Agenda

Speakers

Sponsorship

Hotel

March 30 – April 1, 2026 | Baltimore, MD

Please Join Us In

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Mariners for America Conference-2026-MITAGS-website header_photo

Shape the Future of the U.S. Maritime Workforce

Join the nation’s maritime leaders, operators, and policymakers from March 30 to April 1, 2026, at the MITAGS East Campus for a three-day summit. This inaugural conference is dedicated to exploring bold ideas and practical solutions for the most pressing challenges facing the U.S. maritime industry: attracting, developing, and retaining a sustainable workforce. Together, we will bridge the gap between tradition and innovation to shape the future of America’s maritime excellence.

Join us and invest in the future

Get practical, operational solutions for attracting and developing the next generation of mariners.
Gain insights into navigating the complex mariner credentialing process and utilizing modern licensing technologies.
Connect with a diverse group of vessel operators, unions, academies, and regulators for real-world, bridge-level perspectives.
Improve operational readiness by addressing critical quality-of-life issues like mental health, fatigue, and isolation.

Designed for Maritime Leaders & Advocates

Licensed Deck and Engineering Officers
Maritime Employers and Fleet Managers
Union Leadership
Maritime Educators and Workforce Development Leaders
Industry Advocates and Stakeholders

Three-Day Conference

$1000

Non-Profit, Government, and Educational Institution Employees:
Please email [email protected] for exclusive discounted registration pricing.

One-Day Registration

$350 per day

March 30, 2026 — Conference + Reception
March 31, 2026 — Conference + Dinner
April 1, 2026 — Half-Day Conference Only

Voices from the Bridge & The Boardroom

These sessions represent a sampling of the expert perspectives featured in our program. Our full agenda brings together a diverse range of voices from across the industry to ensure every sector has a seat at the table.

Full Agenda

All Speakers

Growing and Guiding Future Mariners

How do you manage a diverse maritime workforce of more than 2,000 professionals serving 19 million passengers every year? Allen Scott (Washington State Ferries) goes behind the scenes of the nation’s largest ferry system. This session moves beyond theory to share scalable recruitment and mentorship strategies that have been tested in one of the most complex maritime environments in the United States.

Training the Nation’s Coastal Marine Workforce

Are your new hires ready for the deck on day one? Captains Zander Parker and Tim Leach (Maine Maritime Academy) demonstrate how experiential learning models are closing the talent gap. By aligning classroom education with the high-stakes operational realities of the working fleet, they’re showing the industry how to produce mariners who are prepared for command from the moment they step aboard.

Union, Community, and Technical College Programs

What’s blocking your talent pipeline? Join Kipp Snow (Community College of Baltimore County) as he moderates a tactical deep dive into the nontraditional pathways that work. This powerhouse panel of educators and industry leaders will identify—and provide solutions for—the specific placement barriers preventing new talent from entering and staying in the U.S. maritime workforce.

Cyber Skills for Future Mariners

In an era of smart ships and autonomous systems, cyber literacy is now a core safety requirement. Dan Turissini (AFCEA International, Homeland Security Committee) breaks down the critical skills required to protect vessel integrity in an increasingly connected world. Learn what the next generation of mariners must know to defend against emerging threats and ensure the technological resilience of the U.S. fleet.

Mariner Retention and Mentoring

It’s not enough to get mariners on board—we need to keep them there. Join Gregg Pelowski (former Director of Total Force Management, Military Sealift Command) for a high-level strategic discussion exploring how intentional mentorship and clear career development pathways can drastically reduce turnover, foster loyalty, and build a sustainable workforce for the future.

A Conference Built by Mariners, for Mariners

Hosted by MITAGS, a MARAD-designated Center of Excellence, this event reflects a deep-rooted philosophy of capability beyond certification. We don’t just meet minimum requirements; we prepare the leaders who will define the next era of the U.S. maritime industry. At the Mariners for America Conference, we don’t just teach the standards—we set them. Learn more about MITAGS

Discounted Rates for Public Sector and Education

We are committed to ensuring a diverse range of voices at the table. If you are an employee of a nonprofit, government agency, or educational institution, you may be eligible for exclusive discounted registration. Contact our team at [email protected] to receive your discount code and register today.