Pacific Marine Expo – now in its 55th year – is back live in November and it’s filling up fast.
“I’m so happy to be talking about live in person events coming back.”
Bob Callahan is Diversified Communications Group vice president and Expo director.
“As we get closer to the show, it’s just been heating up with excitement. So 400 exhibiting companies are expected and attendance is 6,000. Right now we have 3,000, of which 20% are from Alaska. So the attendance number is growing rapidly day by day. I think people are just waiting to ensure that the show is going to take place and we are 100% sure that the show will take place.”
Callahan ticks off a few of Expo’s full line of free presentations.
“You can expect sessions on the impact of offshore wind on the fishing industry. That’s a hot topic. We have a session on stability, takeaways from the Scandies Rose tragedy, sustainability on the seas, that’s very important to our young fishermen. And then we also have a session on the Pebble Mine, which will have a focus on permanent protections.”
Winner of the Fisherman of the Year competition will take home $400. And each day’s Happy Hour will feature tickets to the Sea Hawks game on Sunday.
“I would just say for those thinking of attending, our health and safety measures are of the highest standard. To get back to face to face and seeing your old friends – it’s going to be a memorable experience and you’re just going to be so excited to get some normality back into your life with interacting with your industry colleagues.”
Pacific Marine Expo is set for November 18-20 in Seattle at the Lumen Field Event Center.
Prior to PME – the annual Fall Fishermen’s EXPO from Sitka goes online with its interactive forums and training workshops on November 8th and 9th.
The lineup includes navigation tools, pot gear updates, bycatch, climate change effects on fish stocks, carbon pricing and programs for beginning fishermen.
The Fishermen’s Expo is hosted by the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association and the Alaska Sustainable Fisheries Trust.
Sign on for free at alfa.fish.org
