Session 1: Pathways Towards an Innovative Energy Future
Wednesday, November 13  | 9:30 - 10:30 am AKST
This session showcased innovative solutions that can improve our energy future, implications for our region’s energy landscape, and a vision for our region going forward. Panelists highlighted commercial carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS) projects, the potential for unlocking new opportunities in the hydrogen economy, and an overview of LNG in the region, and how these pathways contribute to a vision for our energy future.
Moderator Speakers
Session 2: Strengthening North American Security: U.S.-Canada Collaboration in Critical Minerals
Wednesday November 13 | 10:45 - 11:45 am AKST
This session emphasized the vital role of U.S.-Canada collaboration in the critical minerals supply chain. Essential for enhancing North American security and economic stability, the panelists provided unique perspectives on their experiences in the critical mineral supply chain. 
Speakers
  • Mike Satre, Hecla Mining, Director of Government Affairs
  • Craig Fleener, Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies, Deputy Director
  • Melanie Welsh, Alaska Unlimited, Executive Director
  • Nalaine Morin, Skeena Gold + Silver, Vice President, Environment & Regulatory Affairs
Session 3: Advancing Economic Corridors Throughout the PNWER Region
Wednesday November 13 | 1:15 - 3 pm AKST
This session focused on exploring solutions and opportunities to move economic corridor development forward throughout the PNWER Region, including connecting Alaska and Alberta. The session highlighted the importance of aligning efforts across sectors and borders to promote connectivity, economic growth, and specific opportunities in the Alaska to Alberta corridor.
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Speakers
Session 4: Navigating U.S.-Canada Relations Post-Election
Wednesday November 13 | 3:15 - 4 pm AKST
This session featured a PNWER legislator roundtable exploring the impacts of the 2024 elections on legislative priorities across the U.S. and Canada. The session highlighted the key policy shifts shaping upcoming legislative sessions, examined how election outcomes will influence cross-border collaboration, and offered insights into the composition and priorities of the region’s legislative bodies, including at the U.S. federal level.
​Session 6: Building Up the Greater Northwest - Technical Assistance in Action
Thursday, November 14 | 9:45 - 10:45 am AKST
The PNWER Regional Infrastructure Accelerator (RIA) program and the Alaska Municipal League (AML) are two technical assistance providers serving the PNWER US states and Alaska respectively, and have teamed up to develop a “TIFIA Action Plan for Alaska.” This session explored the kinds of technical assistance both organizations provide, and how their partnership opens new opportunities to communities across Alaska to fund and finance critical transportation infrastructure projects.

Speakers
  • Bruce Agnew, Pacific NorthWest Economic Region, Director, Regional Infrastructure Accelerator Program
  • Betz Mayer, PNWER, Assistant Director, RIA
  • Erin Reinders, Alaska Municipal League, Director of Infrastructure Development
Session 7: Fostering Sustainable Cultural Tourism
Thursday, November 14 | 11 am - noon AKST
Many rural and Indigenous communities depend on tourism to help support their local economy. How can the tourism industry work together with these rural and Indigenous communities to develop tourism opportunities in a responsible and sustainable way as we encourage economic growth and appreciation for the cultural, historical, and natural wonders of our region? How do these communities take advantage of and prepare for an increase of visitors?
Speakers
  • Brady Smith, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, Chief Strategy Officer
  • Danielle Vlemmiks, Travel Alberta, Vice President, Strategy, Research and Communications
  • Emily Edenshaw, Alaska Native Heritage Center, President & CEO