Registration is now open for MARCO’s Eighth Annual Mid-Atlantic Ocean Forum, scheduled May 4–6 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. This free and public event will feature interactive discussions, expert presentations and informal networking opportunities and demonstrations focusing on ocean initiatives in the Mid-Atlantic region.
To engage the diverse interests in the region and enhance the vitality of the region’s ocean ecosystem and economy, the MARCO states and a partnership of federal agencies, Tribal entities and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council formed the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Planning Committee (Mid-A OPC). The committee convenes the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Forum annually as a venue for regional information sharing, coordination and collaboration, and to enhance the region’s ability to leverage existing efforts and information across multiple state and federal government agencies, federally-recognized tribes, non-governmental entities and ocean stakeholders.
Goal: Provide a forum for Mid-Atlantic ocean and coastal stakeholders to learn from one another, discuss emerging ocean challenges, and identify opportunities for coordination, partnership, and targeted investment that strengthen regional ocean planning and decision-making.
Objectives:
- Share information and best practices on issues significant to regional ocean planning and management;
- Review progress on bi-annual and committee work plans and solicit feedback on implementation;
- Facilitate two-way dialogue among governmental agencies, the public, and interested stakeholders; and
- Assess Committee priorities and identify opportunities for further collaboration, coordination, and engagement.
MARCO invites submissions for poster presentations, organization display tables, and interactive tool demonstrations. These opportunities provide an engaging way to showcase your work, share resources, and connect directly with Forum participants.
Call for Posters, Organization Displays, and Tool Demonstrations
Opportunities to Participate:
Poster Presentations: Share your research, projects, or case studies through a visual poster format. Posters will be displayed during designated networking sessions across both days of the Forum.
Organization Display Tables: Highlight your organization’s work, programs, or initiatives. Display tables offer space to share materials, engage attendees, and build partnerships.
Tool Café: Demonstrate data tools, mapping platforms, decision-support resources, or technologies that support ocean planning, management, or research. Interactive demonstrations are strongly encouraged.
Suggested Themes:
Submissions should align with ocean planning, science, and policy in the Mid-Atlantic, including but not limited to the following themes:
- Data Sharing and Mapping: Topics may include, but are not limited to:
- Ocean data, characterization, and mapping
- Real-time data utilization
- Ocean data collection technologies
- Data governance and accessibility
- Ocean Ecosystems: Topics may include, but are not limited to:
- Monitoring technologies
- Marine wildlife protection
- Coastal hazards and resilience
- Habitat protection and restoration
- Marine pollution preventions
- Marine food webs and fisheries management
- Mid-Atlantic Ocean Economy: Topics may include, but are not limited to:
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Coastal and marine tourism
- Recreation
- Shipping and maritime transport
- Working waterfronts
Submission Details: Please submit your application via email to events@midatlanticocean.org and include:
- Subject line: Ocean Forum Submissions
- Descriptive title
- Presenter(s) and affiliated organization(s)
- Abstract or description (200 words or less)
- Type of participation (poster, display table, or tool demonstration)
- Point of contact (email and phone)
Key Dates:
Submission deadline: April 19, 2026
Notification of acceptance: Rolling decisions, no later than April 20, 2026
Accommodations
We're pleased to offer discounted conference rates for Ocean Forum attendees at two convenient Virginia Beach locations. We encourage guests to book early, as room blocks are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Virginia Beach: Located just a few walkable minutes from the Virginia Beach Convention Center, the DoubleTree offers convenient access to the Forum venue along with comfortable accommodations and on-site amenities.
- Hyatt Place Virginia Beach Oceanfront: Enjoy oceanfront views and modern accommodations along the Virginia Beach boardwalk. This option offers a scenic stay while remaining easily accessible to the Convention Center.
Meeting Location & Parking: Sessions will be held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center 600 22nd Street, 2nd Floor Virginia Beach, VA 23451 in Meeting Room 2A–B.
The closest parking is South Lot 1, which provides the most convenient access to the entrances leading to the meeting suites.
Questions? Email: events@midatlanticocean.org.