Schedule

Annual Conference Schedule

The 2026 Ports-to-Plains Annual Conference schedule is designed to deliver a strategic blend of federal policy updates, state implementation strategies, and high-value networking opportunities. This year’s agenda will feature insights from Congressional Delegation representatives, State DOT leaders, and industry experts focused on advancing the Future Interstate system and I-27 implementation. Attendees can expect timely discussions on funding, project delivery, and North American trade connectivity, with sessions structured to provide actionable takeaways and meaningful collaboration throughout the conference.

Remember to Register

The 2026 Ports-to-Plains Annual Conference schedule is still being finalized, with times subject to minor changes. Don’t wait—register now to secure your spot and stay informed on Future Interstate policy, I-27 implementation, and key networking opportunities.

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General Schedule

Plan your experience with the 2026 Ports-to-Plains Annual Conference general schedule, featuring key sessions on Future Interstate funding, I-27 implementation, and North American trade connectivity, along with networking events and binational discussions in Del Rio and Acuña.

5:30-7:00pm

Registration & Welcome Reception | Ramada by Wyndham

Speakers:

Sponsored by

7:30pm

Kickoff Mixer | Gin House Jazz Club
• Live Jazz • Hors d’oeuvres • Mariachi Del Rio • Transportation Provided

Speakers:

Sponsored by

7:00-8:00 am

Breakfast | Ramada by Wyndham

Speakers:

Sponsored by

8:30 am

Departure to Acuña, Mexico – Passport, Pass Card, Global Entry or SENTRI Card Required

Speakers:

Sponsored by

7:00-8:00am

Breakfast | Ramada by Wyndham

Speakers:

Sponsored by

8:30-9:15 am

From Trade Route to Strategic Asset: I-27, Border Security, and Emergency Response

Del Rio Civic Center – Pecan Ballroom

Speakers:

  • TBD

Sponsored by

9:15-9:45 am

From Designation to Delivery: A Federal Funding Pathway for Future Interstates

Del Rio Civic Center – Pecan Ballroom

Speakers:

  • Jennifer Sheperd, Hance Scarborough LLP, Managing Director & Senior Policy Advisor

Sponsored by

9:45-10:15 am

Break | Snacks / Water / Coffee / Aguas Frescas

Sponsored by

10:15 -11:00 am

ASREC Ports: Advancing Secure, Redundant, and Economic Gateways from Designation to Delivery

Del Rio Civic Center – Pecan Ballroom

Speakers:

  • TBD

Sponsored by

11:00 -11:45 am

Impact of the Del Rio Port: A Strategic Border Gateway for Trade, Jobs, and Regional Growth

Del Rio Civic Center – Pecan Ballroom

Speakers:

  • TBD

Sponsored by

12:00 -1:30 pm

Lunch & Keynote

Del Rio Civic Center – Red Oak Room

Speakers:

  • TBD

Sponsored by

2:00 -2:30 pm

Bridging Growth: The Economic Case for Extending I-27 Toward the Rio Grande Valley

Del Rio Civic Center – Pecan Ballroom

Speakers:

  • TBD

Sponsored by

2:30 -3:00 pm

Planning the Case for Investment: Future I-27, Port Access, and the Border Master Plan

Del Rio Civic Center – Pecan Ballroom

Speakers:

  • TBD

Sponsored by

3:00 -3:30 pm

Break | Snacks / Water / Coffee / Aguas Frescas

Sponsored by

3:30 -4:15 pm

Bridging Ports and Corridors: Advancing Cross-Border Trade Infrastructure

Del Rio Civic Center – Pecan Ballroom

Speakers:

  • Del Rio
  • Puerto Verde
  • TBD

Sponsored by

4:15 -4:45 pm

USMCA and the Corridor Economy: Moving Trade from Border to Market

Del Rio Civic Center – Pecan Ballroom

Speakers:

  • TBD

Sponsored by

4:45 – 5:15 PM

Technology-Driven Corridors: Lessons for Moving from Designation to Delivery

Del Rio Civic Center – Pecan Ballroom

Speakers:

  • Tracy Forester, Halff, ITS Practice Leader

Sponsored by

5:15 – 5:30 PM

Building Momentum: Key Takeaways and Action Items

Del Rio Civic Center – Pecan Ballroom

Speakers:

  • Lauren Garduno, Ports-to-Plains Alliance, President/CEO

Sponsored by

6:00 – 9:00 pm

Evening Event

Main Street Social & Food Truck Fest
Downtown Del Rio • Music • Food Trucks • Border Culture

Sponsored by

Download the Schedule

Quick Links

Host City

Discover what makes our host city a strategic and welcoming location for this year’s conference, including travel information, attractions, and local highlights.

Explore Del Rio & Acuña

Lodging

Book your accommodations at the official conference hotel and take advantage of the exclusive conference room rate for attendees.

Secure Your Stay

Pricing & Registration

Because of the support provided by our Sponsors, Registration will be FREE. We still need you to register for our conference planning.

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Sponsor the Conference

Sponsor the 2026 Ports-to-Plains Conference to boost visibility, connect with leaders, and support Future Interstate development.

Learn More About Sponsorship