2026 Forest Products Transport Symposium to be Held at Port of Mobile and Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa

May 6, 2025 – TTOBMA, in collaboration with the International Forest Products Transport Association (IFPTA) and The Port of Mobile, is excited to announce the inaugural Forest Products Transport Symposium. This landmark event will be held October 5-7, 2026, at the historic Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa. It will bring together industry experts, supply chain providers, and key stakeholders from across the globe to discuss the future of forest products, transportation and logistics.

The global symposium will feature a series of high-level presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities aimed at addressing the most pressing issues in the forest products transportation sector. With a focus on emerging trends, new technologies, and sustainability practices, the Symposium will offer valuable insights into the global forest products trade, transportation efficiencies, and the evolving market landscape.

Key Highlights of the Forest Products Transport Symposium:

• In-depth Sessions: Expert-led discussions on the latest developments in forest products logistics, including advancements in supply chain management, sustainable practices, and regulatory changes.
• Networking Opportunities: Attendees will have the chance to connect with top-tier professionals and global leaders, fostering new collaborations and partnerships within the forest products transportation sector.
• Market Intelligence from TTOBMA: TTOBMA will provide crucial insights into market trends, data analytics, and forecasts that are shaping the future of the forest products industry.
• Sustainability Focus: Emphasizing eco-friendly practices, the symposium will explore how the forest products sector can reduce its carbon footprint and enhance environmental responsibility in transportation and logistics operations.
• Port of Mobile’s Role: The Port of Mobile, a vital gateway for the transportation of forest products, will showcase its state-of-the-art infrastructure and commitment to improving the efficiency of global shipping and logistics.

The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, a luxurious venue with sweeping views of Mobile Bay, offers the perfect setting for this event. Participants will be able to engage in focused discussions and knowledge-sharing, all while experiencing the beautiful Gulf Coast surroundings.

"As the second-largest Port in the U.S. for non-containerized forest products shipments, the Port of Mobile is thrilled to host the Forest Products Transport Symposium," said John C. Driscoll, Director and CEO of the Alabama Port Authority. "This sector is a vital part of our cargo portfolio, and we are proud to serve as a critical gateway connecting producers to global markets. This symposium offers a valuable opportunity to showcase how our investments in infrastructure, efficiency, and connectivity continue to support and grow the forest products industry."

The partnership between the Port of Mobile, IFPTA, and TTOBMA underscores the growing importance of collaboration in the global forest products transportation industry. By bringing together a wide array of stakeholders, the symposium will help chart a course for the future of the sector.

"Supply Chain Management has become one of the most critical components of successfully competing in our industry.  This event brings together supply chain and commercial professionals along with their customers to network and collaborate and we can’t wait to be part of it.” said Fraser Hart, Managing Partner at TTOBMA.

About the Port of Mobile: The Port of Mobile is on track to become the deepest container terminal in the Gulf, with its channel deepening and widening project slated for completion this summer. As the fastest-growing U.S. container terminal over the past five years, the Port is advancing over $1 billion in capital projects across the state. The Port is the nation’s largest breakbulk steel terminal and ranks second in non-containerized forest product shipments. Additional investments include an interterminal connector bridge for on-dock rail, a logistics park, and modernization of general cargo piers. Located in the northern Gulf, the Port offers direct access to five Class I and four short-line railroads, 15,000 miles of inland waterways, an international airport, and Interstates 10 and 65—delivering seamless connections across North America.

About IFPTA: The International Forest Products Transport Association (IFPTA) is an international association dedicated to supporting the forest products logistics and transportation industry. IFPTA provides a platform for professionals in the field to connect, share knowledge, and advocate for best practices in the transportation of forest products worldwide. IFPTA seeks to establish a permanent framework to ensure continued vitality, and within which professional experience and information can be shared in a timely manner.

About TTOBMA: TTOBMA is a leading market intelligence firm focused on providing actionable insights and data-driven analysis. TTOBMA is a trusted provider of global pulp, paper and tissue market information with business intelligence to help clients stay ahead. Through research, forecasting, and advisory services, TTOBMA helps businesses navigate market trends and make informed decisions in the ever-evolving forest products industry.

Registration for the Forest Products Transport Symposium will open in late 2025. Early registration is recommended, as space will be limited. To stay up to date on event details, speaker line-ups, and how to register, please follow our Instagram @fpts_2026 or contact [email protected].