Dec 3-5, 2025  •  Morial Convention Center  •  New Orleans, LA

2025 Conference Program

Call for Speakers is now closed

The WorkBoat Conference Program offers educational sessions on various topics relevant to all in the maritime industry. These sessions, curated by the WorkBoat content team alongside the WorkBoat and National Fisherman editorial teams, bring attendees the latest relevant industry trends, challenges, opportunities and current events.

Presentation Formats:

We will continue to offer expanded programming with more content for our audience in various formats: panel discussions, case studies, longer-format presentations, and round table discussions. While you may request a preferred format during submission, flexibility may be required based on  program requirements. 

Main Stage: 

The Main Stage features high-level presentations from industry leaders, offering deep insights into the most pressing and innovative topics in maritime. Sessions include a mix of panel discussions and solo presentations, designed to spark thought leadership and cross-sector dialogue.

Topics may include, but are not limited to: autonomous vessels, cutting-edge marine engineering, green technologies, offshore wind, marine surveying, emerging marine technologies, propulsion systems, regulatory developments, shipbuilding and shipyards, and workforce development.

Classrooms:

The classrooms host technical, in-depth presentations across four specialized tracks. With a strong focus on innovation and practical takeaways, sessions are designed to deliver actionable insights in an intimate, interactive setting. Formats include panel discussions, solo talks, case studies, and roundtable conversations.
Explore the tracks below:
Boatbuilding/Repair
Covers the latest advancements in boatbuilding and repair, including emerging technologies, evolving business models, market trends, and innovations in supply chain and logistics. Topics include both retrofits and new builds, with an emphasis on efficiency, durability, and sustainability.
Regulations
Provides insight into current and upcoming maritime regulations—from safety and survival standards to environmental mandates, cybersecurity requirements, and trade policies. Also includes analysis of legislative impacts such as the Jones Act, tariff shifts, and administrative rule changes.
Equipment
Focuses on onboard vessel systems and technologies, including electrical systems, navigation and communication tools, engine and propulsion systems, marine automation, robotics, energy efficiency solutions, and next-generation green equipment.
Business
Focuses on new and emerging maritime business opportunities (both domestic and international), shipbuilding and vessel investment, digital transformation and technology in maritime business, global trade and shipping, and the future of the maritime workforce — including labor trends, skills development, talent recruitment, and workforce sustainability.

Alternative Energy Pavilion Stage:

New this year, the Alternative Energy Pavilion Stage explores a wide range of alternative energy solutions shaping the future of maritime power. Topics include hydrogen, ammonia, wind, wave, tidal, solar, and battery technologies. Speakers will highlight cutting-edge innovations, regulatory developments, and real-world strategies for developing, implementing, and scaling these energy solutions across the industry.

For questions regarding content, please contact:
Adam Blackmore, Sr. Content & Marketing Coordinator, at [email protected]
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