October 6 – 8 | La Conner, WA
Join industry leaders, innovators, and forward-thinking professionals for a transformative event designed to inspire, educate, and connect.
Presented By
Networking Spnsor
Sponsored By
Lodging Provided By
REGISTER TODAY! Early-bird $400 Rate ($50 savings) until 9/1.
Questions? Contact Jay Jennings at jay@nmta.net
Welcome to the Northwest Marine Trade Association 2026 Northwest Marina and Boatyard Conference, presented for over twenty years by Marine Floats Inc.
Set along the picturesque waterfront of La Conner, Washington, this gathering brings together industry professionals, business leaders, and enthusiasts from across the region. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a returning participant, this guide provides all the practical details and insider tips you’ll need for an enjoyable and productive experience.
Welcome Reception, 5:30 – 8:00pm
Sponsored by Fisheries Supply
Location: The Firehall Kitchen & Taphouse
Join fellow conference attendees for an evening of networking and conversation before the conference begins.
Registration, Exhibits & Breakfast
Introductions & Ice-breakers
Speaker: All Attendees
Marine Sector Data and Trends
Speaker: Paul Sorensen (BST Associates)
Insurance All Stars
Speakers: Mark Gleason, Kelby Bown & Panel
What’s Hot on the Docks?
Speaker: Chris Dolan
Marine Exchange
Speaker: Patrick Gallagher, Executive Director, Marine Exchange of Puget Sound
Sandwich Bar Lunch
Nearshore Conservation, Mitigation, Frustration & Hope!
Speakers: Dena Horton (PNWA) & Dan Berlin (Anchor QEA)
Clean Water Act and Nearshore Impacts
Speaker: Brad Doll, JD (Foster Garvey)
Sea Level Rise and Climate Change
Speakers: Guillaume Mauger (University of Washington) & Ian Miller
Networking Buffet & Adult Beverages
Sponsored by Bellingham Marine, Inc.
Registration, Exhibits & Breakfast
R2K & Northwest Maritime Center
Speaker: Katie Oman, Acting CEO & Chief Operating Officer, Northwest Maritime Center
Aquatic Lands Leasing
Speaker: Tom Gorman, Division Manager, Aquatic Resources Division, Washington Department of Natural Resources
Port of Seattle
Speaker: Delmas Whittaker, Chief Operating Officer, Maritime Division
Keynote Luncheon
Sponsored by Anchor QEA
Keynote Speaker: Commissioner Dave Upthegrove
Introduction by: Dan Berlin
Employment Law and Consequences
Speakers: Rochelle Doyea & Jeremy F. Wood (Cairncross & Hempelmann)
Swinomish Channel Boat Tour
Sponsored by Eagle Floats, Hosted by San Juan Cruises
Jake Beattie is the CEO of the Northwest Maritime Center, a regional nonprofit based in Port Townsend focused on maritime education and engagement. A former professional mariner, Jake worked his way up from deckhand to AB on tugboats and served as first mate with Western Pioneer. For most of his career, he has dedicated himself to connecting people with maritime opportunities through education. He is the creator of the Race to Alaska and a founding partner of Highline Schools’ Maritime High School.
Dan Berlin is a Principal Scientist at Anchor QEA and has been supporting shoreline cleanup and restoration projects in Puget Sound for 25 years. He is the founder of the Washington Association of Mitigation Banks and specializes in advance mitigation and mitigation bank planning, environmental permitting, contaminated shoreline cleanup, and managing the design and construction of complex cleanup, redevelopment, and restoration projects in the United States and Canada. Dan has a Master’s Degree in wetland science from Duke University.
Chris Dolan is the Vice President of Sales and Design at Marina Electrical Equipment (MEE) in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he has worked in marina electrical design and product manufacturing since 2000. A frequent speaker at industry conferences, he contributed to the marina electrical chapter of the ASCE Manual No. 50. Chris also serves on the board of the Association of Marina Industries and is a member of the NFPA 303 Committee, which establishes fire protection and electrical safety standards for marinas and boatyards.
Patrick Gallagher is the Executive Director of the Marine Exchange of Puget Sound, leading efforts to improve maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship in the Pacific Northwest. A retired U.S. Coast Guard Commander with over 20 years of service, he held key roles including Executive Officer at Station New York and Response Department Head at Sector Honolulu. In his current role, Patrick works with the Coast Guard, port authorities, shipping companies, and environmental groups to promote collaboration and best practices across the industry. He chairs the Puget Sound Harbor Safety Committee and serves on several advisory councils, reflecting his deep commitment to maritime resilience and sustainability.
Dena Horton joined the PNWA team in September 2019. She brings significant federal and regional experience and a deep knowledge of the issues and projects in PNWA’s portfolio, having served as Senator Maria Cantwell’s Southwest Washington Outreach Director for over five years. Horton was also a project manager for over seven years for PNWA member Normandeau Associates, and served as a district representative for former Congressman Brian Baird for over four years.
Horton earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Gonzaga University, and completed master’s degree coursework in Public Affairs at Washington State University – Vancouver. She is also a General George C. Marshall Public Leadership Award Recipient, graduate of Leadership Clark County, and has a long record of volunteer service in her community. Horton lives in Vancouver, Wash.
Paul Sorensen is a principal with BST Associates. Paul founded BST in 1986, following 10 years of consulting with major architecture & engineering firms. He holds a master’s degree in economics from the University of Washington. Paul was chairman of the board of the Northwest Marine Trade Association for the past two fiscal years.
BST has assisted public and private clients with economic and financial analysis of waterfront and other development projects. His ability to deliver useful analyses, both on time and on budget, has given BST a solid reputation in the industry.
Delmas Whittaker serves as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Maritime Division at the Port of Seattle, overseeing cohesive and effective maritime operations aligned with the Port’s strategic goals. He focuses on financial sustainability through revenue generation while advancing environmental stewardship and equity.
He leads strategic planning, operational continuity, and high-performing team development, fostering strong partnerships with stakeholders and customers. Delmas manages operating budgets, asset utilization, tariff development, and capital project sponsorship, while also serving as the division’s primary decision-maker and external representative. He actively engages in Port-wide initiatives, public forums, and collaborates closely with Government and Tribal Relations to ensure regulatory compliance and shared policy advancement.
With a background in public service, Delmas previously held leadership roles including Director of Marine Maintenance, Senior Manager of Commercial Fishing, and Aviation Maintenance Logistics Manager.
He holds an M.A. in Organizational Leadership, a B.S. in Social Sciences, and an A.A. in General Studies. A recipient of a diversity award, Delmas is also active in anti-human trafficking initiatives and maritime community leadership.
Questions? Contact jay@nmta.net
Nestled in the heart of downtown La Conner on the Swinomish Channel, where exploring is convenient and memorable. Within walking distance to one-of-a-kind restaurants, boutique shopping, the Museum of Northwest Art, Skagit Historical Museum, and the Quilt & Textiles Museum. Don’t miss the Oyster & Thistle Restaurant & Pub located on the second floor!
Call The La Conner Inn at (360) 466-3101 to make your reservation (Reference NW Marina & Boatyard Conference for group rates) or reserve online HERE.
Hurry! Group block and discounted rates expire 9/6/2026, book early for best availability!
Get Directions
The La Conner Channel Lodge is a scenic and comfortable retreat for conference attendees, located along the Swinomish Channel with convenient access to the quaint restaurants and ships in historic La Conner. With well-appointed rooms, complimentary breakfast, and high-speed Wi-Fi, it offers a relaxing environment between sessions.
Call The La Conner Channel Lodge at (360) 466-1500 to make your reservation (Reference NW Marina & Boatyard Conference for group rates) or reserve online HERE.
Hurry! Group block and discounted rates expire 9/6/2026, book early for best availability!
Get Directions
All stays include complimentary continental breakfast served daily from 7-10 AM, parking for one vehicle & WIFI.
Check-in Time: 4PM | Check-out Time: 11 AM
Note: These reservations are for a 2-night stay. If you would like to extend your stay it is best to call in to make their reservation over the phone.
A heartfelt thank you to our SPONSORS! We truly appreciate your support — please take a moment to learn more about them and the important role they play in making this event possible.
A big thank you to our EXHIBITORS! Be sure to stop by their booths and show your support — they’re an important part of our event.”
Interested in showcasing your brand or products?
Sponsorship and exhibitor interest is growing, driven by strong feedback from our 2024 conference and recent outreach at the Association of Marina Industries (AMI) Conference in Fort Lauderdale. With this increase in demand, we encourage you to secure your spot soon. The program will feature timely topics from industry experts, including both familiar and new content. If you have suggestions for topics or speakers, we welcome your input before finalizing the agenda.
Exhibitor space at Maple Hall in La Conner is limited. This year’s standard exhibitor package is $1,700 and includes:
A 20–25 minute presentation on the program
Approximately 5×8 exhibitor space
One attendee pass for conference sessions and meals
Recognition in the conference program
Access to evening events
While standard sponsorships are filling quickly, we’re happy to consider custom proposals. We value your unique contributions and look forward to connecting.
For more details on how to get involved, contact Jay Jennings.
Here’s a great way to spend a day in La Conner, WA—a charming waterfront town full of character and scenic beauty, and the perfect setting for the 2025 NW Marina and Boatyard Conference (October 8–10).
Start your day at Maple Hall, the historic yet modern venue where the conference will take place. From there, take a stroll through La Conner’s picturesque streets, perhaps stopping at the cozy La Conner Channel Inn or La Conner Country Inn, both known for their warm hospitality.
Grab lunch at the Firehall Bar and Grill, enjoy a coffee at a local café, or sample regional wines at nearby tasting rooms. For a peaceful break, take a walk along the waterfront boardwalk overlooking the Swinomish Channel—an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the view.
Explore the town’s unique shops, like its locally loved yarn stores, and soak in the creative, small-town atmosphere. La Conner is an especially welcoming place for couples, with its charming inns and laid-back vibe offering a perfect retreat.
We can’t wait for you to experience all that La Conner has to offer during the conference!
