Registration Open for West Coast's Largest Commercial Marine Trade Show, Pacific Marine Expo, Nov. 17-19, and Exhibit Space Nearly Sold Out; National Fisherman Profitable Harvest Forum Set for Nov. 16

    PORTLAND, ME, August 30, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Registration is now open for Pacific Marine Expo, the West Coast's largest commercial marine trade show, which will be held Nov. 17-19 at Seattle's CenturyLink Field Event Center (formerly Qwest Field Event Center). The 44th annual Pacific Marine Expo will bring maritime and fishing industry leaders from 40 states and 17 countries to Seattle for the only trade event dedicated exclusively to the pacific maritime industry.

"Whether you are a commercial fisherman looking to increase the value of your catch at the Second Annual National Fisherman Profitable Harvest Forum, you have a marine business and are looking for the latest technology and hottest products or you are just looking to catch up with industry friends, Pacific Marine Expo is the place to be," said Mike Lodato, Group Vice President, Diversified Business Communications, which produces the Expo.

Pacific Marine Expo (PME) is the largest and longest running commercial marine tradeshow on the West Coast. The Expo serves all aspects of the market, including commercial vessels owners, commercial fishermen, boat builders, workboat operators and seafood processors.

Lodato noted the 2010 Expo attracted over 500 exhibitors. "People who attend this Show are here to buy," said Jeremy McWhirter, Pacific Fishermen Shipyard and Electric.

Exhibitor space for the 2011 Expo is nearly sold out. For further information, contact Chris Dimmerling, Sales Manager, [email protected] or (207) 842-5666. For exhibitor information, visit http://bit.ly/rj7GJR.

National Fisherman Profitable Harvest
Set for Nov. 16 at CenturyLink Event Center, the all-day Forum will help commercial fisherman learn how regional certification and branding programs work and the benefits and challenges of securing certification for a fishery.

"If you're a commercial fisherman who wants to educate your buyers and increase the value of your catch, then this event is for you," said Jessica Hathaway, Editor in chief, National Fisherman. Hathaway said.

Attendees will leave the National Fisherman Profitable Harvest with real-life examples from fishermen and representatives of certification programs. Hathaway noted that participants will:

- Learn about meeting quality standards to ensure certification.

- Understand the people on the retail end and their top priorities.

- See real-life examples of the promotions and marketing tools you can use to sell your product when you join a regional certification program.

- Take home the resources you'll need to engage in regional programs.

Bruce Schactler, Director, National Seafood Marketing Coalition, will be the Forum's keynote speaker. The event will also will feature six presentations followed by a panel discussion on "How Do I Make Regional Programs Work for Me". The day will conclude with roundtable sessions led by each of the day's presenters. Speakers will include representatives from the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, California Sustainable Seafood Initiative, Gulf Wild Program, Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Hannaford and SweetBay, as well as Tom Douglas, chef, restaurateur and author.

Registration, which includes the full schedule of National Fisherman Profitable Harvest events and admission to Pacific Marine Expo, cost is $275 Early Bird (before October 29th) and $375 Regular (October 29th or later).

To register, visit www.nationalfisherman.com/profitableharvest. For additional information, contact Lisa Keller, Conference Manager, 207-842-5624, or [email protected].

The 2011 Pacific Marine Expo
From free Conference programs to a Boatyard Day to a container ship full of free special events to the latest equipment, gear, services, suppliers, new products and ideas, Pacific Marine Expo is the total boat solution.

The free conference program will be held from Nov. 17-19 and include fisheries/fisheries business, workboat, and safety tracts. Program topics include "Assessing the Risks of Offshore Oil," "Using an Energy Audit for Commercial Fishing Vessels," "A Solution to Meeting Clean Water Standards," and "How to Implement a Proactive Accident Prevention Program."

The Boatyard Day will be held on Friday, Nov. 18, and feature the National Fisherman Boats & Gear Awards, presented by the editors of National Fisherman and WorkBoat magazines, will honor excellence in boat design, construction and gear for the commercial fishing industry. Three was award will be presented:

Life Saver Award -- The future of the fishing industry depends not only on the wellbeing of the stocks but on the health and safety of fishermen. The field for this award is wide open -- individuals, organizations, companies, products, boats and yards are all eligible -- but the goal is simple: highlighting dedication to commercial fishing safety.

Next Wave Award -- Every year there are innovations in the industry. Not long ago adding a bulbous bow to a fishing vessel was unheard of, and everyone used copper-based antifouling paint. This award will honor vision and innovation in boat design, construction or gear.

NF Classics -- Tradition has a special place in the hearts of fishermen and this award will recognize vessels that recall the high points of commercial fishing history.

PME special events will include the presentation of the World Wildlife Fund Smart Gear Awards at 2:30 on Thursday, Nov. 17; Remote Control Boat Display sponsored by the Port of Seattle, which is celebrating its centennial in 2011; Author's Corner and Bookstore; and, Fisherman of the Year Contest on Saturday, Nov. 19.

However, the stars of PME will be the latest products and technologies. "96% of 2010 attendees said that PME was the best source for finding new products and supplies and 99% say PME is the best show for their needs," Lodato said.

At PME, visitors can see hundreds of suppliers and negotiate face-to-face. "PME is one stop shopping," Lodato said. "It gives the industry the opportunity to meet with the experts, check out new products and catch up with old friends in one place."

"If you are in the marine industry, you should be here," said Fred Fink, Lunde Marine Electronics.

To register or for further information, visit www.PacificMarineExpo.com.

About Pacific Marine Expo
Pacific Marine Expo is the largest and longest running commercial marine tradeshow on the West Coast and is annually held in Seattle. The Expo serves all aspects of the market, including commercial vessels owners, commercial fishermen, boat builders, workboat operators and seafood processors. The Expo gives exhibitors and attendees the opportunity to meet face-to-face to discuss the hottest products, innovative ideas and new services for a business.

For further information, visit www.PacificMarineExpo.com. To exhibit, call Chris Dimmerling at 207-842-5666.

Pacific Marine Expo is produced by Diversified Business Communications.

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