SAVE THE DATE! OCTOBER 9-10, 2025!
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Women Offshore Conference 2025
Agenda, October 9-10
Below is the tentative agenda; all times are in Central Time (Houston). This event is in person at the Hilton Houston Westchase (9999 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77042).
Join us the evening before the conference for a casual happy hour with fellow attendees. Whether you're reconnecting with familiar faces or meeting new ones, this pre-conference gathering is a great way to break the ice and build momentum for the days ahead.
- Location: TBD
- Date and Time: October 8th, 5-7pm
0800-0900 Registration & Breakfast
0900-1000 Welcome and Opening Keynote Speaker: Larkin Bohn, Science Communicator, TEDx Speaker, Women Offshore Ambassador
Larkin Bohn spent more than a decade working on the water, earning her 100-Ton Master’s license and sailing as an AB on vessels of all sizes. At 43, she made a major career shift, blending her experience at sea with a passion for videography and science communication. Today, she collaborates with organizations like the National Science Foundation to share stories from research vessels with the public.
In her keynote, Larkin will speak candidly about navigating change, finding purpose beyond a job title, and building a new path without letting go of where you started. Her journey reflects the 2025 conference theme, Anchored in Purpose, Ignited by Opportunity, and offers a powerful reminder that the skills we gain at sea can shape the next chapter in unexpected and meaningful ways.
1000-1030 Break
Choose between the following two sessions:
1030-1145 Anchored Identity: Personal Branding with Purpose
How do you stand out in a global industry while staying true to who you are? In this dynamic panel, Women Offshore Ambassadors will share how they have used social media, personal storytelling, and professional branding to create visibility and build momentum in their careers. The conversation will explore how to define your identity, communicate your value, and stay anchored in your purpose while pursuing new opportunities on and off the water.
1030-1130 Safeguarding Your Seafaring Future: License Protection and Mariner Rights
A license is more than a credential, it is the foundation of a career. In this session, maritime attorneys will break down the legal protections available to mariners and explain how to navigate situations that may put your license or livelihood at risk. Learn what to do if you are involved in an incident, how to respond to investigations, and what rights you have as a professional working at sea. This session will give you the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions and safeguard your future.
1130-1300 Networking Lunch
1300-1430 Workshop - Your Inner Compass: Navigating Career Success Through Self-Awareness
Success isn’t just about climbing to the top. It’s about finding roles that align with your strengths, personality, and motivation. Lasting success begins with self-awareness, yet most people lack this insight and end up in roles that drain their energy or limit their potential.
This session will explore how career fit impacts performance, relationships, and fulfillment. You’ll walk away with tools to better understand yourself and identify roles where you can grow and thrive.
1400-1430 Break
1430-1600 Afternoon Keynote - To be announced soon!
1600-1800 Happy Hour/Networking
Join us for a speed networking event! This will be a structured gathering where participants engage in brief, one-on-one conversations with different individuals within a set timeframe. It's designed to facilitate rapid connections and quick exchanges of information, like a business version of speed dating. The goal is to meet many people, share contact information, and potentially build new relationships. Learn new skills of storytelling, active listening, and intentional engagement. Practice in real time to hone these communication skills to elevate the community.
0800-0900 Breakfast
0900-1000 Fireside Chat with Cassie Mead, Second Officer, Women Offshore Ambassador, and Host of Women at the Helm Podcast
In this candid fireside chat, Cassie Mead will share insights from her journey as a Second Officer currently sailing internationally. With experience across oceans and a passion for storytelling through her podcast, Women at the Helm, Cassie offers a grounded perspective on building a meaningful and lasting career on the water.
The conversation will focus on how to stay true to your values while navigating change, how to find your voice in the workplace, and how small, intentional steps can lead to larger opportunities. Aligned with the 2025 conference theme, Anchored in Purpose, Ignited by Opportunity, Cassie’s story will encourage attendees to lead with authenticity, no matter where they are in their journey.
Choose between the following two sessions:
1030-1130 All Hands on Deck: Building a Workforce That Works for Everyone
Today’s marine industry spans generations, each bringing unique strengths, experiences, and expectations to the table. In this panel, professionals from across the age spectrum will explore how we can better collaborate, communicate, and learn from one another in an evolving workforce.
With honest dialogue and practical takeaways, this session will dive into mentorship, leadership development, and workplace culture through the lens of generational diversity. Whether you're just getting your sea legs or steering the ship, you will walk away with tools to build stronger connections and contribute to a workforce that works for everyone.
1030-1145 Life Offshore: Real Stories, Real Lessons
No two offshore careers look the same, and sometimes the best lessons come from the unexpected, the chaotic, or the downright ridiculous. In this session, offshore professionals from across the industry will share real stories from life on the water, offering everything from hard-earned insights to moments where laughter was the only way forward.
Whether you are just getting started or have years of experience, these stories will bring perspective, connection, and a few well-earned laughs. Come for the lessons, stay for the sea tales you will not find in any manual.
1130-1300 Awards Luncheon
1300-1400 Closing Keynote - To be announced soon!