An annual shipping and logistics conference aimed at international shippers based throughout the Midwest will make its official launch April 17-18 in Des Moines. The Heartland Shippers Conference is presented by Cargo Business News, the International Traders of Iowa and a growing consortium of other Midwest-based shipping and trade organizations, including Midwest Global Trade Association, Midwest Shippers Association and the North Dakota Trade Office.The conference is being hosted by the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Speakers include Mary Vermeer Andringa, president and CEO of Vermeer Corp. and chair of the National Association of Manufacturers board of directors, and Ken Allen, president of Bridgestone Americas Agricultural Tire Division.