October 24th, 2024

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The City of New Bedford has for generations been tied to the sea. The Port of New Bedford is home to America’s highest grossing commercial fishing industry. Today, it is also home to America’s first, commercial-scale offshore wind project, Vineyard Wind 1. New Bedford is once again lighting the world, actively positioning itself to be a leading hub for the U.S. offshore wind industry and a robust ecosystem for blue innovation and technology.

Join us in historic, downtown New Bedford for a unique and immersive industry event that will include tours, diverse program tracks, and ample networking opportunities with industry leaders, local businesses, and key stakeholders at the center of advancing offshore wind in New Bedford and the Commonwealth. Engage in insightful conversations on industry trends, opportunities, and challenges, and learn how New Bedford is growing into a model cluster of diverse marine industry businesses and assets.

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Didn’t join us for our 2023 conference? Check out last year’s agenda.

Thursday, October 5th

Networking Breakfast: 8:00 – 8:50 a.m. at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Harbor View Gallery, Sponsored by DEME Group

Opening Remarks & Keynote Presentations: 9:05-10:20 a.m. at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Cook Memorial Theater
Welcome: Jennifer Downing, New Bedford Ocean Cluster; Keynote Presentations: John Mitchell, Mayor of New Bedford; Jan Kjaersgaard, GE Renewables; Klaus Moeller, Vineyard Wind

Break: 10:20-10:35 a.m.

Panel Discussion on Fishing & Offshore Wind Coexistence Challenges & Opportunities: 10:35-11:35 a.m. at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Cook Memorial Theater
Panelists: Eric Reid, New Bedford Ocean Cluster & New England Fishery Management Council; Crista Bank, Vineyard Wind; Gordon Carr, New Bedford Port Authority; Capt. Jarrett Drake, New Bedford Lobsterman

Lunch: 11:35 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Harbor View Gallery

Break: 12:30-1:00 p.m. (Board buses and travel to program tracks)

Program Tracks: 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Workforce Development & Training, “Developing a Diverse & Equitable Offshore Wind Workforce of the Future” at Bristol Community College’s National Offshore Wind Institute

Track includes a facility tour, fireside chat with NOWI leadership, and a panel discussion with industry leaders.

Speakers & Panelists: Jennifer Menard, Bristol Community College; Dr. Alan Lowden; Dr. Cynthia Brown, IWNL Energy; Carlos Avila, New Bedford Ocean Cluster; Jennifer Cullen, Vineyard Wind; Jennifer Daloisio, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center; Callum Dewar, Maersk Training

Supply Chain, “Building the Offshore Wind Supply Chain in Massachusetts: Reflecting on Progress and Preparing for the future” at Shoreline Marine Terminal North, Pope’s Island, Sponsored by Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

Track includes a facility tour, panel discussion, and engaging roundtable discussion with industry leaders.

Speakers & Panelists: Bruce Carlisle, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center; Dan Kent, Vineyard Wind; Michael Quinn, Quinn Fisheries & Shoreline Offshore; Vicki Chapman, Chapman Construction Group; Philip Hamels, Jan De Nul; Joel Whitman, Foss Offshore Wind; Matt Cadwallader, TerraSond

Innovation & Technology, “Fisheries & Offshore Wind: Advancing Science and Opportunities for Innovation” at UMass Dartmouth’s School for Marine Science & Technology

Track includes a facility tour, presentations, and panel discussion with industry leaders.

Speakers & Panelists: Kevin Stokesbury, UMass Dartmouth; Pingguo He; Steven Cadrin, UMass Dartmouth; Travis Lowery, Vineyard Wind; Tim Barrett, Owner/Operator of F/V Odessa and President of Northeast Fishing Sector 10

Port Asset Tour #1: 3:30-4:15 p.m. and Port Asset Tour #2: 4:15-5:30 p.m. at Cuttyhunk Ferry, 66B State Pier, New Bedford(rotating tours)
Speakers: Gordon Carr, New Bedford Port Authority; Andrew Saunders, New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal; Tim Griffin, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

Free time: 3:30-5:30 p.m. We encourage you to explore historic, downtown New Bedford during your free time. We recommend a visit to one of the following locations, which are in walking distance to the waterfront.

Cocktail Reception: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at The Black Whale

    After-Hours: 8:00 p.m. Not ready to call it a night? These great spots are in walking distance to The Black Whale: 

    Friday, October 6th

    Networking Breakfast: 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Harbor View Gallery 

    Speaking Program I: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Cook Memorial Theater 

    Vineyard Wind 1- Electrical Service Platform
    Anthony Janeczek, Semco Maritime Operations Manager      

    Fireside Chat
    Andrew Saunders, New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal; Gordon Carr, New Bedford Port Authority 

    From Chemistry to Offshore Wind
    Megan Eddings, NewWave Chief Strategy Officer 

    Break: 11:00 – 11:15 a.m. 

    Speaking Program II: 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Cook Memorial Theater 

    From Catch to Current: Transforming New Bedford Fishing Vessels into a Renewable Energy Pioneer
    Ed Washburn, Coast Line Transfers Managing Director/Partner     

    Fireside Chat: Vineyard Wind & Chapman Construction Group
    Dan Kent, Vineyard Wind Labor Relations Manager; Vicky Chapman, Chapman Construction Group President 

    Break: 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.

    Lunch, Self-Guided Museum Tours, Offshore Wind Industry Videos in Cook Memorial Theater 

    Thank you to our 2023 sponsors