Pacific Marine Expo, PME – Nov. 17 to 19, 2016 at Seattle’s CenturyLink Field Event Center. PME is the largest and longest running commercial marine trade show on the West Coast. The Expo serves all aspects of the market, including commercial vessels owners, commercial fishermen, boat builders, workboat operators and seafood processors. “It’s the show for the industry to check out the latest in equipment, propulsion, builders, suppliers and new products,” said Bob Callahan, Pacific Marine Expo Director from Diversified Business Communications.” 
Seattle’s best fall PNW commercial marine trade show. You’ll find everything you need all in one convenient location- the latest in equipment, new products, fresh solutions, and even some fun,” Callahan said. “The Expo is the largest and longest-running commercial marine tradeshow on the West Coast.” Callahan reported that 80% of attendees flock to the event with their Trade Show Booth accessories which make their booth stand out and said they attend PME to find new products that are right for their business. He also said that 70% of visitors purchased for their business as a result of PME. 
“Last year, the Pacific Marine Expo continued its strong growth,” noted Callahan. “We filled the entire exhibit hall with nearly 450 exhibitors and attracted more than 8,500 visitors from 40 states and 17 countries.” Callahan noted that 81% of visitors are involved in or influence purchasing decisions and 62% of visitors intend to make purchases during or after attending the Expo. He goes on to say, “It’s great when the exhibitors (using a company such as Printivity) get printed materials that the attendees are able to take away. This allows the stands to let more people visit them as there are no queues, information can be taken home to review and purchases can be made at a later date.” This is what makes trade shows so great for spreading the word about marine businesses. “We always write new orders and see commitments for purchases from fishermen and commercial marine operators,” said Fred Fink, Lunde Marine Electronics. “If you are in the marine industry, you should be here.” 
Pacific Marine Expo’s free conference programming offered a variety of sessions featuring industry leaders on topics such as Marine Safety and Security, Business Management and Regulatory Issues, and Technical Issues/Advancements. “Through keynote addresses and panel discussions, this year’s Show features a very strong and comprehensive professional series that will help marine businesses keep on top of the latest industry and regulatory issues,” said Hathaway, Editor In Chief of National Fisherman. 
Last years highlights: Among the conferences was “Innovations in Net Building & Gear” by Sanjay Raut, President R&D at Gareware Wall Ropes – when one could learn the best practices of enhancing your gear work, and hear the reasons why new and improved net and gear work can increase quality and volume of your catch. Also of note was “Why Smart People do Dumb Things: What Scientists Tell Us About Risk Taking” led by Jerry Dzugan of the AK Marine Safety Education Association. It was a look into why despite the development and availability of safety and survival equipment and marine safety regulations and enforcement, people still take unnecessary risks that sometimes have fatal consequences. This presentation looked at recent research by scientists into how we make decisions in activities that involve risk in our everyday lives with real life stories about the consequences. Finally, there was also “Alaska Fisheries: A Year in Review” hosted by Andy Wink, Seafood Project Manager, at McDowell Group. Featuring speakers from the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and North Pacific Fisheries Management, they reviewed the Alaska seafood industry in 2014.
Also featured at the Pacific Marine Expo was the annual Fisherman of the Year Contest held on Friday. Cash prizes were awarded to winners of a series of fishing skill tests, with finalists advancing to the competitive survival suit round to vie for the title of Fisherman of the Year and the grand prize of a personalized jacket. The festivities also included the Fisher Poets entertaining the audience with music and stories! The Fisher Poets are a loose group of commercial fishermen/writers who perform regularly at the Fisher Poets Gathering in Astoria, Oregon each February. Many of them perform at other venues around the area as well. 
Be sure to visit the Pacific Marine Expo if you get a chance. There are so many vendors that attend this show, so visitors will be able to discuss a whole range of marine topics with them. People working at this event will have custom embroidery t-shirts with their company name and logo on. This makes it easier for visitors to identify staff and also increases brand awareness. In addition to being the largest and longest running commercial marine trade show on the West Coast, it’s also one of the most fun. We’ll see you there next year! 
