Step into the future of ocean conservation at The Blue Forum, an event bridging marine science, innovation, and climate action.

This gathering, hosted during LA Climate Week 2026 and organized by the FACC California Sustainability Committee, in partnership with AltaSea and Braid Theory, unites international and intergenerational entrepreneurs boasting over 50 years of combined experience in ocean exploration. Through dynamic keynotes, expert panels, and dedicated networking, you'll meet the visionaries and discover the tech shaping the future of our oceans. From polar expeditions and eco-designed vessels to coastal cleanups and next-gen marine biomaterials, this is where the impossible becomes possible.

Event Timeline:

12:00 – 1:00 PM | Introduction & Keynotes

• Keynote Jean-Louis Etienne Expeditions:

Renowned explorer and physician, Jean-Louis Etienne, will share insights from his latest venture, the Polar Pod, a revolutionary exploration vessel designed to drift in the Southern Ocean to provide crucial data on climate and ocean health.

• Keynote Plastic Odyssey:

Fabien Lamaison, U.S. Director of Plastic Odyssey, will share insights from their global expedition using a laboratory vessel that converts non-recyclable plastic waste into fuel to power its journey.

1:00 – 2:00 PM | Panel Discussion

Engineering Marine Solutions: Next-Gen Alternatives to Plastics and Pollution

Featuring:

• Michael Arens, Founder, Clean Earth Rover
• Mayela Fernandez Cantu, Co-Founder at Ecoplasticity
• Emma Lamb, Co-Founder, Viable Gear

Moderated by Alexandra Farah  and  Amandine Richard, Co-founders of Recurvence.

2:00 – 3:00 PM | Visit of AltaSea, Meet ocean-tech startups from the AltaSea innovation ecosystem & Networking

You are welcome to join us for the full program or attend the portions that interest you most. This event is a unique opportunity to connect with innovators and reflect together on the future of our oceans.

Complimentary light bites will be served.

Thank you to our food partner Savory Gourmet