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Summer Safety Meeting

Chicago, IL

July 21-22, 2026

Join AWO members this summer in the windy city for the Summer Safety Meeting, where we will focus on the critical role safety plays in uniting the tugboat, towboat, barge, and broader maritime industries. This meeting will address the challenges and opportunities we face as the industry adapts to an evolving safety landscape and will provide updates on various AWO safety initiatives and programs. AWO Members and invited guests are welcome to attend this event.

Following the meeting, join us for a social dinner to network and meet fellow AWO members. Additional RSVP required during registration, and cost of dinner will be invoiced after the event.

Location

Loews Chicago
455 N Park Dr, Chicago, IL 60611 Get Directions

The hotel room block is closed. If you need to cancel your room, please call 1-800-235-6397.

Download the AWO mobile app in the Apple Store or on Google Play.

Share on Social Media

Share with your network that you'll be attending this meeting with AWO's social media toolkit! Download for LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Access directly from the AWO mobile app to share via your mobile device!

Download now: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Sponsorships

Sponsoring an AWO Event offers a unique opportunity to promote your products and services while demonstrating your commitment to the tugboat, towboat and barge industry. Sponsors gain visibility and receive special benefits and acknowledgement in the AWO app and website, room upgrades, and more! Contact ckidd@americanwaterways.com to claim your sponsorship.

View Sponsorships

Taken: Diamond, Swag

Available: Platinum, Gold, WiFi, & Social Dinner

Thank you to our sponsors!

Schedule At-A-Glance

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.	Welcome Reception AWO Members & Invited Guests	Lake View Lawn
7:05 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.	Safety Outing - Baseball Game (Tigers vs. Cubs) AWO Members & Invited Guest. Email ckidd@americanwaterways.com for ticket information.	Wrigley Field

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.	General Session AWO Members & Invited Guests	Sullivan Ballroom
1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.	General Session AWO Members & Invited Guests	Sullivan Ballroom
4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.	HERO Awards Ceremony All Invited Guests and Members Welcome	Sullivan Ballroom
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.	HERO Reception AWO Members & Invited Guests	Lake View Lawn
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.	Social Dinner Invoiced After Event	TBD