Blue Foods Forum: Seafare Symposium

The Blue Foods Forum is where those connections become opportunities.

Join impact investors, funders, producers, nonprofits, researchers, and creatives to explore the circular, land-to-sea systems that can strengthen Oregon’s economy and food resilience. If your work touches food, sustainability, tourism, economic growth, circular design, or community wellbeing—you should be in the room.

The Blue Foods Forum is a hands-on, relationship-oriented, creatively charged gathering designed to drive real progress.

The 2026 Blue Foods Forum will take place over two days in Portland, Oregon - a world class culinary destination and home to an amazing community of chefs, innovators, makers, and doers.

At the Symposium on February 2, attendees will hear presentations on cutting-edge projects, meet potential partners, and attend immersive workshops designed to drive progress, activate solutions, and inspire collaboration around Oregon’s food system challenges.

February 1: Speakeasy

An evening Seafaring Speakeasy: elevated evening full of ocean-centric art, food, and experiences – and an opportunity to connect with all the folks working on incredible projects aimed at strengthening our regional food systems. .

February 2: Symposium

• Active learning, conversation, and delicious inspiration centered around Oregon’s ocean foods
• Hands-on workshops designed to spark creativity and discover what’s possible in blue foods innovation
• Culinary showcases designed to deepen connections and uplift blue food harvesters, makers, and our vibrant regional food and beverage economy.

More detailed infomration coming soon!

Last February, a diverse group of stakeholders gathered in Portland for the first-ever Oregon Blue Foods Forum. Together we explored the question: What could a truly regenerative, ocean-inclusive food future look like?

Since that inaugural gathering, collaborations formed, funding conversations launched, and pilot projects emerged.

Here’s what’s happened since that first gathering.

We are at a pivotal point in the Blue Foods movement. Momentum is on our side, and now is the time to forge strong partnerships that strengthen our local food systems.

By meeting ahead of the year’s growing and summer harvest seasons, the Blue Foods Forum gives investors and businesses an opportunity to dream big, and take action for the future of Oregon's food future.

Your purchase directly supports the work of building a resilient local food system.

Additionally, a portion of the proceeds will go to support the work of the Oregon Kelp Alliance - an organization taking action to inspire and empower a new generation of ocean stewards for The Peoples Coast. Huge thanks to our event partners and sponsors: Oregon Coast Visitors Association, Ecotrust, Builders Initiative, Travel Oregon, and Oregon State University.

Blue Foods Forum is a collaboration between Oregon Ocean Cluster and Winter Waters, a regenerative seafare series taking place across Western Washington the month of February. Learn more and see the event lineup:

Info: More information coming soon!

Info: Wind down with an inspiring screening of Hope in the Water with Jen Bushman, followed by a closing conversation and reception.

Info: SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Kick off the Blue Foods Forum at the Seafaring Speakeasy. The evening is designed to inspire, delight, and invite connection inside a carefully curated ocean atmosphere. Throughout the night, you’ll encounter ocean-inspired installations, thoughtfully crafted bites, and conversations that spark possibility — connecting you with scientists, investors, food producers, educators, fishermen, artisans, and chefs redefining what it means to steward Oregon’s economy through food and ocean resources.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Oregon Ocean Cluster