Maritime Industry Economic Forecast Breakfast, Keynote on National Priorities for Fisheries Management, and Free Education Program Highlight Pacific Marine Expo

    SEATTLE, WA, November 14, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ --

What
The 51st Annual Pacific Marine Expo, the West Coast's largest commercial marine and fishing trade show, will be held at CenturyLink Field Event Center in Seattle from Thursday, Nov. 16, through Saturday, Nov. 18.

Last year's Expo attracted more than 8,500 visitors from 40 states and 24 countries and over 500 exhibitors. The Expo serves all aspects of the market, including commercial vessel owner and operators, commercial fishermen, boat builders and seafood processors. For more information, please visit www.PacificMarineExpo.com.

Press Credentials
For complimentary press credentials, please stop by the Show Office, Mezzanine Level, CenturyLink Field Event Center.

Keynote Address: Chris Oliver, assistant administrator for the National Marine Fisheries Service
3 p.m., Thursday, November 16
As the new national leader of our nation's fisheries, this will be Oliver's first opportunity to address fisheries stakeholders. He will discuss the challenges and opportunities in U.S. fisheries, the largest and best-managed commercial fisheries in the world. Oliver was the longtime North Pacific Fishery Management Council executive director.

Maritime Industry Economic Forecast Breakfast
8 - 10 a.m., Friday, November 17
West Club Lounge, CenturyLink Field Event Center
www.kingcountymaritime.com

This year's breakfast will attract nearly 350 top labor, business, local and federal government and community leaders. Speakers include:

- City of Seattle Mayor-Elect - confirmed
- John Parrott, President, Foss Maritime - confirmed
- VADM Fred Midgette, U.S. Coast Guard, Pacific Area Commander - confirmed
- Port of Tacoma Commissioner Clare Petrich, NW Seaport Alliance Update - confirmed
- Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman
- The Economic Value of Alaska's Seafood Industry Study - Andy Wink, The McDowell Group - confirmed
- Workforce Development 2018
Washington Rep. Gael Tarleton - confirmed
Nicole Grant, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, M.L. King County Labor Council - invited
Sarah Scherer, Youth Maritime Collaborative, 2018 Maritime Intern Program - confirmed

Annual Conference Program
The free education program is designed to provide essential updates to the industry, while offering an environment for open discussions and networking with other members of the industry. Overall, 18 conference sessions are planned, including:

Thursday, November 16
- Breaking the Ice: The Future of Polar Waterways, 1-1:45 p.m.
- Women on the Water, 11 a.m. - Noon, November 16

Friday, November 17
- Is Pebble Mine Back, 1- 1:45 p.m.
- Boat Loans Just Got Easier -- Construction Fund Changes
- Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute Annual Update, 10:45 - 11:30 a.m.
- Is Ocean Acidification Taking a Toll on Salmon? 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
- A Pipeline for the Maritime Workforce, 1 - 1:30 p.m.
- The State of the Shipyard, 3-3:45 p.m.
- Building Your Dream from Idea to Launch, 3-3:45 p.m.

Saturday, November 18
- Changes to Coast Guard Safety Regulations, 9:30 - 10:15 a.m.

Speakers, details and the complete education program can be found at http://www.pacificmarineexpo.com/conference-program/.

Special Events
2017 Pacific Marine Expo special events include the recording of KIRO Radio's Seattle Kitchen program (1-3 p.m., Thursday), a performance by the Fisher Poets (10:30-11:30 a.m., Saturday), Fisherman of the Year Contest (Noon, Saturday), and a free daily Happy Hour in the Beer Garden.

Brand New - The Alaska Hall
The Alaska Hall will be a one stop shop for everything that comes from Alaska. In this brand-new feature, you will not only find all the Alaskan Exhibitors you need to see, and the Main Stage and the ever-popular Happy Hour.

To Register
Qualified members of the industry can attend the Exhibit Hall, educational conference sessions and keynote for free by registering on or before Nov. 17. Non-exhibiting suppliers can register for $50. At-show registration on November 18, 19 & 20 is $30.00 per qualified attendee. To register, visit www.PacificMarineExpo.com.

About Pacific Marine Expo
Pacific Marine Expo is part of the Diversified Communications portfolio of commercial marine events, publications and eMedia products. Pacific Marine Expo is the largest and longest running commercial fishing and marine tradeshow on the West Coast and is annually held in Seattle. The Expo serves all aspects of the market, including commercial vessel owners, commercial fishermen, boatbuilders, workboat operators and seafood processors. For further information, visit www.PacificMarineExpo.com.

About Diversified Communications
Diversified Communications is a leading international media company providing market access, education and information through global, national and regional face-to-face events, digital products, publications and television stations. Diversified serves a number of industries including: technology, seafood, food service, natural and organic, healthcare, commercial marine, and business management. Based in Portland, Maine, Diversified has divisions in the Eastern U.S., Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. For more information please visit www.divcom.com.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Ken Saunderson
Mobile: (206) 714-6804
Office: (206) 282-6858
[email protected]

# # #