Oceans represent almost 5% of all economic activity in the world- they are the planet’s largest shared resource, sustaining livelihoods, powering global trade, and serving as a frontline in the fight against climate change. Yet they are under growing pressure from overuse, pollution, and rising demand. This tension is driving rapid innovation across shipping, fisheries, offshore energy, coastal protection, and marine technology. By 2030, the blue economy could generate close to USD 3 trillion in annual value, but only if growth is coupled with sustainability and resilience. Around the world, dedicated Blue Economy conferences are creating rare spaces where industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and scientists can converge to chart a course for an ocean economy that balances prosperity with stewardship.
- Tomorrow.Blue Economy
Date: 4-6 November 2025
Venue: Gran Via Venue, Barcelona
Tomorrow.Blue Economy brings together innovators, corporates, investors, and experts to accelerate the transition toward a sustainable ocean economy. Hosted by the City of Barcelona, with the Port of Barcelona as Global Partner and the World Ocean Council and OCEANOVATION as Strategic Partners, the event highlights solutions in ports, shipping, blue food, biodiversity, finance, tourism, and ocean data. Flagship programmes include Smart Ports: Piers of the Future, the Sustainable Ocean Summit (SOS), and the Global Blue Finance Summit (BlueFIN), alongside the Ocean Innovation Hub for pioneering start-ups. With access to 25,000+ attendees and 850+ exhibitors at SCEWC25, the event offers unmatched global visibility and opportunities to scale impact.
- 7th World Conference on Marine Biodiversity
Date: 17-20 November 2026
Venue: Concertgebouw, Bruges, Germany
The 7th World Conference on Marine Biodiversity (WCMB 2026), endorsed as a UN Ocean Decade event, will be held in Bruges under the theme “The marine biodiversity insights we need, for the ocean we want.” The conference provides a platform for scientists, policymakers, industry, and conservation leaders to review progress midway through the UN Ocean Decade, assess gaps, and chart the way forward. As a high-level international meeting, WCMB focuses on the sustainable use and conservation of marine biodiversity, bringing together global stakeholders to address pressing issues in ocean ecosystems.
- Blue Economy Annual Trade and Conference
Date: 29 September-1 October 2025
Venue: SMX Convention Center, Metro Manila, Philippines
The Blue Economy Annual Trade and Conference in Manila serves as a major international platform for advancements across maritime industries. The exhibition and conference cover a broad spectrum, including maritime transportation, naval defense, shipbuilding and boatbuilding, oil and gas, renewable energy, marine tourism, environmental protection, and maritime safety. The event is co-located with PhilshipCon, the Maritime Defense and Security Expo, and the Maritime Logistics Chain, creating a comprehensive hub for the regional maritime and blue economy sectors.
- International Conference & Expo on Aquaculture & Seafood (Aquaculture Horizons)
Date: 13-15 April 2026
Venue: Singapore
Aquaculture Horizons 2026 in Singapore will convene researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore breakthroughs in aquaculture science, seafood innovation, and sustainable practices. The conference will highlight eco-friendly farming, feed alternatives, advanced water management, and digital transformation in aquaculture. With case studies, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, participants will gain actionable insights into balancing global seafood demand with environmental stewardship. Positioned as one of the world’s leading aquaculture events, it offers both scientific depth and real-world application, alongside extensive networking to build collaborations and shape the future of sustainable seafood production.
- The 12th International Conference on Fisheries and Aquaculture (ICFA) 2025
Date: 16-17 September 2025
Venue: Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa, Vietnam
The 12th International Conference on Fisheries and Aquaculture (ICFA 2025) will focus on the theme “Applying Food Systems Approach: Towards Harnessing the Full Potential of Fisheries and Aquaculture.” Aligned with FAO’s Blue Transformation and the SDGs, the conference addresses challenges such as climate resilience, resource sustainability, and inclusive access. Delegates will engage on pre- and post-harvest value chains, innovative practices, and policy frameworks that can transform aquatic food systems. By convening global experts, industry representatives, and policymakers, ICFA 2025 offers a platform to drive sustainable growth and strengthen international collaboration in fisheries and aquaculture.
- Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF)
Date: 2026 edition TBD
Venue: Grimaldi Forum, Monaco
The Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) highlights the financial pathways required to scale a sustainable maritime economy, with annual investment needs estimated at USD 175 billion. The event brings together governments, intergovernmental bodies, private-sector leaders, and civil society to explore investment strategies that align economic growth with ocean protection. Discussions will cover the ocean’s role in trade, food security, renewable energy, and marine genetic resources, while also addressing the urgent need to combat overfishing, acidification, and pollution. With the OECD projecting ocean-related economic activity to surpass USD 3 trillion by 2030, BEFF provides a platform to ensure fair access and long-term resilience.
- Blue Economy Expo at Suruga Bay
Date: 2026 edition TBD
Venue: Shizuoka, Japan
The Blue Economy Expo at Suruga Bay will bring together leading experts, innovative companies, and academic institutions from Japan and around the world to explore the future of sustainable ocean industries. Hosted at Shimizu Port in Shizuoka Prefecture, the event will showcase a wide spectrum of advanced marine technologies- from coastal conservation and renewable energy solutions to next-generation fisheries and maritime transport. Designed as both an international conference and marine industry exhibition, the expo offers a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, business collaboration, and the promotion of ocean-driven economic growth.
- Our Ocean Conference
Date: 2026 edition TBD
Venue: Kenya
The Our Ocean Conference is a pivotal global forum driving efforts to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030, benefiting people, climate, and biodiversity. Each year, it brings together governments, NGOs, industry leaders, and academics to tackle urgent ocean challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, food security, and pollution. This high-impact event focuses on action-oriented solutions and concrete commitments, sharing the latest science, best practices, and collaborative strategies to safeguard and restore ocean health worldwide.
- 13th annual World Ocean Summit & Expo
Date: 4-5 March 2026
Venue: Montreal, Canada
The World Ocean Summit 2026 builds on the momentum of past summits in Tokyo, Cascais, and the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, advancing partnerships and action plans to accelerate ocean solutions. Key discussions will focus on blue economy investments, marine and coastal restoration, indigenous knowledge and rights, sustainable fisheries, and critical challenges like melting sea ice and ocean pollution. The program highlights the role of ocean technology, big data, and digital innovation alongside science, policy, and traditional wisdom. With 800+ attendees, 120+ speakers, and 60+ sessions, the summit fosters cross-sector collaboration, featuring leaders from shipping, aquaculture, fishing, offshore energy, and tourism to drive inclusive, evidence-based ocean governance and marine protection.
- World Congress on Aquaculture, Fisheries, and Marine Biology
Date: 25-27 June 2026
Venue: Barcelona, Spain & Online
WAC 2026 unites global experts in aquaculture, fisheries, and marine biology under the theme “Aquaculture Horizons: Integrating Science, Sustainability, and Global Collaboration.” This hybrid event blends in-person and virtual participation to explore cutting-edge research, sustainable practices, and policy-driven strategies for advancing aquatic science and food security. Attendees will engage in expert sessions, workshops, and networking to share solutions and drive innovation in the future of aquaculture and marine ecosystems.
The future of the blue economy will be defined not only by the scale of investment, but also by the quality of collaboration. Each of the leading forums highlighted here provides a unique arena to reimagine how ports, shipping, food systems, and marine ecosystems can evolve together. For those shaping the future of ocean industries, these gatherings are more than events, they are milestones in building a truly regenerative relationship with the sea.
Nueconomy is your go-to partner in navigating and maximizing opportunities at these events. We work with leading economic development organizations worldwide, offering comprehensive support for investment attraction, export promotion, and B2B collaboration efforts. Whether you’re looking to forge partnerships or explore prospects for product export or trade, our expertise and industry connections can help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Looking to attract FDI, expand exports, or build strategic partnerships in the global blue economy sector? Nueconomy helps you connect with the right markets, investors, and partners, backed by data, insights, and on-ground execution.
Please write to us at hello@nueconomy.co to map your next move.
(FDI Lead generation, Blue economy conferences)
