With a more recent focus on federal expenditures and Arctic sovereignty, Kris Drodge – Head of the School of Maritime Studies – says this will be a big year for the Maritime and Arctic Security and Safety conference (MASS).

MASS 2026 will  bring together industry leaders, northern representatives, and stakeholders from around the world to discuss advancing Canada’s security and safety in the northern and maritime areas.

The annual conference will run from July 13 to July 16 at the St. John’s Convention Centre.

Drodge says there may even be talk about getting a submarine this year.

“The sovereignty piece is huge now,” said Drodge, “with the increased interest from the government and nation it makes this years conference bigger than usual.”

He says there may even be talk about a submarine soon.

The conference is currently sold out, but there is a waitlist.