Dear Participants,
On behalf of the Marine Technology Society and the IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society, welcome to OCEANS 2018 to be held in Charleston, South Carolina. OCEANS is the semi-annual event for global marine professionals:
- Technologists
- Engineers
- Scientists
- Students
- Government officials
- Lawyers
- Advocates
- Marine Technology Suppliers
From around the globe, these industry leaders will gather at the Charleston Area Convention Center on October 22-25, 2018 to highlight relevant topics and current trends, while cultivating a community of thinkers and influencers who consistently advance research, practices, and policies for the marine field.
The conference theme: “Healthy Oceans, Resilient Coasts, Robust Commerce…Strong Nations” will yield a technical program and topics that focus on breakthrough innovations and technology advances for protecting and sustaining our oceans and coasts, and underscore the positive economic outcomes of working collaboratively in these efforts. The maritime city of Charleston is the perfect backdrop for exploring relevant topics, including:
- Ocean technology
- Working waterfronts
- Marine transportation and security
- Ocean and coastal ecosystems and fisheries
- Vulnerable populations
- Energy development and other ocean uses
- Coastal hazards
- And more!
The conference will also explore how science and technology must inform and inspire how we address the challenges of a 21st Century where environment, society, and economics are highly interconnected.
In addition to participating in one of the most influential international conferences in this field, participants are encouraged to take advantage of all that Charleston has to offer. The port of Charleston is the 6th largest U.S. seaport district in dollar value of goods handled, and the expansion of South Carolina’s technology sector is outpacing the rest of the country. The city truly does exemplify the qualities for which it is widely known—a prime coastal setting, historic architecture, friendly locals—while also nurturing a creative culture that is making it one of the most notable destinations for those who seek out interesting restaurants, bars, and shops that showcase a dedication to distinctive crafts.
We look forward to welcoming you to “the city where history lives” on October 22-25 to learn, share, network, and advance the protection and utilization of the world’s largest natural resource – our Oceans.
Best Regards,
Dr. Jeff Payne and John Flynn
OCEANS 2018 Charleston General Co-chairs