Pacific Marine Expo, the West Coast's largest commercial marine trade show, docks in Seattle from Wednesday, Nov. 8, through Friday, Nov. 10

    SEATTLE, WA, October 31, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ -- With the release of the new Washington State Maritime Economic Impact Study, an in-depth education program including sessions on the impact of off-shore wind development and climate change on the fishing and maritime industry, more than 5,000 maritime professionals from around the world, and a packed show floor featuring the latest equipment, technologies and services, this year's Pacific Marine Expo promises to be one of the best ever.

The Expo, which is the West Coast's largest and longest running commercial fishing and marine trade show, will be held from Wednesday, Nov. 8, through Friday, Nov. 10, at the Lumen Field Event Center. To register, visit www.PacificMarineExpo.com.

The Expo serves all aspects of the maritime industry, including commercial vessel owner and operators, commercial fishermen, boat builders, suppliers, and seafood processors. Last year's Expo attracted more than 5,000 visitors from 40 states and 24 countries. The Expo has been held in Seattle for more than 50 years.

"Our exhibitor list is growing by the day, the free Education Program is an absolute can't miss and this year we're adding even more incredible special events and networking opportunities." said Bob Callahan, Event Director and Group Vice President, Diversified Communications, which produces the show. "It's the one place to check out the latest products, technologies and services, expand your knowledge base, and catch up with old and new friends."

2023 Highlights
• 11th Annual Maritime Economic Forecast Breakfast at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9, will be a great chance to learn about the opportunities and challenges facing the region's maritime and fishing industries. Nearly 250 industry leaders are expected to attend.

The breakfast will feature the release of the new Washington Maritime Federation study, "Economic Impact of the Maritime Industry on Washington."

In addition, there will be presentations by Port of Seattle Commissioner Mohamed, Washington Maritime Blue CEO Joshua Berger, Washington State Rep. Julia Reed, Jon Burdick, President/CEO, Lynden, and a workforce development panel.

• Free Expo Education Sessions on the latest issues and report, including:
Beyond Buzzwords for Sustainability in Shipyard and Port Operations
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, Wednesday
The sustainability shift is happening now, and every maritime industry sector will need to meet new standards. In this session, you'll hear from environmental certification experts and shipyard, ship owner, and port stakeholders.

Commercial Fishing Vessels Go Electric
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, Wednesday
Listen in as a panel of naval architects and stakeholders from various areas of the commercial fishing industry outline how the effort to "go green" can result in operational efficiencies that ensure the long-term viability of individual businesses and the fishing industry as a whole.

Alaska fisheries: Separating fact from fiction
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, Thursday
Commercially important fish stocks have been known to wax and wane over the years, and that has happened in a big way in recent years with the cancellation of Alaska's snow and king crab seasons and other marine ecosystem changes. A panel of experts from NOAA Fisheries will talk through all of these issues to provide insights into what these facts and perceptions mean for potential changes to Alaska fishery regulations, what sustainable fisheries management looks like in the short term as well as how all of it should impact long-term planning for commercial fishermen.

Mental Health for Commercial Fishermen: Strategies for Addressing Stress on the Water
11:30 AM - 12:15, Thursday
How are fishermen dealing with issues on a day-to-day basis? What does it mean to identify these distinct stressors, to acknowledge a traumatic event, or to recognize the signs of a crisis on your boat? What are some of the tools that fishermen can utilize to help navigate these challenges? A panel of experts will explore and answer these questions.

Offshore Wind: Can Better Regional Understanding Today Enable Change Tomorrow?
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM, Thursday
Offshore wind advocates and commercial fishermen continue to do battle over how ocean resources can best be utilized, but that fight looks very different region by region, and even state by state. Join the conversation as a panel of commercial fishing advocates detail the people, realities and challenges that define how offshore wind developments are impacting specific areas of the country.

Full programs, speakers, and details at www.pacificmarineexpo.com/education-program/

• A tour of the Expo by students from the Maritime High School from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday. A tour by Bothell, Edmonds, and Northshore High Schools from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday.

• Coastal Challenge
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM, Wednesday
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM, Thursday
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM, Friday
Prepare to test your seaworthiness, skills, and knowledge as you embark on a journey through different skill-set trials. Each trial presents an opportunity for victory, as the winner of each trial will receive a $100 cash prize, plus advance to the final round. You will only be able to win one round of the three skill sets (knot tying, net mending, and rope splicing). All finalists will put on a survival suit. Whoever properly puts one on the fastest is the winner

• Fisher Poets
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM, Friday
The tradition that began decades ago in Astoria, Ore., continues here in Seattle. Listen in as the renowned Fisher Poets entertain you with colorful music and stories. This year, we are joined by Daniel (Dano) Quinn, Amy Sharp. Jeb Wyman, and Laura Hartema. Join them at the stage to kick off the final day at the Expo!

This year's Expo will also feature a full exhibit floor of more than 400 companies displaying the latest in equipment and services from top industry manufacturers and suppliers, the popular Alaska Hall, product demonstrations, a special Fishermen's Lounge, and other special events.

PRESS PASSES
Please stop by the Show Office on the Mezzanine Level of the Event Center to pick up your free pass to cover the event.

2023 Expo Hours
Thursday, Nov. 8, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday, Nov. 9, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday, Nov. 10, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

The Expo is free to attend for industry members. To register to attend PME or more details, please visit www.PacificMarineExpo.com.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Lauren St. Clair, (207) 842-5420
[email protected]

Ken Saunderson, (206) 282-6858
[email protected]

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 marine and commercial fishing tradeshow on the West Coast and is held annually 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 http://www.pacificmarineexpo.com.

About Diversified Communications
Diversified Communications is a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities, and digital and print publications. As producers of these market-leading products Diversified Communications connects, educates, and strengthens business communities in over fourteen industries including: food and beverage, healthcare, natural and organic, business management and technology. Established in 1949 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, USA with divisions and offices around the world, Diversified Communications remains a privately held, third generation, family-owned business. For more information, visit www.divcom.com.

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