Welcome to this year’s Pacific Marine Expo—the largest and most anticipated gathering of commercial mariners on the West Coast. PME has become an essential means of connection for the entire community and continues to grow, with over 400 industry-leading exhibitors displaying over 60,000 square feet here at Lumen Field Event Center. Whether you’re a seasoned captain, a first-time attendee, or someone with deep roots in the industry, we’re thrilled to have you join us in celebrating the heartbeat of the maritime community.
This year's Expo is particularly special. As always, we’re focused on bringing together those who live and breathe the water—from fishermen, boatbuilders, fishing groups, processors, and technology innovators. We’ve got exciting new additions lined up, including the debut of WorkBoat West, presented by WorkBoat Magazine, where we have included a brand-new free education program designed for shipyards, commercial marine stakeholders, and vessel owner-operators. This is a substantial addition to the free educational program that all attendees can’t afford to miss.
Special events include Student Day, where more than 150 students from local schools will attend the expo, and the Coastal Challenge, which invites you to test your seaworthiness and skills to win cash prizes, both sponsored by Port of Seattle. The Highliner Ceremony will celebrate four career commercial fishermen known for giving back to the industry. Hear their stories and why they were selected at this year’s ceremony at the Main Stage on Thursday at 5:00 pm. Another addition to the 2024 Expo is the State of Blue annual gathering presented by Washington Maritime Blue, which will take place Friday from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm in the Olympic Club Lounge.
The Expo is more than a trade show; it celebrates the relationships that fuel this industry. It’s about the stories told over coffee, the new ideas sparked between panels, and the camaraderie that comes from shared experiences on the water. We’re honored to have each of you here to share your part in that story.
While you visit your favorite company’s booths, attend a seminar, or catch up with a friend, we encourage you to explore, connect, and make the most of your time in Seattle. We firmly believe there’s no better place to equip yourself and your vessel for what lies ahead in 2025, and we can’t wait to spend the next three days doing just that with friends and colleagues at the Expo.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible community. Together, we make this industry strong and enduring. Here’s to a fantastic Expo and the relationships, inspiration, and innovations that will carry us forward.
Fair winds and following seas,
Carli Stewart
