May 14, 2025

Praise for Big Blue 2025

Name: Dative, Inc.
Price range: $

We asked Big Blue attendees to share their feedback about this year's blue economy conference. We're so grateful for these thoughtful and kind reflections on the event.

The Big Blue Conference was held on Tuesday, April 29 and Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Cape Cod Regional Technical High School. Missed it? Check out this inclusive highlight reel filmed and edited by our friends at Big Tree.

Big Blue Conference 2025 Recap and Highlights

The greatest possible outcome of an event like Big Blue is the follow-up. While we love sharing our work, sharing the work of others, highlighting the brilliance of the people and projects taking place right on our shores; we love the work that Big Blue inspires even more. Just a few short weeks after the 2025 Big Blue Conference, Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation staff are planning meetings, tours, and roundtables with Blue Economy stakeholders from across the Commonwealth.

We'll never turn down some encouraging praise, though! (And of course, we're here for the constructive criticism too.) Following the event, we asked Big Blue attendees to share their feedback about this year's blue economy conference. We're so grateful for these thoughtful and kind reflections on the event.

"It’s wonderful that the conference rotates locations each year—it’s a great way to highlight different areas and keep the experience fresh and engaging. While attendance seemed a bit smaller this year, the event was still incredibly impactful. The right people were in the room, and the networking opportunities were excellent.

Katy did a fantastic job organizing the conference. As we all know, planning an event of this scale is no easy feat, and she handled it with such professionalism and attention to detail.

Thank you again for a meaningful and productive event." -anonymous

"The venue was fantastic, especially the expo space. The extra space allowed for great networking and meaningful conversations. With attendees and students/faculty. The speakers/program was engaging, and the oyster party was a great value add for attendees while providing the opportunity to highlight the Blue Economy in action. I also appreciated the deep connections made between the impact of tangible work experience opportunities in order to develop a skilled workforce of Cape Codders." -Adam Gracia, CARE for the Cape & Islands

"Big Blue is always one of my favorite events. I have the opportunity to make great connections with like minded people and learn so much about what is going on in our community with regards to the Blue Economy. Each presentation is different but interesting. There is never a point where I am bored or unengaged with the speakers you choose. Everything is well organized, useful and poignant. Absolutely top tier!!!" -anonomous

"Great variety of speakers. Unlike many other conferences, Big Blue had presenters from municipalities and legislative bodies which helped to show the processes behind how changes can be made - not just the why for the standard industry experts (which is also important of course). I would love to see more of this from different towns that have water-dependent needs and their experiences with impacting change, acquiring funds, etc.!" -Jacqueline Saba, Bunker Hill Community College: Marine Trades and Public Water

"Katy and team, thank you for putting together such an informative and engaging program for Big Blue 2025! As someone who is actively seeking ideas and opportunities help protect this beautiful place in which we live and/or work, I was inspired by the wide range of targeted and meaningful options available to all, including continuing education, obtaining financial support, or supporting critical research and infrastructure projects. Can’t wait for next year!" -Dina Lyons Howell, Leadership Cape Cod - 2025 Cohort

"The event was well organized. The venue was amazing. The presenters that I was able to see were terrific. Well done!" -Eugene Curry, Law Office of Eugene R. Curry

"I love attending this event each year. I felt the panels on day 2 were a little stronger than the discussions on day 1. I also LOVED the robot dog! Talking with that company was really interesting! I also enjoyed learning about horseshoe crabs - I had no idea there was a second research center in Harwich!" -anonymous

"I’ve been increasingly concerned about the direction of recent federal initiatives and the strain they place on the limited funding and resources essential to protecting Cape Cod’s—and our nation’s—natural environment. Attending the Blue Economy Conference was both uplifting and inspiring. It was a powerful reminder that here in Massachusetts, and especially on Cape Cod, there are passionate, like-minded individuals committed to preserving our environment and sustaining a thriving Blue Economy. The discussions and ideas shared gave me renewed hope that we can continue working together to protect the Cape’s ecological and economic future." -Tricia Teixeira Santoianni, Environmental Advocate

"Loved being a part of this event! Can't wait to be back next year." -Jackie Ireland, Better Business Bureau

"The Alliance To Protect Nantucket Sound participated as an exhibitor and attendee. The Big Blue Conference was well planned, organized and delivered. Numerous exhibits that reflected many aspects of the Big Blue Economy made for an enjoyable interlude visit before, between and after group sessions. All in all, a terrific two days focused on what makes the ocean and coastline industries of Cape Cod so valuable for Cape Cod , Massachusetts and beyond regarding its economic well being." -John G. Flores, Alliance To Protect Nantucket Sound

"Thank you for hosting another excellent event! The spirit of collaboration and competition is wholesome and celebrated. Plymouth is so honored to work with the Cape Cod Chamber and the Blue Economy Foundation to promote our region's advantages and elevate our workforce. Great job, Katy and CC Chamber team!" -Stephen T. Cole, Plymouth Economic Development Foundation

Did you attend Big Blue 2025? Please consider sharing your feedback with us using the form below.

Navigating the Cape Cod Region’s Blue Economy

Navigating Cape Cod Region’s blue economy

Praise for Big Blue 2025

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