CT Strategies is proud to be participating in this year’s Port of the Future Virtual Conference hosted by the University of Houston. Set for March 15-18th, this event will provide corporate leaders, trade and logistics professionals, government officials, and leading researchers the opportunity to examine an expanding and evolving vision of future Ports of Entry.
- Decarbonization, sustainability and alternative fuels
- Port resiliency and security challenges and solutions (physical and cyber)
- Digitalization and data sharing
- Automation opportunities
- Advances in Biometrics
The Port of the Future Virtual Conference is shaped by research and innovation, advances in technology, increased dependence on automation, enhancements in data security and information sharing, and heightened environmental compliance – all impacting the ability to move cargo and people rapidly and securely across international borders. In an age where procedural and technological advancement in trade plays a vital role in the state of our economy and national security, conversations between leaders in the industry and government help to broaden awareness of the issues to be addressed in the near and far future.
CT Strategies, CEO Andrew Farrelly, and Shawn Beddows, VP of Global Services, will provide keen insight on the growing role of Non-Intrusive Inspection and Scanning Technologies.
Additionally, in April of 2020 CT Strategies partnered with the University of Houston’s DHS Center of Excellence to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the U.S Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Program (CTPAT). The study combines the foundational knowledge of former CTPAT program (A)Directors Ron May and Shawn Beddows, with BTI’s renown academic approach to Homeland Security research to develop a thorough analysis of the program’s performance.
We are excited to contribute our rooted knowledge in customs and border management to this vital discussion around modernizing our Nation’s ports, infrastructure, and processes across air, maritime, land, and cyber domains. The Port of the Future Conference provides a platform to discuss these complex topics around port security in an increasingly connected world.
We invite you to join in on the thought leading conversations that will define the future of our nation’s ports.


Topics We’ll Cover:
- How the CTPAT Program and New Minimum-Security criteria impact the supply chain and ‘Port of the Future’ concept
- The impacts of COVID on supply chain security
- How industry and government can work together to make the Port of the Future more efficient and secure
- Emerging threats to the cross-border rail and express consignment industry and new, innovative security initiatives being taken to address them
Agenda
AIR FREIGHT & TRAVEL TRACK
Panel: Non-Intrusive Inspection and Scanning Technologies
Thursday, March 18th 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM CT
Panel Participants
Andrew Farrelly is the co-founder of CT Strategies, which provides strategic services to clients seeking current and innovative insight into border management and supply chain challenges in the U.S. and around the world.
Dimitry Kurouski earned his M. S. in Biochemistry from Belarusian State University, Belarus and Ph. D. (Distinguished Dissertation) in Analytical Chemistry from SUNY Albany, NY, USA.
Shawn Beddows is a World Customs Organization (WCO) accredited Customs Technical and Operational Advisor in the field of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) and Associated Global Trusted Trader Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA). Currently, Beddows is the VP of Global Services for CT Strategies.
Thomas Overacker is the Executive Director of Cargo and Conveyance Security (CCS) at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Headquarters in Washington, DC.
ADVANCES IN BIOMETRICS TRACK
Panel: Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism
Thursday, March 18th 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CT
Panel Participants
Manuel Garza Jr. is the National Director for the CPTAT Program. There, he directs a team of nearly 180 employees in six field offices to conduct supply chain security validations throughout the globe. He is responsible for the management of nearly 11,600 CTPAT participants including 309 Trade Compliance members and 366 Tier 3 members.
James Kniestedt is the President and Founder of Gravick Group LLC, a veteran owned privately-held company that offers a suite of Security consulting and training programs,
Mr. Ronald May is a supply chain security and customs operations expert with over 31 years of experience serving U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the legacy U.S. Customs Service.
Shawn Beddows is a World Customs Organization (WCO) accredited Customs Technical and Operational Advisor in the field of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) and Associated Global Trusted Trader Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA). Currently, Beddows is the VP of Global Services for CT Strategies.
Floyd Dixon has a combined 40 years of law enforcement and corporate security experience. For the past 15 years, Floyd has served as a Managing Director of Corporate Security for FedEx with oversight of all FedEx Freight security operations.
Visit our virtual exhibit during the event for a chance to win our giftbasket giveaway!

For detailed information about the conference and how you can attend visit: https://www.portofthefutureconference.com