Pacific Marine Expo 2024 features an exciting lineup of special events designed to engage and inspire. Highlights include Student Day, where high school students will explore maritime careers, and the National Fisherman Highliner Award ceremony, celebrating industry leaders. Attendees can test their skills in the Coastal Challenge and network during daily happy hours in the Beer Garden. With a range of activities, PME offers valuable experiences for everyone in the maritime community.
Student Day
Pacific Marine Expo is inviting exhibitors to engage with high school students exploring maritime careers at Pacific Marine Expo. These students, accompanied by teachers and chaperones, will tour the show floor to discover the diverse career opportunities within the industry. Exhibitors will have the chance to meet with small, supervised groups of students, answer questions, and share insights into their business operations and potential career paths. Participating exhibitors will be featured on a show floor map provided to the students. Reach out to [email protected] by Wednesday, November 1st, if you’re interested in students coming to your booth for a brief visit.
Highliner Ceremony
The National Fisherman Highliner Award Ceremony recognizes career commercial fishermen who have made significant contributions to the industry. Since its inception in 1975, the award has celebrated leaders dedicated to giving back locally, nationally, and globally. This year, nominations were opened to the public for the first time, further strengthening connections across generations of fishermen. The 2024 Highliners represent nearly all U.S. coasts, and their dedication will be honored during a special award ceremony at Pacific Marine Expo.
This year’s Highliners include Leonard Leach, a veteran salmon driftnet fisherman of over 60 years from Alaska, who continues to fish halibut at 81; Martin Scanlon, a Mid-Atlantic swordfish and tuna fisherman deeply involved in fisheries management; Jason Delacruz, a spear fisherman and seafood market owner in Florida, recognized for his commitment to sustainable seafood; and Al Pazar, a Dungeness crab fisherman and West Coast research vessel operator known for his leadership in sustainability and mentoring the next generation.
Coastal Challenge
Sponsored by the Port of Seattle, PME’s Coastal Challenge puts your seaworthiness, skills, and knowledge to the test through a series of skill-based trials. Participants will compete in knot tying, net mending, and rope splicing, with each event winner earning a $100 cash prize and advancing to the final round. Finalists will then face off in a survival suit race, with the fastest competitor taking home a $450 cash prize, a sponsored swag bucket, and the title of Coastal Challenge Champion!
Happy Hours
PME will host a happy hour each day of the show in the Beer Garden, located at booth 4200, in the back of the Alaska Hall between the Main Stage and the National Fisherman arena. Visit our happy hour page for the complete schedule.
With an exciting mix of education, celebration, and competition, Pacific Marine Expo 2024 offers something for everyone in the maritime industry. Whether you're engaging with the next generation during Student Day, honoring leaders at the Highliner Ceremony, testing your skills in the Coastal Challenge, or networking at daily happy hours, PME is the place to connect and grow. Don’t miss out on this dynamic event that brings the maritime community together for an unforgettable experience.
