1st Annual Downeast Fishing Family Forum
Thursday, October 16, 2025, 10 am – 2 pm
Woodlawn Event Center, Ellsworth
Over the last decade, Maine’s fishing families have faced hard times, and we’ve had to lean on the incredible strength of our communities. As fishing family members ourselves, we have faced the fear of losing an industry our communities have depended on for generations. We have faced the grief of coming together again and again to search for loved ones lost at sea. We also know that resilience runs deep in our families and communities, and that we will continue to show up for each other and keep going – together.
That’s why we are hosting the First Annual Fishing Family Forum — a gathering for fishing families along Maine’s Downeast coast to connect, share, and talk about what matters most, including: Safety on the water, harvester health & well-being, mental health supports, community response in emergencies, financial literacy & family stability.
Agenda
9:30 am – 10:00 am: Light brunch & settling in
10:00 am – 10:30 am: Welcome
10:30 am – 11:30 am: Breakout Session Round 1
Safety & Emergency Response Coordination
Sleep, recovery, & stress management
Injury, chronic pain, and self-medication
Income diversification & education opportunities
11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Lunch & Networking
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm: Breakout Session Round 2
Safety & Emergency Response Coordination
Sleep, recovery, & stress management
Injury, chronic pain, and self-medication
Income diversification & education opportunities
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm: Closing & Thank You Remarks
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: After forum hors d’oeuvres and Connections
Register Today!
$10 Suggested Donation (use code FREE for free admission)
Admission includes refreshments, light brunch, and catered lunch. Free childcare available.
Please note: Woodlawn is a smoke-free venue.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Support Fishing Families
Please consider becoming an event sponsor for the 1st Annual Downeast Fishing Family Forum, which will bring fishing families together to talk about the issues that matter most.
Sponsors will be recognized in the program and featured prominently at the event.
Sponsorship Tiers
Hahd Shell Select – $1,000
Hahd Shell – $500
Sheddah – $250
Crab – $100
Wicked Good Friend – $50
For sponsorship amounts above $1,000, please contact Amanda Smith at asmith@sunrisecounty.org or (207) 259-0755. Thank you!
How to Become a Sponsor
To become a sponsor, simply select your sponsorship level during online registration. You will then be able to submit electronic payment securely online.
If you would rather submit a check, please make it out to Sunrise County Economic Council and mail it to: Sunrise County Economic Council, ATTN: Amanda Smith, 7 Ames Way, Machias, ME 04654
Questions?
Please contact Amanda Smith at asmith@sunrisecounty.org or 207-259-0755.
This Event is Organized By:
