8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Blue Economy Ecosystem Tour 

Visit some of the Port of New Bedford’s most valuable land-based assets contributing to the growth of its ocean economy. Attendees will travel by bus to multiple facilities and speak with leaders in industry, economic development, academia, and more. Lunch is included. Additional fee applied at checkout. 

1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Tour of West Island Oyster Farm

Come experience all things oyster farming at West Island Oysters! Attendees will see the farm, participate in shucking demonstrations, and learn about oyster farming practices, industry trends, and the challenges and opportunities to scale this important sector. After the tour, attendees will enjoy an oyster tasting. Transportation provided. Additional fee applied at checkout.

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Self-Guided Tour of the New Bedford Whaling Museum

Take a complimentary self-guided tour of the internationally renowned New Bedford Whaling Museum. Download the free Bloomberg Connects app to explore expert-curated content and museum guide. 

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Port of New Bedford Tour

Learn about the nation’s most valuable fishing port aboard the Cuttyhunk Ferry! Port and industry officials will provide a fun, guided tour of the harbor. Attendees will experience up close the history and culture of the port and learn about how the marine economy is expanding to include new industries such as offshore wind. Additional fee applied at checkout.

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

New Bedford Ocean Economy Conference Kick-Off Reception 

Join us to celebrate the official start of the conference with networking, drinks, and light hors d’oeuvres. Included with conference fee, but registration required.  

9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

Registration, Coffee & Networking

9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Opening Remarks, Keynotes, and Plenary Session

• Welcome Remarks
• Keynotes 
• Plenary Session – Powering Through: Developing Offshore Wind in the Northeast Amidst Federal Challenges

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Concurrent Sessions

• Panel Discussion: Emerging Innovations & Technologies for Aquaculture
• Panel Discussion: From Pen and Paper to Sensors and Satellites: How Smart Vessels are Leading the Commercial Fishing Industry
• Panel Discussion: Test Beds & Twins: Accelerating Marine Technology Development Through Physical and Virtual Environments

11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Lunch & Networking Break

1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Plenary Session

Presentation: Lifecycle Leadership: Developing Strategic Approaches for End-of-Life Management of Offshore Wind Infrastructure

2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

• Panel Discussion: From Surface to Depths: How Robotics are Transforming the Ocean Economy
• Panel Discussion: Oysters as Eco-Engineers: Unlocking Sustainable Growth in Aquaculture
• Panel Discussion: Making Waves: Opportunities & Challenges of Investing in Ocean Technologies

3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Sea of Innovation Startup Pitch Session 

4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Happy Hour Industry Networking Reception

9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

Registration, Coffee & Networking

9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Opening Remarks, Keynotes, Plenary Session

10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Concurrent Sessions & Networking

• Panel Discussion: How AI & Robotics are Revolutionizing Operations & Maintenance of Offshore Wind Farms
• Presentation: Challenges and Opportunities for Integrating Aquaculture with Commercial Fishing
• Presentation: Supporting Equity for Aquaculture & Seafood (SEAS) Act

11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

• Panel Discussion: Integration of Technology to Improve Fish Stocks Assessments
• Panel Discussion: Harvesting Wind & Seafood for a Thriving, Shared Ocean Economy

12:30 p.m.

Closing Remarks