The founding of IAPH in Los Angeles in 1955 saw the adoption of a constitution stipulating that the association’s World Ports Conference take place every three years. Therefore, readers may be confused by the accompanying photo of the next edition of the conference – held in Mexico – which proudly identifies it as the Second Triennial Conference… in 1959. This is because economic difficulties in the original host nation meant that the conference had to be delayed by a year while a new site was selected. Also, while this was the third conference overall, it was the second within the association’s envisaged triennial cycle. Held in Mexico City in June, the 1959 conference was opened by the country’s president, Adolfo López Mateos, and attended by 191 participants from 13 countries, including new additions such as France and Australia. Insider readers can view and zoom in on an impressive group image of the conference delegation here. Although containerisation was still in its infancy, the conference was a milestone in recognizing its significance for global ports. The topic was addressed via the newly formed Committee on Port Administration and Utilization (the other key committee was focused on Commerce and International Relations) and via many of the 22 papers presented at the event. A proposal for honorary membership was passed and an executive committee was established to handle association matters between conferences. Despite some unexpected delays, IAPH was making small but significant changes that brought it closer to the organisation we know today.
