Thanks to the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall Staff, Legislative Officials and all the volunteers involved in planning and executing this event!

SEC's 2025 Mid-Session Summit was an incredible success!

200 In-Person Attendees

30 Virtual Attendees

29 Incredible Sponsors

80 Phenomenal Speakers and Panelists

$20,000 presented in scholarship funds to UAS

1 Fire Drill

Thank you to all who attended, to Sponsors, Panelists and Speakers!

Immediately following this year's Mid-Session Summit, Southeast Conference held its fourth Transportation Symposium, bringing together public and private sector leaders on the local, state, and national level. Special attention was given to exciting work going on at the Alaska Marine Highway System as well as to the status of the various transportation projects impacting our region. In the afternoon, attendees worked in small groups with Federal, State and Private partners on addressing challenges our communities face when trying to implement transportation projects. All presentations and recordings are available on our website.

As we look ahead to the 2026 symposium, we would love to know what went well and what could be improved upon for next time. If you attended the February 13th, Transportation Symposium, please take a few minutes to respond to the survey. We appreciate your feedback.

RFP Opportunities!

Comprehensive SASS Initiative Report

Southeast Conference is requesting proposals from qualified individuals, companies, or organizations to develop a comprehensive report on the Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy (SASS) initiative. The report should capture lessons learned, success stories, and the overall impact of the initiative, and be presented as a publishable document with supplementary materials. The selected contractor will be expected to compile and analyze relevant data, engage with key stakeholders, and ensure the final deliverables meet the objectives of showcasing the SASS initiative’s activities and successes.

SEC Website Redesign

Southeast Conference (SEC) is requesting proposals from qualified individuals, companies, or organizations with expertise in web design and development to undertake a comprehensive redesign of our website. Our goal is to create a modern, user-friendly online platform that showcases the work being done by SEC and its partners to drive economic growth and development in Southeast Alaska. The redesigned website will serve as a centralized hub where members, stakeholders, and the public can access updated information about SEC projects, events, and resources. The plan is to launch the new website at our next Annual Meeting in September 2025.

SEC Video Production

Southeast Conference (SEC) is requesting proposals from qualified individuals, companies, or organizations with expertise in video production and multimedia content creation to develop a video series and other multimedia materials highlighting the work of all SEC teams. Our goal is to produce engaging, high-quality content that showcases the work being done by SEC and its partners to drive economic growth and development in Southeast Alaska. The final products will serve as educational and promotional tools for members, stakeholders, and the public.

Seaweed Dryers Market Research Report

Southeast Conference contracted with Hatch Innovation Services to study the global landscape of seaweed dryers and evaluate a range of equipment options for efficiency, reliability, and suitability for productive operations in Alaska’s mariculture industry.

Nutritional Label for Alaska-Grown Pacific Oysters

The Alaska Shellfish Growers Association (ASGA), a nonprofit organization representing shellfish farmers and those interested in developing shellfish aquaculture in Alaska, oversaw a nutritional analysis project to produce a nutrition label specific to Alaska grown Pacific oysters. This project was funded under the AMC’s Market Development grant component.

AMC Theory of Change & Evaluation Survey

The Alaska Mariculture Cluster is aiming to stimulate Alaska’s mariculture industry through strategic investments that de-risk the sector and drive private investment. Through initial engagement efforts and building on AMC grant’s Overarching Narrative, Southeast Conference contracted and collaborated with the nonprofit Ecotrust to produce the AMC’s theory of change, which illustrates the coalition’s vision for accelerating a viable and sustainable mariculture industry for the long-term benefits of Alaska’s economy, environment, and communities. 

Seaweed Population Genetics Program

The Seaweed Population Genetics program, led by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s (ADFG) Gene Conservation Laboratory, is conducting advanced genetic research on Alaska’s main kelp species to inform sustainable mariculture policies, protect wild kelp populations, and support responsible industry growth. This $2.2 million program is funded through Research & Development grant component of the Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC).

We can't wait to see you all again and we are already making plans for our next in-person conference! Be sure to mark your calendars for Southeast Conference's 2025 Annual Meeting in Sitka, September 16-18! If you'd like to be involved with planning this event, please let us know! office@seconference.org

Annual Meeting

September 16-18, 2025

Sitka, AK

Be Part of the Solution!

Over the past year, Southeast Conference has been working with our membership to develop a new Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), which will guide the region's trajectory for the next 5 years. The work began last spring with our business climate survey and committee meetings and continued at our Annual Meeting last September. The Draft of the 2030 CEDS was released at this year's Mid-Session Summit, identifying 46 objectives and highlighting 7 priority objectives for our region over the next 5 years. Please send any comments to kaitlyn@seconference.org.