Speakers Announced for Third Annual Big Blue Conference
The Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation, Inc and Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce will host the third annual Big Blue Conference at Cape Cod Regional Technical High School in Harwich on Tuesday, April 29 and Wednesday, April 30.
April 25, 2025
Speakers Announced for Third Annual Big Blue Conference
Centerville – Blue Economy leaders and innovators from Cape Cod and beyond are set to take center stage at the third annual Big Blue Conference, being held at Cape Cod Regional Technical High School in Harwich on Tuesday, April 29 and Wednesday, April 30. The Big Blue Conference is the Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation and Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce's annual industry conference curated to spark conversations and inspire actions relevant to the vitality of Cape Cod and the surrounding Blue Economy.
On day one, leaders in the field of education, curriculum development, and workforce training will share how the Blue Economy fits in their visions of the future for learners of all ages. Speakers include local educators from Cape Cod Tech, Upper Cape Tech, Falmouth Public Schools, Monomoy High School, Mashpee Middle-High School, and Cape Cod Community College, as well as representatives from the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education and Mass Audubon. Day one will be capped by Massachusetts Interim Secretary of Economic Development, Ashley Stolba.
“Massachusetts’ legacy is deeply tied to the ocean, not just as a natural resource, but as a catalyst for cutting-edge technology and sustainable growth,” says Stolba. Stolba’s own ties to the region’s Blue Economy run deep, as she grew up on the Cape. “Our state is investing in the future of our working waterfronts and blue tech industries by building an ecosystem where startups, researchers, and established companies can thrive. The Big Blue Conference is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we bring together innovators and changemakers who believe in the potential of our oceans. Massachusetts is proud to lead the way.”
This year’s conference will also explore climate impacts on working waterfronts and discover how state agencies are supporting blue economy businesses. On day two, attendees will hear from those working on the frontlines of climate change – from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute to the Town of Orleans. Speakers from the Center for Coastal Studies, Association to Preserve Cape Cod, and Lewis Bay Research Center will also share their insights. The conference will conclude with a special message from NASA Astronaut and former WHOI engineer Loral O’Hara.
At the helm of this two-day blue economy journey is 2025 Big Blue Emcee, Christopher Gloninger. Chris is a three-time Emmy-winning meteorologist with 18 years of broadcast experience and is currently Senior Climate Scientist at Woods Hole Group. His expertise and passion for educating others about the impacts of climate change on everyday life make him a perfect fit for Big Blue.
Tickets are still available. Two-day tickets for $85 each and single-day tickets for $45 each are available at https://bluecapecod.org/events/big-blue-conference. Included is lunch on day one, breakfast and afternoon snacks on day two, in addition to refreshments available throughout the duration of the conference.
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About Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation, Inc.
Established in 2017, The Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation, Inc. supports the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce initiative to promote and sustain a maritime-focused economy of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and in southern Plymouth County. The Foundation organizes, hosts, and fundraises for workforce and business development programs with a focus on water-based careers and industries. Learn more on bluecapecod.org.
About the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1922, the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is a non-profit, membership-based organization that advocates on behalf of businesses to strengthen and promote regional economic vitality while addressing related cultural, environmental and community concerns. The Chamber serves as Cape Cod’s Regional Tourism Council and supports economic and business development region wide. Visit capecodchamber.org to learn more.
Contact:
Katy Acheson, Executive Director
Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation, Inc.
Katy@capecodchamber.org