The goal of the Arctic Encounter Symposium is to engage participants in a focused discussion, through a balanced forum, highlighting shared interests and concerns of the United States and the global community as we look north to the last emerging frontier – the Arctic. The Symposium will incorporate a diverse group of leaders and experts to debate how a rapidly changing Arctic will impact international law, domestic policy, business and commerce, the environment, and the people of the Far North.
The program incorporates five plenary sessions, featuring 3-4 speakers and one moderator in each session, and two concurrent sessions featuring research presentations by leading academic experts from across the country. The Symposium is structured to challenge the status quo dialogue and to critically address the Arctic's potential, to consider what is at stake, and to collaborate on solutions.
Leading experts, CEO's, and thought leaders from the science technology, maritime, and energy industries top corporations and organizations are expected to attend. Congressional delegations from Alaska and Washington State have also been invited. The event is likely to draw between 250 and 350 attendees, including partners from the top environmental and maritime law firms in the Pacific Northwest and academics from across the country.
The two-day Symposium will take place at Seattle University with a dinner reception on Friday, February 7 at the Seattle Aquarium on Pier 59. Please see the website for a complete speakers list and program.