On behalf of the Marine Technology Society and the IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society, welcome to OCEANS ’15 in Washington, DC. We’re extremely pleased you have joined us for this exciting week of technical exchange and exploration of the many opportunities within reach of our professional community.

Soon the halls will be jammed with participants making their way to selected tutorials and workshops on Monday, followed by three days crammed with interesting technical presentations. Don’t miss the Opening Plenary session on Tuesday morning when our distinguished keynote speakers, Oceanographer of the Navy, Rear Admiral Tim Gallaudet, USN, and NOAA Chief Scientist, Dr. Rick Spinrad, share their perspectives on the importance of marine technology.

We will soak in the latest developments presented in the 11 concurrent technical sessions, and we’ll visit the exhibits showcasing the latest products, services and programs. While we’re in the Exhibition Hall we can appreciate the amazing work on display by the finalists in the Student Poster Contest supported by the Office of Naval Research.

We’ll also be taking advantage of one of the best parts of any OCEANS venue – networking with old and new colleagues at the coffee breaks, in the halls, and at the social events. Join us at the Ice Breaker reception Monday on the Potomac Terrace and enjoy stunning views of the Potomac River and Old Town Alexandria. The Exhibitor Reception on Tuesday is always a highlight, with good food and drink and a chance to spend some extra time with the exhibitors. And expect a lot of fun and excitement at the Gala on Wednesday evening complete with a Capital Casino Night theme and the prospect of testing our luck at Texas Hold’em, Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, and more! 

Many thanks to our Patrons who help make all this possible: the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Office of Naval Research, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Kongsberg Underwater Technology, Inc.

Let’s make this the best OCEANS ever!