Detailed Agenda
Ocean Floor Explore
Monday, October 27, 2025 | Victoria Conference Centre
Earth’s Final Frontier
0900 - 0930h - WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONSTim Kearns | MAP THE GAPS
Paul Nursey | DESTINATION GREATER VICTORIA
Jason Goldsworthy | COAST
0930 - 1030h - KEYNOTE SPEAKERSMoronke Harris | THE IMAGINATIVE SCIENTIST
NETWORKING BREAK | main foyer
Challenges and Costs of Ocean Floor Exploration
1100 - 1200 - PANELMODERATOR: Helen Snaith | UK National Oceanography Centre
Larry Mayer | UNH-CCOM
Vicki Ferrini | LAMONT / SEABED2030
Brian Connon | SAILDRONE
Meme Lobecker | KONGSBERG DISCOVERY
Join us for an insightful panel discussion on the challenges and costs associated with ocean floor exploration. Featuring expert voices from around the world, this session will examine the technological hurdles, financial considerations, and data collection complexities inherent in mapping the Earth's final frontier. We will highlight the critical value of ocean floor data for scientific discovery, economic development, and environmental conservation. Additionally, a special video presentation from the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office will demonstrate the economic potential and return on investment to overcoming these challenges. Discover how cutting-edge technology and strategic investments can unlock the immense potential of the ocean’s depths for the benefit of all.
The Value of Exploration (& the data)
1200 - 1230h - PRESENTATIONSMODERATOR: Tim Kearns | MAP THE GAPS
Shannon Hoy | SEIRIOS SOLUTIONS
Pip Bricher | GEOSCIENCES AUSTRALIA
Koen Vanstaen | UNITED KINGDOM HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE
NETWORKING LUNCH | main foyer
Funding Ocean Floor Exploration
1330 - 1500h - PRESENTATIONS & PANELMODERATOR: David Millar | FUGRO
Damon Stanwell-Smith | VIKING CRUISES
Jyotika Virmani | SCHMIDT OCEAN INSTITUTE
Burak Evren | COAST
Tim Kearns | MAP THE GAPS
Exploring the ocean floor is essential—but costly. This panel brings together leaders from organizations pioneering innovative fundraising strategies to support deep-sea exploration. From public–private partnerships and philanthropic collaborations to creative sponsorships and community-driven campaigns, panelists will share how they are broadening participation and building sustainable funding models. Join the discussion to learn how diverse funding pathways can unlock discovery and engage more people in the last great exploration on earth.
NETWORKING BREAK & COFFEE | main foyer
Reaching the Funders - Communication Approaches
1530 - 1630 - PANELMODERATOR: Sophie Silkes | COAST
Natalie Gilson | PISCES RESEARCH PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Robyn Meyer | OCEAN NETWORKS CANADA
Heather Mannix | COMPASS
Jyotika Virmani | SCHMIDT OCEAN INSTITUTE
Join us for an enlightening discussion panel on the critical role of communication in ocean floor exploration. Featuring leading experts in the field, this session will explore how effective communication bridges explorers, philanthropists, organizations, and the public to unlock the secrets of the deep. Discover innovative strategies for inspiring support, fostering collaboration, and enhancing the sharing of discoveries beneath the waves. Dive into perspectives on how clear, compelling communication can accelerate understanding, innovation, and conservation of the last great exploration on Earth.
Closing Remarks
1630 - 1715h - PRESENTATIONSJamie McMichael-Philips | NIPPON FOUNDATION-GEBCO SEABED 2030 PROJECT
Courtney Brady | MAP THE GAPS
NETWORKING RECEPTION | main foyer | 1730 - 2100h
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 | Victoria Conference Centre
Exploring Ocean Technology
0900 - 0915h - WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONSTim Kearns | MAP THE GAPS
0915 - 1015h - KEYNOTE SPEAKERSVictor Vescovo | CALADAN OCEANIC
Ocean Startup Project - Activator Annoucement
1015 - 1030h - ANNOUNCEMENT & AWARDSWinners! | OCEAN STARTUP PROJECT
NETWORKING BREAK & COFFEE | main foyer
Breaking through Barriers with New Technology
1100 - 1230 - PRESENTATIONS & PANELMODERATOR: Larry Mayer | UNH-CCOM
Victoria Price-Doucet | STRATESEA
Pat Jennings | TERRADEPTH
Bridgit Boulahanis | BEDROCK OCEAN EXPLORATION
Konrad Mech | CELLULA ROBOTICS
Casey Machado | ORPHEUS OCEAN
The deep ocean remains one of Earth’s least explored frontiers. This panel brings together innovators from emerging technology companies who are developing the next generation of tools for mapping, monitoring, and exploring the ocean floor. Discover how robotics, autonomous systems, and advanced sensing technologies are reshaping ocean science, and learn what’s next for unlocking the mysteries of the deep.
LUNCH ON YOUR OWN | beautiful downtown Victoria | 1230 - 1400h
Welcome to Pacific Canada's premier ocean tech showcase.
Join us for a live, interactive showcase of top-tier ocean technologies. Get to know the inventors and entrepreneurs behind the blue economy boom—featuring drones and vessels, ocean sensor technology, marine security systems, ocean stewardship and conservation technology, marine renewable energy, seaweed innovation, and much more.
Free Registration - Let us know you’re coming!
1400 - 1700h | 812 Wharf Street | Ship Point
ASPIRATIONAL FUNDING MECHANISMS FOR GLOBAL OCEAN FLOOR MAPPING & EXPLORATION | Victoria Conference Centre (Saanich Room 1)
Join us for a workshop hosted by GEBCO and Map the Gaps to build on the themes of Day 1 of Ocean Floor Explore and explore new communities that can integrate with GEBCO and the funding mechanisms to achieve this global initiative.
Phillips Brewing | 2000 Government Street, Victoria
1730h - 2030h
Blue Robotics, Map the Gaps, and COAST welcome you to join us for an evening of food, drinks, friends, and conversation at the Ocean Floor Explore blueTIDES Closing Party!
Hosted by Blue Robotics, this event is included with your registration and will offer an opportunity to connect, share, and collaborate with fellow ocean enthusiasts in a local and loved Victoria haunt.
Bring your questions, hype, and big ideas, and have a drink on us!