ARTICLE
Renowned Renewable Energy, Fisheries, Marine Biology and Coastal Resilience Experts to Speak at Two-Day Conference on April 30 and May 1 at Aloft Aviation at Cape Cod Gateway Airport CENTERVILLE, Mass., April 2, 2024 – The Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation has announced the lineup of speakers and events for its second annual Big Blue Conference to be held on Tuesday, April 30, and Wednesday, May 1 at the Aloft Aviation Hangar at Cape Cod Gateway Airport in Hyannis. The 2024 Big Blue Conference, with a theme of “It’s Electric,” will focus on the potential of electrification to bolster the region’s vital water-based economy. From air to land to sea, attendees will learn about innovations in renewable energy, coastal resiliency, wildlife preservation, and clean water. Noted marine biologist Dr. Greg Skomal will answer the question, “Why are there so many sharks off our shores?” Brian Sharp, Director of Marine Mammal Rescue for the International Fund for Animal Welfare, will share stories of rescue and survival from the Dolphin Rescue Center; a panel discussion will explore the need for, and challenges faced in, expanding the electric vehicle charging network across the Cape; and students from area high schools will showcase their electric engineering skills at the Big Blue Expo: Battle of the Robots! From shoreline stabilization to electric aviation, this year’s Big Blue Conference is intended for businesses on the Cape and Islands, residents curious about the impact of climate change and clean water, as well as community leaders and educators. Emmy Award winning WCVB-TV Channel 5 anchor and reporter Rhondella Richardson will serve as emcee of the first day of the conference, and WBZ-TV Channel 4 Chief Meteorologist Eric Fisher will host the second day of the event. • Day 1 of the Big Blue Conference (Tuesday, April 30, 10:00am to 4:00pm) will include details on how Cape Cod Gateway Airport has built its own electrical microgrid. Eversource, MassDOT and renewable energy providers will share the stage to explain their respective roles. We’ll also learn about the electrification of transportation as it paves the way for a promising future of clean energy. • The Big Blue Expo featuring The Battle of the Robots takes place Tuesday, April 30, 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the Cape Cod Gateway Airport Terminal. Local high school robotics teams face off for the title of Best Bot at Big Blue. Jonathan “JT” Thompson, “Mayor” of Cape Cod, serves as emcee. • Day 2 of the Big Blue Conference (Wednesday, May 1, 8:00am to 2:00pm) will examine our collective impact on coastal ecology. Protection of wildlife in a changing climate will also be a focus as we hear from the New England Aquarium, International Fund for Animal Welfare and the Commercial Fisherman’s Alliance. A list of speakers and events can be found here. Tickets for the Big Blue 2024 Conference are available here. 2024 Big Blue sponsors include: Avangrid, The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod, The Housing Assistance Corporation of Cape Cod, SouthCoast Wind, Bank Five, Beacon Marine Construction, Vineyard Offshore, Teledyne Marine, and The Steamship Authority. “Building and growing a vital Blue Economy on Cape Cod and the Islands is essential to maintaining a local workforce that can live – and thrive – in the region,” says Katy Acheson, Economic Development Director, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. “It’s inspiring to have people representing so many solutions to environmental issues gathered in one spot. Whether it’s wildlife, energy, coastal resilience, or clean water, we all have a stake and a role to play. The more we learn, and the more we work together toward lasting solutions, the better for our unique and fragile coastal environment.” About The Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation Established in 2017 by the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, the Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation is the region’s champion of modern, water-based economic development that connects people to their environment, inspires learning, and promotes a regional water-based business identity. The Foundation produces and hosts the annual WaterWORKS career showcase to connect high school students to Blue Economy and STEM career opportunities, and the Big Blue Conference, a two-day conference featuring business, policy, and education leaders discussing relevant topics pertaining to the regional Blue Economy and overall economic outlook.