The Waterways Journal

01/07/2026

📊 By the Numbers — The inland marine transportation industry’s annual gathering is bigger and better than ever.

• 2,500+ expected attendees
• 250+ exhibiting brands
• 180,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space at Music City Center
• 14+ exhibit hours with networking + live demos
• 98% of past attendees are likely to recommend IMX

➡️ Join us in Nashville, May 27–29, 2026 — register now at inlandmarineexpo.com

01/07/2026

🚨 Early bird registration is NOW OPEN for —save $50 when you sign up by March 26. Lock in the lowest rate today: inlandmarineexpo.com

Join us in Nashville, May 27–29, 2026, as we Bring It Inland and connect leaders from across America’s waterways, canals, lakes and coasts.

01/06/2026

🏨 The official hotel room block is now open—featuring discounted rates at downtown Nashville hotels just steps from the Music City Center.

Room rates start at $272 per night, giving you flexible options from budget-friendly stays —all within walking distance of IMX.

These negotiated rooms go fast, so booking early is strongly recommended.
➡️ View hotels and book: inlandmarineexpo.com/hotel-travel

🎯 Pro tip: Always book through the official hotel links on inlandmarineexpo.com to avoid third-party booking scams.

We’ll see you in Nashville, May 27–29, 2026—now’s the time to lock in lodging and start planning.

01/06/2026

New year, new role. Hines Furlong Line's Glenn Hendon discusses his semi-retirement, the state of the industry and his namesake vessel with The Waterways Journal.

As long as Glenn Hendon can recall, the towboat and barge industry has been part of his life. “As far back as I can remember, my dad was in the industry,” Hendon said. “He was working for Crounse Corporation when I was born.” It didn’t take long for Hendon to follow in his dad’s footstep...

01/05/2026

Since 1887, The Waterways Journal has been the trusted voice of the inland waterways industry. A print or digital subscription makes a thoughtful gift for colleagues, clients, and industry partners.

Give the gift of WJ - delivered all year long.
Simply select “Gift” on the subscription page.

https://www.waterwaysjournal.net/subscribe/

12/29/2025

Submit a proposal for an Inland Marine Expo Education Session and bring your insights to the stage. We’re looking for topics on operations, safety, workforce, shipbuilding, tech/AI, market trends, funding, infrastructure, propulsion, and more. All session proposals will be reviewed with responses by January 30, 2026. 🔗 bit.ly/4pNI5M8

12/22/2025

Nominate a standout young professional for the 40 Under 40 Award and help recognize the rising leaders shaping the future of the inland marine industry — from deckhands and engineers to port operators and consultants.
🔗

The IMX 40 Under 40 Award honors outstanding young professionals in the inland and intracoastal community.

12/22/2025

Capt. David Smith shares the backstory of portrait of Ashland Oil & Refining Company's entire fleet, which became a Christmas present for company founder Paul Blazer.

Picking that perfect Christmas present for the boss is always a challenge.

12/22/2025

Since 1887, The Waterways Journal has been the trusted voice of the inland waterways industry. A print or digital subscription makes a thoughtful gift for colleagues, clients, and industry partners.

Give the gift of WJ - delivered all year long.

Simply select “Gift” on the subscription page.
https://www.waterwaysjournal.net/subscribe/

12/21/2025

George Leavell reflects on what led him to the maritime industry and what's kept him there.

Click here to read more:

It was a love of the people and the relationships within the maritime industry that led George Leavell to change careers.

12/21/2025

The Seamen's Church Institute held its annual River Bell Awards Luncheon December 11 in Paducah, Ky. During the event, SCI honored George G. Leavell, Marty Hettel and William Barr with individual awards and the crews of the mvs. Susan Robinson and Mary Moran with lifesaving awards.

The Seamen’s Church Institute’s 25th annual River Bell Awards Luncheon raised a record $537,000 in support of SCI’s chaplaincy, crisis response, advocacy and training programs for mariners...

12/21/2025

Most people who don’t work in the maritime industry experience the Mississippi River from afar. But for the Bettis family, experiencing the river meant jumping in with both feet—or in this case, 16.

Most people who don’t work in the maritime industry experience the Mississippi River from afar.