This summer, 2021, Innovate Newport will host a program called “The Blue & You: Understanding Our Blue Economy.” Each week starting July 8, we will host an in-person event in which an audience can hear from experts in various sectors of The Blue Economy such as marine trades, defense, blue tech, tourism & recreation, offshore wind, and research/education.  
The speaker series will be held every Thursday from 4:30-5:30 p.m. (July 8-Aug. 26) in the gymnasium at Innovate Newport. This is a FREE event. Registration is required. 
 
Panelists & Registration Links Below: 
July 8: The Blue Ecosystem  

• Judith Underwood; CEO of BLUE Institute Labs   
• Pete Rumsey; Chief Business Development Officer URI Research Foundation 

July 15: Tourism & Recreation  

• Evan Smith, President & CEO of Discover Newport 
• Brad Read, Executive Director of Sail Newport. 

July 22: Research & Education  

• Jen McCann, Director of U.S. Coastal Programs at URI 

July 29: Defense  

• Molly Magee, Executive Director of Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance and Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium 
• Dave Lussier, President of SEACORP 
• Victor Ricci, Chief Technology Officer at Naval Undersea Warfare Center. 

Aug. 5: Offshore Wind  

• Will Cotta, Offshore Wind Supply Chain Director; RI Commerce 
• Dr. Drew Carey, CEO; Inspire Environmental 
• Chris Waterson; General Manager; Waterson Terminal Services 

Aug. 12: Marine Trades  

• Jay Coogan, President of IYRS School of Technology & Trades 
• Evan Ridley, Director of Environmental Programs at Rhode Island Marine Trade Association  
• Neal Harrell, President of Brooks Marine Group. 

Aug. 19: Blue Tech  

• Christian Cowan, Executive Director; 401 Tech Bridge 
• Annette Tonti, Managing Director; RI Hub 
• Erik Brine, Executive Director; National Institute for Undersea Vehicle Technology 
• Jason Kelly, Executive Vice President; Moran Shipping Agencies 

Aug. 26: Looking Ahead 

• Toby Stapleton, Managing Director at TXX Strategies Group