Maritime & Logistics Summit | Annual Gala & Awards | Maritime Association of South Carolina on Glue Up

Event Details

Join Us for the MASC 99th Annual Gala & Awards and Inaugural Maritime & Logistics Summit:

February 20, 1 - 5pm: MASC - SC Department of Commerce B2B Matchmaking Event

Separate registration required. Details TBD.

Mark your calendar for February 21, 2025, as we proudly host the MASC 99th Annual Gala & Awards alongside the debut of our Maritime & Logistics Summit.

Maritime & Logistics Summit

This premier event will bring together top executives, managers, and decision-makers from across the maritime, logistics, and supply chain sectors. Attendees will include professionals from shipping companies, logistics providers, 3PLs, OEMs, research organizations, and more—those shaping the future of the industry.

Highlights of the Summit Agenda:

Engaging Presentations & Panels: Hear from industry leaders and experts sharing insights on global trends and regional market opportunities.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, suppliers, and service providers to build valuable relationships.
Focused Discussions: Explore key topics such as infrastructure, workforce development, and innovation.

Don't miss this opportunity to dive deep into the challenges and opportunities within the maritime and logistics industries.

99th Annual Gala & Awards

After a day of learning and networking, join us for an elegant evening celebrating the achievements & milestones of our colleagues in the industry. The Gala & Awards will take place from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM, featuring:

A spectacular awards ceremony honoring excellence in the maritime and logistics sectors.
Sit down dinner and festive After Party.

Let's come together to explore the future of our industry and toast to the successes that drive it forward.

Join us for both events or come for the one that suits your schedule! We look forward to seeing you there!

If you have any questions, please reach out to us below:

Taylor Jackson, tjackson@maritimesc.org

Valerie Torres, vtorres@maritimesc.org

Maritime & Logistics Summit Agenda

February 20, 2025
February 21, 2025

February 20, 2025

1

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

B2B

Speakers

Erik Bethel

Managing Partner at Mare Liberum

Brent Droste Sadler

Senior Research Fellow, Naval Warfare and Advanced Technology, Allison Center for National Security at The Heritage Foundation

Taylor Jackson

President & CEO of Maritime Association of SC

Dylon Ligon

Deputy Director - Business Outreach, Business Services Division of South Carolina Department of Commerce

Joseph Von Nessen

Research Economist at Darla Moore School of Business University of South Carolina

Erik Bethel is a global finance professional with experience in the private and public sectors. He is currently the Managing Partner at Mare Liberum, a venture capital fund focused on maritime national security. In 2020 he was nominated to serve as the U.S. ambassador to the Republic of Panama. Previously, he was nominated by President Trump and confirmed unanimously by the Senate to represent the United States at the World Bank. At the World Bank, Mr. Bethel participated in the analysis and deployment of over $100 billion of capital in the developing world through grants, loans, equity investments, and other financial products. While at the World Bank, Bethel also promoted several initiatives, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, to streamline World Bank operations. Earlier in his career, Mr. Bethel worked as an investment banker and private equity professional focused on developing markets. He was a Managing Director at Franklin Templeton Investments, where he executed private equity transactions in Latin America. Prior to this, he was based in Shanghai, China, as Managing Partner of SinoLatin Capital and Managing Director of ChinaVest. Earlier in his career, Mr. Bethel held a variety of emerging markets-focused private equity and investment banking positions at J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley in both New York and Mexico City. Mr. Bethel earned a BS in economics and political science from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis and an MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He speaks Spanish, Portuguese, and Mandarin. He is a Senior Advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, serves as a Board Member at the US Naval War College Foundation.

Brent joined Heritage Foundation after a 26 year Navy career with numerous operational tours on nuclear powered submarines in the Pacific, personal staffs of senior Defense Department leaders, & as a military diplomat in Asia. As a senior research fellow, his focus is on maritime security and the technologies shaping our future maritime forces, especially the Navy. In 2023, he authored a book detailing a new naval statecraft in U.S. Naval Power in the 21st Century.
A native of Springfield, Virginia, he graduated with honors from the United States Naval Academy in 1994 with a degree in Systems Engineering (robotics) and a minor in Japanese. As an Olmsted Scholar in Tokyo, Japan from 2004 to 2007, he studied at Keio University, Jochi University and the United Nations University. He has a M.A. from Jochi University and M.S. from National War College where he graduated with distinction in 2011 receiving several writing and research awards.
In 2011, he helped establish the Navy Asia Pacific Advisory Group (NAPAG), providing regionally informed comprehensive advice directly to Chief of Naval Operations’ (CNO). He again served on the CNO’s personal staff in 2015-2016, advising on the Asia-Pacific and as the CNO’s representative to the Deputy Secretary of Defense in developing the Defense Department’s Third Offset.
At Pacific Command from 2012-2015, he held numerous key positions. As lead for Maritime Strategy and Policy, he incorporated all 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) into the first regional maritime domain awareness forum; and, was instrumental in developing the $500 million dollar Maritime Security Initiative. As Special Advisor on Japan, and a Council of Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellow in Tokyo, he played a key role in revising the U.S. and Japan Defense Guidelines. As Deputy Director Strategic Synchronization Group, he oversaw a think-tank like body of over 30 advisors and analysts. Lastly, he was the Commander’s representative to the Deputy Secretary of Defense responsible for developing and coordinating execution of the President’s Defense Strategic Guidance—Rebalance to the Asia-Pacific resulting in over $12 billion USD of additional monies budgeted in fiscal years 2013 through 2015 during a time of fiscal austerity.
Following his final tour on CNO’s staff, Brent returned to Asia as Senior Defense Official, Defense and Naval Attaché in Malaysia. During his tenure he played a key role in coordinating responses to the USS McCain collision in August 2017, opened several politically sensitive ports and airfields to U.S. forces, oversaw unprecedented expansion of U.S. military relations, and steadied relations during the historic May 2018 national elections ushering in an opposition party for the first time since independence.

Dr. Joseph C. Von Nessen is a Research Economist in the Division of Research at the Darla Moore School of Business where he specializes in regional economics, regional economic forecasting, and housing economics. He regularly conducts a wide variety of economic impact analyses, feasibility studies, and independent market research projects for clients in both the private and public sector. In addition, he is responsible for the preparation and presentation of the University of South Carolina's annual statewide economic forecast, serves on the advisory committee for the South Carolina Board of Economic Advisors, and is regularly invited to brief the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond on economic conditions in South Carolina. He is a frequent speaker for business and government leaders throughout the Southeast - providing information and consultation about business, markets, and local economies. He also makes frequent media appearances to discuss various local economic topics of interest. Dr. Von Nessen earned his B.A. at Furman University and his Ph.D. in economics at the University of South Carolina.

Sponsors and Partners

Gala & Awards | Premier Sponsor

Two (2) tables of ten (10) at the MASC 99th Annual Gala & Awards (adjacent to the stage)
Acknowledgement from podium
Featured recognition in the program & on the main screen
Featured recognition in social media promotion
Company logo on MASC website (with link)
Six (6) Tickets to the Maritime & Logistics Summit

Public Price$15,000

Gala & Awards | Awards Sponsor

One (1) table of ten (10) at the event (adjacent to the stage)
Remarks from the stage
Featured recognition in the program & on the main screen
Acknowledgement from podium
Featured recognition in social media promotion
Company logo on MASC website
Four (4) tickets to the Maritime & Logistics Summit

Public Price$10,000

Gala & Awards | Table Wine Sponsor (Sold Out)

One (1) table of ten (10) at the event (adjacent to the stage)
Featured recognition in the program & on the main screen
Featured recognition in social media promotion
Company logo on MASC website
Acknowledgement from Podium

Public Price$7,500

Maritime & Logistics Summit | Lunch Sponsor

Includes Six (6) tickets to the Summit only
Includes One (1) Exhibit Table
90 second remarks to kick off the Keynote Lunch
Social media promotion
Appropriate Signage at Lunch

Public Price$5,000

Gala & Awards | Platinum Sponsor

One (1) table of ten (10) at the event (with VIP seating)
Featured recognition in the program & on the main screen
Featured recognition in social media promotion
Company logo on MASC website

Public Price$5,000

Gala & Awards | Gold Sponsor

One (1) table of ten (10)
Recognition in social media promotion
Recognition on program & main screen
Company name on MASC website

Public Price$4,000

Gala & Awards | Silver Sponsor

One (1) table of eight (8)
Recognition in social media promotion
Recognition in program & on main screen
Company name on MASC website

Public Price$3,000

Maritime & Logistics Summit | Breakfast Sponsor

Includes Four (4) tickets to the Summit only
Includes One (1) Exhibit Table
Appropriate Signage at Breakfast Stations
Social media promotion

Public Price$2,500

Maritime & Logistics Summit | Networking Sponsor

Beverage Break Sponsor
Includes three (3) tickets to the Summit only
Appropriate Signage at Stations
Social media promotion

Public Price$1,500

Maritime & Logistics Summit | WIFI Sponsor

Includes two (2) tickets to the Summit only
Logo for WIFI connection
Social media promotion

Public Price$750

Maritime & Logistics Summit | Exhibitor

Includes 2 tickets to the Maritime & Logistics Summit
Exhibit Table

Public Price$500

Gala & Awards | Individual Ticket

One (1) Ticket to the 99th Annual Gala & Awards
Does not include Maritime & Logistics Summit Ticket

Public Price$250

Maritime & Logistics Summit | Individual Ticket

(1) ticket to the Maritime & Logistics Summit
Does not include a ticket to the Gala

Member Price$125

Public Price$150

Gala & Awards | General Sponsorship

Does not include ticket or table to 99th Annual Gala & Awards
Recognition in social media, program & main screen
Company name on MASC website

Public Price$1,000

South Carolina Maritime B2B Supplier Matchmaker

The Maritime Association is pleased to host its Inaugural Maritime B2B Supplier Matchmaker in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Commerce on February 21, 2025 at Trident Tech Aeronautical Training Center.

Registration opens at 12:30pm with the event starting at 1pm and running through 5pm.

OEM/Tier 1 Suppliers, please contact the below to register to participate:

Taylor Jackson, tjackson@maritimesc.org

Tammie Greene,

Supplier registration will open on January 2, 2025.

99th Annual Gala & Awards | Winners

Congratulations to this year's 99th Annual Award Winners:

John Hassell Award, Kenny Riley - ILA Local 1422

This award is presented to a person whose local, statewide & national achievements are worthy of recognition. This includes distinguished leadership in their field and exhibition of vision, integrity and loyalty.
We are pleased to present this award to President, Kenny Riley, ILA Local 1422.

Beacon Award, CWO Ryan Brodie - USCG Sector Charleston

This award recognizes a person of a career of distinguished service to the maritime community & South Carolina.
We are pleased to present this to CWO Ryan Brodie, USCG-Sector Charleston.

Maritime Advocate Award, Chad Vail - Charleston County School District

This award is presented to a person outside of the maritime transportation industry for outstanding efforts in support of the maritime industry.
We are pleased to present this to Chad Vail, Charleston County School District.

Emerging Leader Award, Logan Richardson - MSC

This award is presented to an individual who rises up among peers, demonstrating leadership qualities within their own organization and across the industry.
We are pleased to present this to Logan Richardson, MSC.

Billy Adams Volunteer Award, Gina Esterbrooks

This award is to recognize one outstanding volunteer who stands out for his / her leadership & contributions while advancing the mission of MASC.
We are pleased to present this to Gina Esterbrooks.

2025 MASC Board Members

Adam Baker, Gnosis Freight
Bryan Carpenter, Palmetto Railways
Ashley Iseman, SC Ports Authority
John Reed, Maersk
Paige Taylor, Harbor Logistics
Jacqueline Watts, Continental Tires
Michael Wojnowski, MRS - CMC

Maritime Association of South Carolina

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Maritime & Logistics Summit | Annual Gala & Awards

Event Details