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Navtech Conference

Navtech is produced by Colibri Northwest.  December 1-2, 2026 in Seattle, WA.

2026 CONFERENCE AGENDA

As of August 12, 2026.

Navigational Technology for the Modern Mariner.

DAY ONE - DECEMBER 1, 2026

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

Opening Remarks: Peter Philips, Colibri Northwest

OPERATORS’ EXPERIENCES WITH NAVIGATION TECHNOLOGY AND AUTOMATION

Professional mariners from different sectors of the maritime community will share their observations on navigation technology and best practices. Among our most popular sessions, this is a great way to develop themes that carry through both days.

Moderator:  CAPT Paul Amos, Columbia River Pilots 

 

OTHER PANELISTS TO BE ANNOUNCED

MORNING BREAK

NEW TECHNOLOGIES IN THE MARKET TODAY

Manufacturers share the newest in navigation technology for the professional commercial navigator.

Moderator:  CAPT Wesley Moore, Sabine Pilots 

PANELISTS TO BE ANNOUNCED

LUNCH BREAK

PILOT BOATS

Pilot boat manufacturers will discuss new pilot boat technologies available to pilot associations.

Moderator:CAPT Jorge Viso, American Pilots Association

AFTERNOON BREAK

NEW TECHNOLOGY IN DATA COLLECTION

New technologies, autonomous platforms, machine learning and AI are transforming how data is collected, organized and disseminated in the maritime industry.

Moderator:  Brian Tetreault, Woolpert, Inc.

  • Scott Beatty, Marine Labs
  • Stephanie Stevenson, NOAA Ocean and Technology Center

 

OTHER PANELISTS TO BE ANNOUNCED

RECEPTION

DAY TWO - DECEMBER 2, 2026

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

SAFETY SESSION: BEST PRACTICES

Our popular safety at sea session will be expanded to include a session on best practices, and a second session on new technologies.

Moderator: Jon Kjaerulff, MITAGS 

PANELISTS TO BE ANNOUNCED

MORNING BREAK

SAFETY SESSION: TECHNOLOGY

Part two of our expanded safety at sea session will focus on technologies available to the mariner today, and technologies in other sectors that might have marine application.

Presented by: George Burkley, Maritime Pilots Institute

LUNCH BREAK

WHALE TRACKING: TECHNOLOGY AND BEST PRACTICES

We’ll examine how professional mariners are exploring new technologies and new operational models to keep marine mammals and other aquatic life safe from marine operations.

Moderator: RADM Tim Gallaudet, USN (ret), Ocean STL Consulting, LLC 

  • Ellen Bolen, National Fish and Wildlife Federation
  • Isabelle Brandicourt, University of Washington
  • Jessica Morten, Blue Whales, Blue Skies
  • Dr. Daniel Zitterbart, PhD, Whalespotter


OTHER PANELISTS TO BE ANNOUNCED

AFTERNOON BREAK

AUTONOMY AND AUTONOMOUS OPERATIONS

How are autonomy and autonomous operations being integrated into commercial marine navigation …and what’s the difference between the two?

Moderator: Clay Diamond, American Pilots Association 

PANELISTS TO BE ANNOUNCED