22 – 24 SEPTEMBER 2026
The Westin Nova Scotian | Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Conference registration is open.
Join us this September for our annual member gathering, hosted in Canada for the very first time. We are proud to once again host leading NGOs, businesses, foundations, and academia, united in their belief that the responsible seafood movement can protect our ocean and the people who depend on it. And most critically, sharing a conviction that impactful cooperation makes this vision a reality.
Every year is an invaluable opportunity to learn about emerging trends in the movement, bring visibility to your environmental and social responsibility efforts, and forge strategic partnerships with old and new colleagues within our community.
Building on the momentum of exploring traditional food and waterways on Hawaii’s Big Island in 2025, the CASS Conference will again immerse participants in the host region’s culture and unique sustainable seafood practices, inspiring ongoing innovation and collaboration.
We can’t wait to learn, connect, and explore alongside you.
Programming will span two full days, Wednesday, September 23rd, and Thursday, September 24th, along with an optional “Day Zero” half-day session on Tuesday before the conference.
Alliance members will lead conversations in two formats this year: deep-dive Workshops and our first-ever “Fish Market,” an update to our long-standing Lightning Rounds. Our speakers will guide us in exploring social responsibility efforts, accountability and transparency, responsible seafood in East Asia, NGO/Business engagement, and other emerging challenges and opportunities.
When making travel arrangements, we encourage you to arrive no later than Tuesday afternoon to attend the Welcome Reception and stay through Thursday evening for the conference close. The special conference rate at the hotel applies from the previous Saturday, September 19th, to the following Sunday, September 27th, if you would like to spend additional time exploring Halifax and partaking in optional activities.
Each year, we celebrate those who go above and beyond to support the work of CASS, embody the spirit of collaboration, and remain committed to advancing the movement through the Responsible Seafood Awards.
Recipients are nominated by their fellow CASS members in four different categories. The description for each award is below:
- Alliance Board Member of the Year: acknowledges an individual who has truly put the needs of the Alliance and the greater good of the community first while serving as a board member. They have provided guidance, support, and strategic oversight to the Alliance organization and staff.
- Outstanding Contribution: acknowledges individuals who have contributed to Alliance collective action or community in a significant way.
- Spirit Award: acknowledges an individual who embodies the Alliance’s collaborative spirit, shares openly and often, and maintains a strong commitment to service.
Even if you are unable to attend the CASS Conference this year, we welcome your nominations!
Since 2010, the CASS Conference has established itself as the place where the responsible seafood sector’s relationships are built and strengthened. It’s a curated space to explore pressing issues, expand networks, and spark new partnerships.
In addition to the tiered sponsor levels, we have several exclusive sponsorships to offer this year. Check here for the latest update on what is available:
- Welcome Reception: (1) Available
- NGO/Industry Mixer: (1) Available
- Local Field Trips: (1) Available
- Evening Celebration: (1) Available
- Scholarship Fund Match: (1) Available
- High-Welfare Seafood Spotlight: (1) Available
- Coffee Breaks: (1) Available
- Local Catch (In-Kind): Unlimited Available
We look forward to partnering with you to make a lasting impact on the future of sustainable seafood while strengthening your brand’s leadership in environmental and social responsibility.
Reach out to our Executive Director, Meaghan Hudgins, at meaghan@solutionsforseafood.org with any questions.
Not a CASS member yet? We’d love to welcome you to our community and have you attend the 2026 CASS Conference. Align yourself with experts and enthusiasts working towards a common goal within the responsible seafood movement and jumpstart your networking at our curated event. To explore how we can help you amplify your efforts, email our Director of Community Engagement, Laura Miller, at laura@solutionsforseafood.org.
Check out some highlights from the 2025 CASS Conference, our 15th anniversary gathering in Waikoloa, Hawaii below:
“CASS CON” spelled out in nautical flags, celebrating Halifax’s iconic port and maritime history.
