Join us for our 54th Annual Conference as we explore how tall ships and education under sail remain deeply relevant in today’s society and with contemporary learners. Sessions will explore how organizations can honor maritime traditions while embracing modern tools and digital resources to reach new audiences and strengthen professional development within our community, weaving together the enduring lessons of the sea with contemporary opportunities for growth, engagement, and discovery.
Topics include:
- Vessel operations
- Regulatory Issues
- Organizational Leadership
- Educational programming
- Safety at sea
- Marketing & Communications
- Fundraising
- Event Management.
Who should attend:
- Crew members
- Educators
- Environmentalists
- Event Organizers and managers
- Industry partners and manufacturers
- Ships’ Masters
- Maritime Workforce representative
- Program Administrators/Directors
We provide grants to those that qualify.
Event Information
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN – REGISTER HERE.
If you are a Tall Ships America Member, select Member under Registration Type below. Not a member? Become one today!
Three-Day Conference registration
Duration: Monday-Wednesday, February 8 – 10, 2027
Member Rate: $750.00
Non-Member Rate: $850.00
Includes all three days of conference sessions, lunch and snacks each day, the Welcome Reception, and Awards Ceremony and Reception.
Two-Day Conference Registration
Dates: Tuesday & Wednesday, February 9- 10, 2027
Member Rate: $ 575.00.
Non-Member Rate: $ 675.00.
Includes conference sessions and lunch and snacks on Tuesday & Wednesday, Welcome Reception, and Awards Ceremony and Reception.
Crew Rate (Members Only)*
Crew Rate is only available for three-day conference registration.
Crew Rate:$325.00.
*To qualify, you must be a current Tall Ships America Crew Member. Crew Rate is available to all non-officer crew members (Bosun, Engineer, AB, OS, Deckhand, Educator).
Crew Grant and Service Crew Grant: Are you registering as part of a Crew Grant or Service Crew Grant? Email erin@tallshipsamerica.org for the grant code.
Group Discount
A group discount is for four (4) or more attendees from the same member organization. The group discount is only applicable to the Full Conference Registration (3 day). It’s 20% off each individual registration. It is not applicable to the single day Forum or Two-Day Conference registrations. It does not apply to the Crew Rate.
Does your group qualify? Email erin@tallshipsamerica.org for the grant code.
Got a session that could spark real conversation in the sail training world? We’re building out the program for 2027 Tall Ships America Annual Conference and want to hear from you — whether it’s a bold keynote idea, a program that’s actually moved the needle for your organization, or a panel topic that gets people talking and connecting across the community. If you’ve got something worth sharing, we’d love to hear from you!
Please note that application submittal does not guarantee selection. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.
Deadline to apply is November 15, 2026.
Why you should Sponsor the Annual Conference
Sponsoring our Annual Conference puts your brand at the center of that momentum. Not just as a logo on a banner, but as a genuine participant in the community that keeps tall ships sailing and sail training thriving across North America.
The conference’s intentional scale creates something increasingly rare: real access. Decision-makers aren’t rushing between sessions in a convention center the size of an airport. They’re present, engaged, and genuinely open to the kind of conversation that changes how they do business. Your team won’t be competing for attention, you’ll have it.
“There are so many independent organizers in the maritime world doing incredible work, from ships and museums to waterfront festivals and education programs. These are one-of-a-kind experiences that bring real value to their communities, and the people behind them deserve modern tools that make it easier to sell tickets, manage registrations, reach new audiences, and grow. That’s what makes this partnership with Tall Ships so exciting for us. Showpass was built for independent organizers, and we’re proud to support Tall Ships America as they continue bringing these experiences to life across North America.”
-Lucas McCarthy, CEO & Founder of Showpass
Download the Conference Sponsorship Opportunities Guidebook
Have questions, or an outside-the-box idea?
Contact Stu Gilfillen at stuart@tallshipsamerica.org.
Service Crew Applications are now open for the 2027 Conference. Applications will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. Priority will be given to first time attendees.
As Service Crew, you’ll be an essential part of ensuring that our Annual Conference runs smoothly. You’ll to help with everything from staffing registration and assisting presenters with set up for their sessions. Plus, you’ll receive free registration and a t-shirt!
Options for Service Crew:
You won’t be locked into these roles but they will help with navigating the first portion of the conference:
- Conference Tech Crew – assist with the technical set up sessions, including connecting laptops to projectors and general troubleshooting. This is not a hybrid conference but there will be some video live streaming or recording for some of the sessions.
- Registration Crew – everyone needs a name badge to attend the conference and access evening social activities. We will need the most help on Sunday and Monday. Volunteers will be standing by to assist with the check-in process, distribute and replenish event bags, and assist presenters/speakers as they check in over the three days.
- Sessions Crew – Volunteers interact with speakers and registrants to ensure that the conference runs on schedule. You can’t be afraid to speak up to end a session on time! Some shifts will provide support with set up and breakdown of workshops, facilitation or moderation of a session, and posting signage.
- Exhibitor Crew – Primarily Sunday and Monday. You’ll help direct exhibitors during the load in process, connect exhibitors with staff, and assist in set up.
Expectations: To apply, you must be a current member of Tall Ships America and at least 18 years of age. Not a member? Become one now! We also have Sponsored Crew Memberships!
Service Crew are expected to be available Monday, Feb. 8 through Wednesday, Feb 10, 8:30a – 5:00p. We will have an orientation meeting on Sunday, Feb. 7, at MITAGS. You will join us for our conference committee daily meetings at 8:30a, Monday – Wednesday.
Service Crew option is available to all salaried crewmembers (1st – 4th Mate, Bosun, Engineer, AB, OS, deckhand, educator).
Travel and Accommodations: All Service Crew are responsible for their own travel and accommodations.
To Apply:
Please fill out a Workforce Development Grant. In the section “Please describe your interest and expectation…” include “Service Crew for Conference” and tell us why you want to be considered.
Conference Hotel and Location
Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS)
692 Maritime Boulevard
Linthicum Heights, MD 21090-1952
Reservations can be made by calling Hotel Reservations at 410-859-5700. Press 7 and identify yourself as being part of the Tall Ships America’s 53nd Annual Conference on Sail Training.
Tall Ships America has an agreement with MITAGS for discounted, all-inclusive room rates:
Single Occupancy: $185.00
Double Occupancy: $247.00
Reservation Cutoff Deadline is Sunday, January 17, 2027.
Venue Services & Amenities
Our Conference Committee members volunteer their time to ensure our conference is a success and represent many facets of the sail training and maritime community. Meet the team that is hard at work planning the conference.
Thank you to our Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsors
