Seattle, Washington: December 3, 2019 — Over 500 exhibitors and thousands of attendees descended on the annual Pacific Marine Expo, held November 21-23 at the CenturyLink Field Event Center in Seattle, Washington. PME is an annual trade show targeting the commercial marine industry, with many who attend representing the commercial fishing sector.
Under the booth name Deckhand Electronic Logbook, Real Time Data made its debut as an exhibitor at the show with the goal of introducing its customizable logbook software and fisheries data management system, coming to North American markets mid-2020. Co-founder Simon Dick and North America business development manager Lange Solberg chatted with industry stakeholders, answered questions, and learned about ways Deckhand can work for fisheries throughout the US and Canada.
While Pacific Marine Expo is marketed as serving west coast commercial marine and fishing markets from California to Alaska, Solberg thinks the show seems to reach farther than just the west coast.
“I’ve been coming to this show since I was a kid and have worn many hats here professionally over the years,” he notes. “As the years go on, the show seems to cover more geographical ground in terms of attendees who show up as well as those exhibiting.”
Solberg pointed out that the Real Time Data team had conversations with people from British Columbia to Nova Scotia, Maine to Alaska, and Japan to Norway.
PME is also regarded as an important time for industry associations, seafood processors, manufacturers, and other groups to bring their constituents and customers together for end-of-year gatherings, meetings, and product demonstrations. Many fisheries are winding down or have wrapped up for the season by the time the show rolls around. Decision makers – from vessel owners to seafood processing plant managers – are always eager to learn about the latest technology and innovations to make the business of fish smarter and more efficient. Many make significant purchases at the show.
Furthermore, PME is an important place to discuss relevant issues facing the industry. This year, a keynote discussion and panel on the proposed Pebble Mine in Southwest Alaska’s Bristol Bay took place on the main stage. Other sessions on fishing vessel safety, young fisherman apprentice programs, and a maritime industry economic outlook also drew interested crowds.
Different categories of exhibitors and attendees will migrate to other maritime or commercial fishing-focused shows into 2020, such as WorkBoat, the Maine Fishermen’s Forum, and Seafood Expo North America; and many will likely reunite again at next year’s PME in Seattle.