America's Largest Annual Arctic Policy and Business Event Postponed
From the left: CEO and founde of the Arctic Encounter Symposium, Racher Kallander, US senator for Alaska, Lisa Murkowski (R) and Chair of the AES board, Marilyn Romano at the 2024 symposium in Anchorage, Alaska. (Photo: Trine Jonassen)
The largest annual Arctic policy and business event in the US—The Arctic Encounter Symposium in Anchorage, Alaska—has been rescheduled just three weeks before it was due to welcome hundreds of international speakers and attendees.
This week, the Arctic Encounter Symposium (AES), which is held annually in Anchorage, Alaska, announced on its website that this year's conference, which was to take place 2-4 April, has been moved.
The AES is considered the largest annual Arctic policy and business event in the United States, according to the US Department of Energy.
It gathers policymakers, diplomats, Indigenous leaders, industry innovators, diverse stakeholders, national security officials, and leading experts from the science, technology, maritime, research, startup, investment, health, and energy sectors.
AES also features major cultural productions, including live performances, the Far North Fashion Show, northern and traditional artist vendors, and more.
Reason unclear
In a brief statement, CEO and founder Rachel Kallander and board chair Marilyn Romano said the conference would take place on July 30, July 31, and August 1 instead.
Ensure the highest level of engagement
The statement has not been published on any of the conference's social media platforms nor as a press release.
The reason behind the short notice announcement appears unclear, but Kallander and Romano say that the decision was made to "ensure the highest level of engagement from key stakeholders across government, industry, and international partners."
"After extensive consideration, we have made the decision to reschedule Arctic Encounter 2025. This decision was made after consultation with key advisors, including the Arctic Encounter Board of Directors, with the goal of facilitating a convening that reflects the full scope of Arctic priorities and Arctic states."
Refunds
It is recognized that many individuals and organizations have already planned for the originally scheduled April 2-4 dates, and the AES asks for understanding "as we shift the dates of AES to maximize participation at every level."
"Our commitment remains steadfast in ensuring an impactful and inclusive dialogue that brings together diverse voices—both domestic and international—for these critical discussions on the future of the Arctic."
The AES has established a process to communicate the need for refunds, participation status, preferences, and other considerations related to the date change on the website.
