Interested in trade-related news, legislative updates, and practical advice about international trade and logistics operations? Then you might want to consider attending the Coalition of New England Companies for Trade's (CONECT) 16th Annual Northeast Trade & Transportation Conference. The event, scheduled for March 14-16 in historic Newport, R.I., typically attracts some 300 importers, exporters, carriers, customs brokers, forwarders, government officials, and other international experts from across the Northeast.

Keynote speakers and panels of experts will discuss "hot button" topics requested by CONECT's diverse membership, and lengthy Q&A sessions will guarantee lively dialogue and the opportunity to put pressing questions to government policymakers. Sessions will address operational concerns like customs regulations and rulings, cargo security, and waterfront labor issues, as well as "macro" concerns such as global economic developments, pending legislation, and mode-specific market conditions.

Despite the serious subject matter, CONECT is definitely not an "all work and no play" crowd. The group has planned a St. Patrick's Day Irish coffee and dessert buffet and an annual gala dinner at Newport's elegant Ochre Court mansion. Find out more at www.conect.org.