99th Annual Gala & Awards | Maritime & Logistics Summit | 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.
Hosted at Trident Tech Aeronautical Training Center.
https://app.glueup.com/event/b2b-supplier-matchmaker-maritime-logistics-130361/?pk_campaign=widget-event-list

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: Anchoring the Future - Industry, Maritime Policy & Workforce.

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 (2-21-25) 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 live music from The Rising Tide.

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!

MASC has a room block rate of $199 / night plus tax & applicable fees for Thursday February 20th and Friday February 21st nights.

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 21, 2025

1

7:30 AM - 8:00 AM

Registration & Breakfast

8:00 AM - 8:15 AM

Welcome

Taylor Jackson

8:15 AM - 9:30 AM

SC Department of Commerce | Business Services

Learn how SC Department of Commerce connects companies with the resources you need to grow. Connect with services & expertise developed specifically for your company.

Dylon Ligon

Sonja Barkley

Tammie Greene

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Maritime Policy & Security Panel

This panel delves into maritime policy and security, addressing the evolving challenges posed by cyber-attacks, territorial disputes, and geopolitical tensions on the high seas. Experts discuss the role of international regulations, collaboration between nations, and the implementation of new technologies to ensure the safety of maritime trade routes and protect global shipping from emerging security threats.

Erik Bethel

Brent Droste Sadler

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Networking Break

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Data Panel TBD

This panel explores the growing role of data in the maritime and logistics industries, highlighting how real-time information, predictive analytics, and digitalization are transforming operations. Experts discuss how leveraging data can optimize routes, improve supply chain efficiency, reduce costs, and enable more sustainable practices, ultimately reshaping the future of global trade and transportation.

Adam Baker

12:00 PM - 1:15 PM

Keynote Lunch: Private Terminal Economic Impact Study

This will feature the highly anticipated first release of a comprehensive study on the economic impact of private terminals in SC. This exclusive presentation will provide critical insights into how private terminal operations drive local economies, create jobs, and contribute to the state's overall economic growth. This session will set the stage for informed discussions on the role of private terminals in shaping the future of the state's maritime and logistics sectors.

Joseph Von Nessen

1:15 PM - 1:30 PM

Networking Break

1:30 PM - 2:15 PM

SC Department of Transportation

Jennifer Necker

2:15 PM - 3:00 PM

Workforce For the Future

Experts from the logistics, manufacturing & education sectors will share insights on the skills required to thrive in the rapidly changing landscape, the role of re-skilling and up-skilling initiatives, and how to attract and retain talent.

3:00 PM - 3:15 PM

Closing

Taylor Jackson

6:30 PM - 11:00 PM

99th Gala & Awards

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 live music from The Rising Tide.

Taylor Jackson

Speakers

Adam Baker

VP of Customer Experience at Gnosis Freight

Sonja Barkley

Manager of Small Business at South Carolina Department of Commerce

Erik Bethel

Managing Partner at Mare Liberum

Carla Edwards

Manager of International Trade at South Carolina Department of Commerce

Tammie Greene

Supplier Outreach Program Manager at South Carolina Department of Commerce

Taylor Jackson

President & CEO of Maritime Association of SC

Dylon Ligon

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

Jennifer Necker

Deputy Secretary for Intermodal and Freight Programs at South Carolina Department of Transportation

Joseph Von Nessen

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

Brent Droste Sadler

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

Hank Seiling

Existing Industry Manager at SC Department of Commerce

Sonja Barkley, the Manager of Small Business at the South Carolina Department of Commerce since 2018, has built a stellar reputation as a dedicated advocate for small businesses. Known statewide for her ability to forge valuable connections and identify effective tools and resources, Sonja's strategic leadership has significantly contributed to the growth and scalability of small businesses. She serves as the state liaison for the US Small Business Administration (SBA) and the SC APEX Accelerator, and she oversees the state's Small Business Grant pilot, StimulateSC. Sonja's extensive experience in the private sector includes managing offshore teams in India, coordinating business process outsourcing strategies, and leading organizational change management initiatives. She earned her MBA with a concentration in leadership from Southern New Hampshire University and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Strayer University, Washington DC, with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Outside of her professional life, Sonja enjoys listening to live jazz music, traveling to the Caribbean, and spending time with her family. She resides in Columbia with her husband Kenneth, and they have three daughters and six grandchildren.

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.

Jennifer Necker is the Deputy Secretary for Intermodal & Freight Programs for the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
The division is responsible for the administration and oversight of state and federal funds to support public transportation initiatives in SC that help connect people to jobs, healthcare and education.
In addition, the office oversees the Lowcountry Rapid Transit project, a 21 mile bus rapid transit project in Charleston that will be the very first mass transit system in South Carolina.
Deputy Secretary Necker has been with the SCDOT since 2011 and has served in a variety of positions including contract negotiator, assistant project manager, lead project manager and the lead engineer for the Lowcountry regional planning group. Prior to joining SCDOT, Necker worked for consultant firms in Maryland and South Carolina.
Deputy Secretary Necker graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Civil Engineering and is a licensed professional engineer in both South Carolina and Maryland.

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.

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.

Hank has been with S.C. Dept of Commerce as the Existing Industry Manager for Berkeley, Dorchester, and Charleston Counties for two and half years. Prior to coming to SC DOC, he was the warehouse manager for a speech impediment company, Talk Tools Inc. headquartered in Charleston County handling all the domestic and international shipping and receiving of orders and products from suppliers. Before that Hank worked for South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation for 13 years, 8 of which he was the Center manager in the Orangeburg & Charleston training centers. Hank is originally from Columbia, S.C. and graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1994. He currently resides in Summerville, S.C. & has for the past 14 years. Hank has two stepsons - one who graduated from University of South Carolina and teaches in Lexington Dist. 2, and another son who is a freshman at the University of South Carolina. His wife Kelly is the Field Operations Manager for South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation and has been working for the state for 27 years.

Sponsors and Partners

Exhibitors

Bowman

Gnosis Freight

SC Department of Commerce

Truist Bank

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

Standard 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

Standard 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

Standard 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

Standard 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

Standard 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

Standard 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

Standard 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

Standard 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

Standard Price$1,500

Maritime & Logistics Summit | Lanyard Sponsor (Sold Out)

Includes three (3) tickets to the Summit only
Logo on Lanyards
Social media promotion

Standard Price$1,500

Maritime & Logistics Summit | WIFI Sponsor (Sold Out)

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

Standard Price$750

Maritime & Logistics Summit | Exhibitor

Includes 2 tickets to the Maritime & Logistics Summit
Exhibit Table

Standard Price$500

Gala & Awards | Individual Ticket

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

Standard 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

Standard 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

Standard 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 20, 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, tgreene@sccommerce.com

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

Contact us

99th Annual Gala & Awards | Maritime & Logistics Summit

Event Details

Maritime & Logistics Summit Agenda

February 21, 2025

1

Speakers

Adam Baker

Sonja Barkley

Erik Bethel

Carla Edwards

Tammie Greene

Taylor Jackson

Dylon Ligon

Jennifer Necker

Joseph Von Nessen

Brent Droste Sadler

Hank Seiling

Sponsors and Partners

Organizer

99th Annual Gala & Awards Premier Sponsor

99th Annual Gala & Awards | Red Carpet Sponsor

99th Annual Gala & Awards Table Wine Sponsor

99th Annual Gala & Awards Education & Workforce Development Sponsor

99th Annual Gala & Awards Platinum Sponsor

99th Annual Gala & Awards Gold Sponsor

99th Annual Gala & Awards Silver Sponsor

Maritime & Logistics Summit: Breakfast Sponsor

Maritime & Logistics Summit: Networking Sponsor

Maritime & Logistics Summit: Lanyard Sponsor

Private Terminal Economic Impact | Contributor

KMD Marine Inc.

Exhibitors

Exhibitors

Bowman

Gnosis Freight

SC Department of Commerce

Truist Bank

Annual Gala Tickets | Maritime & Logistics Summit Tickets (Sold Separately!)

Gala & Awards | Premier Sponsor

Gala & Awards | Awards Sponsor

Gala & Awards | Table Wine Sponsor (Sold Out)

Maritime & Logistics Summit | Lunch Sponsor

Gala & Awards | Platinum Sponsor

Gala & Awards | Gold Sponsor

Gala & Awards | Silver Sponsor

Maritime & Logistics Summit | Breakfast Sponsor

Maritime & Logistics Summit | Networking Sponsor

Maritime & Logistics Summit | Lanyard Sponsor (Sold Out)

Maritime & Logistics Summit | WIFI Sponsor (Sold Out)

Maritime & Logistics Summit | Exhibitor

Gala & Awards | Individual Ticket

Maritime & Logistics Summit | Individual Ticket

Gala & Awards | General Sponsorship

South Carolina Maritime B2B Supplier Matchmaker

99th Annual Gala & Awards | Winners

Venue

Venue

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Community

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