Maine Fishermen's Forum 2027
Event Date
March 4–6, 2027
Location
Rockport, ME
Expected Exhibitors
120
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe Maine Fishermen's Forum is a three-day annual event held over the first weekend in March at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine. The Forum brings together fishermen, sea farmers, gear suppliers, state and federal scientists and regulators, and other stakeholders for education, collaboration, commerce, and more. This event is the largest of its kind in New England, dedicated to offering fishermen, clammers, lobstermen, aquaculturists and other related seafood industry participants an opportunity to meet on neutral ground with fisheries managers, state representatives, Congressmen, and Senators.
The Forum is a private event which the public is invited to attend, and its trade show and seminars are free to attend. Now in its 52nd year, the Forum is a family-friendly event with offerings for everyone.
The Forum offers dozens of educational seminars throughout the weekend, a lively tradeshow floor with 120 marine-focused vendors, health checks and health resources for fishermen, children's programming and family entertainment, a live and silent auction to provide scholarships to students of fishing families, and fun-filled evening meals and entertainment. It is worth attending for its unmatched access to industry decision-makers, hands-on safety training, and Forum-only product deals.
Show Highlights
- Free trade show: With over 120 suppliers of commercial fishing equipment and services exhibiting at the Forum each year, plan to shop for products and services you need, some offered at Forum-only discounted prices.
- Educational seminars: Attend seminars to participate in the conversations or sit in to listen and learn.
- Health and safety: Health checks and health resources for fishermen are offered, and past Forums have included Coast Guard water safety training and immersion suit inspections.
- Evening events: A Thursday Seafood Reception and Silent Auction, a Friday Fish Dinner and Live Auction, and a Saturday Banquet and Dance Party. The annual silent auction on Thursday evening and the live auction on Friday evening raise money for scholarships for secondary school students from Maine fishing families, and 100% of the funds raised go to students.
- Family programming: Children's activities and family entertainment run throughout the weekend.
Registration
The trade show and seminars are free to attend; no ticket is required to visit the show floor or seminars.
Evening events (ticketed): Attendees purchase tickets for evening events, find overnight lodging, and directions to the Samoset Resort on the Forum website. Tickets are sold for events such as the Friday Fish Dinner and Live Auction, and each ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable after purchase. Evening event tickets typically go on sale in January, and the organizers recommend buying early because events sell out.
Exhibitors: Trade show exhibitor applications open July 1, 2026. Applications and vendor requirements are managed on the Eventeny platform, where an approved application and payment holds your space for the 2027 tradeshow.
History
The Maine Fishermen's Forum was founded in 1975 and has been held annually over the first weekend of March at the Samoset Resort in Rockport. The Forum returned to the Samoset Resort in Rockport in 2025 to celebrate its 50-year anniversary. It is now in its 52nd year as a family-friendly event. Over the decades it has grown into the largest event of its kind in New England for the commercial fishing and seafood industry. The Maine Fishermen's Forum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Last updated: September 5, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2027 Maine Fishermen's Forum?
The 52nd Maine Fishermen's Forum takes place March 4-6, 2027 at the Samoset Resort, 220 Warrenton St, Rockport, Maine. It is a three-day event held over the first weekend in March.
How much does it cost to attend?
The trade show and seminars are free to attend. Evening meal events such as the Thursday Seafood Reception, Friday Fish Dinner, and Saturday Banquet are ticketed separately and typically go on sale in January.
Who should attend the Forum?
The Forum brings together fishermen, sea farmers, gear suppliers, state and federal scientists and regulators, and other seafood industry stakeholders. It is family-friendly, and while it is a private event, the public is invited to attend.
How can I exhibit at the trade show?
Trade show exhibitor applications for 2027 open July 1, 2026, with space for up to 120 exhibitors. Applications, payment, and vendor requirements are managed through the Eventeny platform, and an approved application with payment holds your space.
Where can I stay and park?
The Forum holds a discounted room block at the Samoset Resort that opens in January and sells out fast, with additional Forum rates at the Hampton Inn (Thomaston), Rockland Harbor Hotel, and Ledges By The Bay. Onsite parking is limited, but overflow parking is available in Rockland with a complimentary shuttle to the resort on Friday and Saturday.
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