The IOOS group at the Oceans '15 Conference.

The IOOS exhibit booth right at the entrance to the hall joined forces - and spaces - with the NOAA booth next door to create a large, open, cooperative space filled with hands-on exhibits and knowledgeable staff. Of particular interest were the Slocum glider (thanks, MARACOOS!) and the HF Radar demo unit (thanks, CODAR!), two of the primary tools IOOS relies on for data in ocean observing. The IOOS experience was rounded out by a data portal at the front giving instant access to the IOOS catalog and our regional, national, and global data portals.

Zdenka addressing the crowd at the Oceans '15 Conference about the new IOOS logo design.

On Tuesday morning, IOOS proudly unveiled its new logo in an exciting event at the booth. Packed with guests and spectators, IOOS Director Zdenka Willis offered remarks to the crowd and officially released the design. Many people stopped by then and over the next few days to tell us how much they liked the design, and how impressed they were with the ideas that drove it.

Tuesday afternoon was spiced up by a lively IGNITE talk. Co-sponsored by IOOS and the Marine Technology Alliance, this fast-paced session on Blue Tech invited experts and hands-on users to sprint through the newest advances, real-world marine applications, and how they’re propelling marine intelligence to the next level. Moderated by NOAA's Dr. Holly Bamford, Acting Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Management, this session was a huge success and played to a standing-room-only crowd. See below for a full listing of presentations.

Ignite! Blue Tech session.

On Wednesday, IOOS and MTS teamed up once again to host a Town Hall session, this time exploring how marine economy and technology influence the development of a "Blue Voice." Moderated by Consortium for Ocean Leadership president Sherri Goodman, the audience rallied behind the presentations, all agreeing that the development of a Blue Voice was essential for growing the Blue Economy.