is served by two major airports, George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU), and the nearest train station is Houston, TX Railway Station near downtown.
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