Blue Foods Forum: a lineup of events you won't want to miss
The 2026 Blue Foods Forum is coming up soon! Scroll for a full list of events taking place in Portland from February 1-2. Join for one or all of these incredible opportunities to be part of the conversation about the future of blue foods in Oregon.
The Blue Foods Forum invites impact investors, funders, producers, nonprofits, policy makers, food purveyors, 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 belong in the room (and at the table).
Event Details
Albacore on the Line |
February 1 | 11:00 AM | Register here
Join a chef-led tasting designed specifically for food professionals. Connect directly with Oregon fishermen, buyers, and processors while tasting Albacore across a range of applications and cooking styles. Whether you have worked with Oregon Albacore for years or are just beginning to explore this premium fish, this event is designed to deepen understanding, spark conversation, and build community.
Seafaring Speakeasy | February 1 | 5:00 PM | Register here
The Blue Foods Forum kicks off on Sunday, February 1 with the Seafaring Speakeasy, an evening gathering at The Redd designed to spark connection and curiosity. This elevated, immersive, ocean-inspired experience blends crafted bites, ocean-centric art, and inventive beverages that celebrate Oregon’s coastal flavors and the people shaping its blue economy.
The Speakeasy kicks off the 2026 Winter Waters event series, and offers a social, celebratory entry point to the Forum.
Seafare Symposium | February 2 | Register here
On Monday, February 2, the Seafare Symposium takes place at the Redd, bringing attendees together for a full day of active learning and industry exchange. Through facilitated discussions, hands-on demonstrations, and structured networking, participants will dig into the opportunities and challenges facing ocean foods today, and leave with clear connections and next steps to take action in new work streams, innovations, partnerships and more.
A preview agenda for symposium day is in the works: download it here. Get ready for inspiring talks, hands-on demos, and facilitated conversations designed to move us forward from ideas to action.
Hope in the Water: Seafood, Sips, & Stories
February 2 | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Register here
Can't make it for the full symposium? Join us for a closing happy hour! This screening invites filmmakers, creatives, chefs, scientists, food-system thinkers, and anyone curious about how culture, climate, and storytelling intersect. Hear from inspiring panelists, and network with folks who are bringing big ideas to life.
[note that if you are already registered for the Seafaring Symposium, the happy hour registration is included].
Together, we will answer the question:
What could a truly regenerative, ocean-inclusive food future look like?
Tickets are limited and demand is expected to be high.
Attendees are encouraged to register for both events to experience the full breadth of the Blue Foods Forum — from relationship-building and celebration to in-depth dialogue and emerging collaborations.
Members of the media interested in attending are invited to inquire about press passes by contacting industry@thepeoplescoast.com.
About Oregon Ocean Cluster:
The Oregon Ocean Cluster (OOC) is a collaborative initiative dedicated to strengthening Oregon’s regional ocean food economy by keeping more locally harvested seafood in local markets. Focused on enhancing availability, value, and equity across the seafood supply chain, OOC works with coastal communities, businesses, educators, and partners to develop shared infrastructure, grow workforce pathways, catalyze innovation, and expand market access for sustainable ocean-based products. By coordinating resources and building connections across sectors, OOC advances resilient and regenerative blue food systems that strengthen coastal communities and contribute to a more resilient Oregon economy.
