ComFish Alaska 2020 will go on Sept. 17-18, minus the popular tradeshow and public receptions, in an effort to keep the several hundred people usually in attendance from spreading the novel coronavirus.
Kodiak Chamber of Commerce officials confirmed on Monday, Aug. 31, that all of the forums during this 40th year of ComFish would be held virtually and live streamed on both ComFish and Kodiak Chamber of Commerce Facebook pages, YouTube accounts and comfishak.com. These videos will be recorded and available for viewing until ComFish Alaska 2021.
ComFish Alaska has traditionally been a leader in fisheries education delivering policy, technology and scientific connections, along with multiple opportunities for networking. The event has also allowed for some intense political discussion related to the seafood industry.
This year the Kodiak Chamber is planning a virtual debate between two candidates for the U.S. Senate, incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, and independent challenger Dr. Al Gross, an Alaskan born and raised commercial fisherman and orthopedic surgeon.
Details on the fisheries forums and confirmation on the senatorial debate are still pending.
Chamber officials said they are also moving ahead with plans for ComFish Alaska 2021, back in its usual settings at the Kodiak Convention Center Fishermen’s Hall and the Best Western Harbor Room. The schedule of events will include the first ever fisheries-themed fashion show, hosted in conjunction with the Kodiak Arts Council, plus the popular rockfish taco feed, public receptions, processor recognition events and the Fishermen’s Showcase.
Chamber officials also advised that vendor refunds are available on request, though all paid funds will be applied to the 2021 show. Refund requests should be emailed to chamberdirector@kodiak.org with the name of the organization, and the name and address the refund should be issued to.
Check comfishak.com for updates on ComFish 2020 and ComFish 2021.
