The future of the U.S. inland waterway system requires investing in both physical infrastructure and adopting new technologies.  

Lock modernization and channel expansion are critical, yet they can’t fix the coordination gaps that slow operations. And AI-driven tools are only as good as the structured data feeding them, which the industry has historically lacked. Neither approach alone can address the full challenge. 

This session examines why physical and digital systems must advance together, where inefficiencies are occurring, and what a connected waterway network looks like in practice. 

Attendees will:

• Understand why the “infrastructure vs. technology” debate misses the real problem — and what a more complete strategy looks like
• Learn what it takes to build a digital coordination layer that works alongside physical investment to improve planning, execution, and asset utilization
• Leave with a realistic picture of what progress could look like in three to five years