OCEANS 2026 Monterey, taking place from September 21-24, 2026, is a conference and exposition for global maritime professionals focused on ocean science and technology.
The event brings together engineers, technologists, researchers, policymakers, and industry representatives to explore developments related to the protection and use of the world’s oceans.
Image credit: OCEANS 2026 Monterey
The OCEANS Conference is held twice each year and provides a forum for sharing research, technical knowledge, and operational insights. The 2026 Monterey edition will include over 500 technical papers, more than 100 exhibitors, and participation from over 1,000 attendees. The program is presented by the IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society and will address current trends, research, and operations related to ocean science and technology.
When is the Event?
OCEANS 2026 is taking place September 21-24, 2026.
Themes
The conference will cover technical tracks related to ocean science and engineering. Core themes include underwater acoustics, sonar signal processing, ocean observing systems, remote sensing, data modeling and visualization, marine environment and oceanography, offshore technology, ocean vehicles, aquaculture, and marine policy.
Additional focus areas for the Monterey event include artificial intelligence and machine learning in ocean science, scalable sensing systems, ocean soundscapes, marine security, sustainability and policy, environmental omics, and midwater ecology.
What’s On?
OCEANS 2026 Monterey will feature a four-day program of technical and interactive sessions. Attendees will have access to plenary sessions with speakers from industry, academia, government, and the military, as well as professionally reviewed technical papers, presented through conference sessions.
Image credit: OCEANS 2026 Monterey
The event will include an exhibition with more than 100 organizations showcasing products and services, alongside training sessions, workshops, demonstrations, and government listening sessions. A student poster session will present research projects from participants around the world, supported by additional student-focused activities.
Further elements of the program include panel discussions, in-water demonstrations, field trips, and networking opportunities designed to support engagement across the ocean science and technology community.
Speakers
The conference will feature keynote and plenary speakers from across ocean science, research, and policy, including Leon Panetta (Honorary Chair), Dr. Antje Boetius (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute), Dr. Marcia McNutt (National Academy of Sciences), and Dr. Dana Yoerger (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution).
Where is The Event?
Monterey Conference Center
Monterey, California
United States
To learn more about OCEANS 2026 Monterey, to register to attend or exhibit, please click below .
