OCEANS is an annual event for global marine technologists, engineers, students, government officials, lawyers, and advocates. At OCEANS 2023 Gulf Coast, industry thought leaders gather for four days to highlight relevant topics and current trends while creating a community of learners and influencers who consistently advance research, practices, and policies for the marine field.
A premier partner event presented by The Marine Technology Society and the IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society.
- Over 500 professionally reviewed technical papers, including sessions focused on local themes.
- Plenary sessions with leaders from industry, academia, the military and government.
- 100+ exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in products and services.
- A student poster session featuring outstanding projects from around the world and other student activities.
- Training Sessions, workshops, demonstrations, government listening sessions, social and networking opportunities, professional field trips …and much, much more.
Local Organizing Committee
Dr. Jason McKenna
University of Southern Mississippi | ANTX Demonstrations
Bob Coniglione
University of Southern Mississippi | ANTX Demonstrations
Tracy Yanez
AccelerateMS | Career Fair
Andy Kilgore
USM’s Mississippi Defense Initiative | Career Fair
Craig Cumbee
Naval Oceanographic Office | Beach Trash Art Contest
Dr. Jonathan Harris
Mississippi State University | Outreach Challenge Co-Chair
Shannon Turner
Naval Research laboratory – Stennis Detachment | Outreach Challenge Co-Chair
Keith Long
Center of Higher Learning | Training Program Chair
Michelle Anderson
INFINITY Science Center | Outreach Challenge Co-Chair
Laurie Jugan
MTS General Co-Chair OCEANS 2023
Craig A. Peterson
IEEE OES General Co-Chair OCEANS 2023
Rear Admiral Ron Piret
USN, Commander Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command Federal Honorary Co-Chair OCEANS 2023
Dr. William (Bill) Burnett
Director of the NOAA's National Data Buoy Center Federal Honorary Co-Chair OCEANS 2023
Brandy Armstrong
University of Southern Mississippi | Deputy Co-Chair – OES Woman’s Program | Young Professionals Program
Katharine Weathers
NOAA Centers for Environmental Information | Deputy Co-Chair – MTS Young Professionals Program
Dr. Richard Crout
Naval Research Laboratory | Stennis Detachment | Finance Chair
Dr. Stephan Howden
University of Southern Mississippi | Student Poster Competition Chair
Kenneth Sharp
KMS Oceanic Consulting | Technical Program Committee Co-Chair
Dr. Clint Edrington
Northern Gulf Institute, MSU | Technical Program Committee Co-Chair
Jane Moorhead
Mississippi State University | Technical Program Committee Co-Chair
Kathleen O’Neil
NOAA National Data Buoy Center | Plenaries/Special Speakers
John Cousins
General Dynamics information Technology | Plenaries/Special Speakers
Angela Sallis
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information | Panels/Workshops/Town Halls
Peter Furze
Retried Navy | Panels/Workshops/Town Halls
Michael Jugan
Retired Navy | Liaison with Other Societies
Betty Jester
Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command | ANTX Demonstrations
Philip Hoffman
NOAA Uncrewed Maritime Systems | ANTX Demonstrations
Additional LOC Committee Members
Jeanne Allen | Environmental Protection Agency – Outreach Challenge
Ari Cocacevich | Coastal Mississippi – Social Events/Things to Do
Elizabeth Englebretson | Mississippi State University – Beach Trash Art Contest
Sponsoring Societies
These societies have partnered to present the OCEANS Conference to society members, as well as affiliated companies, government agencies, universities, and individuals, in order to further grow and develop their fields through collaborative learning and synergistic solutions.
The IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society (OES) promotes the objectives of the society around the world through networking, conferences, and publications with a focus on the future through extensive support of their student and young professional members. The Society strives for the advancement of the theory and practice of electrotechnology, allied branches of engineering, and related arts and sciences, applied to all bodies of water – and the maintenance of high professional and ethical standards among its members and affiliates.
OES’s field of interest includes all aspects of science, engineering, and technology that address research, development, and operations pertaining to all bodies of water. This includes the creation of new capabilities and technologies from concept design through prototypes, testing, and operational systems to sense, explore, understand, develop, use, and responsibly manage natural resources.
The Marine Technology Society (MTS) promotes awareness, understanding, advancement and application of marine technology. The society was incorporated in June 1963 to give members of academia, government and industry a common forum for the exchange of information and ideas.
The MTS mission is to 1) Facilitate a broader understanding of the relevance of marine technology to wider global issues by enhancing the dissemination of marine technology information; 2) Promote and improve marine technology and related educational programs; 3) Advance the development of the tools and procedures required to explore, study and further the responsible and sustainable use of the oceans.
MTS strives to be “the leading authority and advocate for marine technology and resources while promoting member success and public understanding.”
Co-Participating Societies
These organizations have joined the MTS and IEEE-OES as Co-Participating Societies (CPS) that will support the technical themes of the event. Members of these Societies receive the same “member” benefits at the OCEANS 2023 Gulf Coast conference including reduced registration rates and hotel room rates.
