Oceans in Action 2025 Workshop 

Join us for the Oceans In Action 2025 Workshop, an in-person event featuring the marine science and technology research efforts along the Gulf Coast that transform into operational missions worldwide. Following the success of the larger, OCEANS 2023 Conference, the workshop will host presentations from locally based federal agencies, state-led initiatives, and high-tech companies. This year’s event will once again highlight the results of the Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (ANTX) vignettes that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico in 2024. In addition to the Department of the Navy, these vignettes are supported by NOAA, USM, and LSU and are the results of testing new technologies in an operational scenario.

Hosted by the Marine Technology Society’s Gulf Coast Section and the Mississippi Enterprise for Technology, the workshop takes place along the thriving Mississippi Gulf Coast and offers a number of networking opportunities for marine science and technology companies.  Take this opportunity to visit with our growing list of partners for this event.  Current partners include:

When: April 15-17, 2025 
Where: Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, Biloxi MS. Ballroom A

Media Partner:

What’s Oceans in Action All About?

It’s the premier Gulf Coast regional marine technology event focusing on emerging technologies – bringing together federal, state, local, and private organizations for presentations, business-to-business/business-to-government meetings, exhibits of the latest technology, and the Advanced Naval Technology Exercise Gulf Coast presentations.  

Event Highlights

• Updates by local federal and state agencies on their missions and technology needs and programs
• Talks on new and developing technologies
• In-room exhibit tables
• One-on-one Business-to-Business and Business-to-Government meetings
• Break time to network
• Navy/NOAA ANTX vignettes presentations 

Hear from Local and Regional Agencies (Planned)

• Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command
• Naval Research Laboratory – Stennis Detachment
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• Port of Gulfport
• GulfBlue Navigator
• Newest developments at the University of Southern Mississippi and Mississippi State University
• State of Mississippi efforts and programs
• Additional presentations from local collaborative groups and emerging technologies 

Business to-Business/Business-to-Government Meetings

Co-host MSET is pleased to announce the return of Business-to-Business/Business-to-Government (B2B/B2G) session to take place in the afternoon of April 17, 2025, at the Mississippi Coast Convention Center.  We have a number of federal agencies and large companies serving as “anchors” for this session and you will be able to select which ones you would like to meet with one-on-one. Each anchor has provided a paragraph of what they are looking for in small companies, strategic partners, vendors, suppliers, and/or technology developers. Each meeting will be 15 minutes in length, and you can meet with any or all anchors.  This gives you the opportunity to learn more about the anchors and determine if follow-on meetings could lead to new or expanded business for you. For information on these meetings, contact Brittany Morse at [email protected].  Watch this area for additional details. 

Registration Fees

MTS Members Early Bird (Deadline: March 31, 2025): $350* 
Non-Member Early Bird (Deadline: March 31, 2025):  $450
MTS Member after Early Bird Deadline: $400*
Non-Member After Deadline: $500
One Day (Thursday Only): $100 pre-paid, $150 at the door
Student Member Registration (no deadline): $175
Student Non-Member (no deadline): $225
Exhibit Table (includes 2 full registrations): $650 

REGISTER NOW

Exhibition & Sponsorship Opportunities

Exhibit Tables: A limited number of exhibit tables are available for sponsors and exhibitors. Reserve early to ensure your spot on the event floor.  The cost of an individual booth is $650 and includes two full registrations. 

Sponsorships: Reach marine technology companies, government agencies, educators, and researchers. Become a sponsor of Oceans In Action.  For the benefits associated with each sponsorship level, please click here. 

• Gold Sponsorship – $7,500
• Silver Sponsorship – $4,500
• Bronze Sponsorship – $2,500
• Internet Access Sponsor –$1,500
• B2B/B2G Supporter - $1,500
• Lunch Sponsorship – $9,000
• Beverage Sponsor - $8,000
• Break Sponsorship – $6,500
• Breakfast Sponsor - $3,000
• Reception – At cost

Contact Brittany Morse [email protected]  for more information about sponsorship.  If you are ready to sponsor and want to secure your opportunity, click below to register now. 

Additional information for confirmed exhibitors will be available at a later date.

REGISTER NOW

Hotel Information

Host Hotel: Centennial Plaza, 200 E. Beach Blvd, Gulfport MS  39507 

Per diem rate: $107

To book your stay, visit www.centennialplazams.com and follow these important steps: 

1. Book your Stay
2. Oasis Resort
3. Enter your Stay Dates
4. Click Promo Code and press the down arrow to choose Group Code
5. Your Group Code is:   OIA2025
6. Search for rooms where your code is applied.
7. Make your reservation!

Or by calling the Oasis Resort front desk to make a reservation at 228-206-3386.

• Oasis Resort
• Give your Date of Stay
• Give the Group Code: OIA2025
• Make reservation

Room block held until March 13, 2025.  Reservations made after this date will be subject to established hotel rates and availability.  

Getting There

The Gulfport/Biloxi Airport is the closest airport to the workshop.  Alternatives include:

1. New Orleans Airport (1.5-hour drive – car rental is the best option – there is no shuttle and Uber/taxis are very costly, if available.)
2. Mobile Airport (1.5-hour drive – car rental is the best option, Uber is available)

Directions

The Mississippi Coast Convention Center is less than 10 miles from the Gulfport/Biloxi airport, and is located at 2350 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39531. Exiting the airport, take I-49 South to Hwy 90, then left (going east) for just less than 8 miles. The Convention Center is on the left. Taxis or Ubers are available.  

Contacts 

Event Questions – Katharine Weathers, [email protected]
Exhibits, Sponsors, and B2B/B2G – Brittany Morse, [email protected]
Event Registration and Exhibit/Sponsor Payment Questions – Kristina Norman, [email protected]