Each fall, Seattle’ s role as a hub for the commercial fishing and marine industry comes to life when Pacific Marine Expo takes over the Lumen Event Center to host what has become the annual gathering for mariners in the Pacific Northwest. From Nov. 20-22, fishermen, boatbuilders, innovators, and old friends will gather to reconnect, share ideas, and get down to business.
Pacific Marine Expo, fondly known as “Expo” by those who have been attending for decades, is more than just a trade show. For many who make their living on the water, it’s a family reunion, and this year’s lineup of special events promises more connection, celebration, and hands-on learning than ever before.
“The show floor is where deals get made, but the special events are where the stories happen,” said Event Director Lauren Streeter. “It’s where you really feel what this industry is all about- the people.”
Honoring the Highliners
The National Fisherman Highliner Awards Dinner returns to Expo for its 50th year, honoring those who go above and beyond for their crews, their fisheries, and their communities. The return of the dinner makes this year’s celebration especially meaningful, and is the perfect way to bring the fishing community together in gratitude and pride. Attendees can expect a night of storytelling, laughter, and well-earned recognition.
“The Highliners are the industry’s stalwarts,” said Jerry Fraser, retired commercial fisherman, journalist, and the former editor and publisher of National Fisherman, as well as a 2020 NF Highliner award winner. “This year’s winners have weathered every storm, helped train the next generation, and have never stopped fighting for the future of commercial fishing.”
The Coastal Challenge
Back by popular demand, the Coastal Challenge, sponsored by the Port of Seattle, turns the show floor into a proving ground for real-world skills in commercial fishing. Fishermen will compete in hands-on events that test everything from knot tying to emergency drills.
“There’s always a lot of good-natured competition,” Streeter shared. “But what really shows is the level of professionalism and teamwork that keeps our fleets running safely.”
For those who can’t resist a little friendly competition, the Challenge offers a front-row seat to the kind of grit and skill that defines life at sea through all three days of the Expo.
Vessel Stability Workshop
Safety remains a cornerstone of Expo’s programming, and this year the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association is hosting a free vessel stability workshop in the Alaska Hall.
From shifting loads to rough weather, the session digs into the physics of staying upright, an essential reminder as boats evolve. “Stability saves lives,” said Paul Molyneaux, boats and gear editor for National Fisherman. “We want every fisherman walking away from this workshop with something that could make a difference on deck.”
Forecasting the Fleet
The Maritime Industry Economic Forecast Breakfast, hosted by the Seattle Propeller Club, returns for the 13th year, gathering business leaders, economists, and policymakers to unpack what’s next for the West Coast’s working waterfront. Rising costs, fuel volatility, and labor shortages will all be topics of discussion. For those steering vessels and businesses alike, it’s one of Expo’s most valuable events.
Galley Stories Live
Storytelling takes center stage when Mark Caylor returns with his popular podcast, Galley Stories, for a live recording, featuring voices from the Bering Sea and beyond.
“There’s something powerful about hearing a fisherman tell their own story,” Streeter said. “You hear the courage, the humor, and the love for their work. That kind of storytelling stays with you and makes you reflect on your own experiences and the people you have worked alongside.”
Whether you’ve spent decades on deck or are new to the industry, Galley Stories is a reminder of why the work matters and who it matters to.
Where the fleet meets
No edition of Pacific Marine Expo would be complete without a cold one shared among friends. Each afternoon’s Happy Hour on the show floor and Friday’s gathering at the Highliner Dinner will bring together attendees from across the industry.
“It’s where you bump into someone you fished with 10 years ago or meet your next supplier or crew,” Streeter said. “That’s the magic of Expo. It’s business, but it’s also belonging.”
From safety and economics to celebration and camaraderie, this year’s lineup of special events captures what makes Pacific Marine Expo more than just a trade show. It’s a testament to the people who keep America’s fisheries afloat.
As the countdown continues, fishermen and industry professionals from Maine to Alaska are gearing up for what promises to be another unforgettable gathering.
