WIN-BIG Atlantic Event
Empowering Women in the Atlantic Blue Economy: Innovation, Skills and Connections
25-26 March 2026 | Málaga, Spain
If you can't attend the event in person, you can follow the conference (25th March, 9:45–13:35) via live streaming (details coming soon).
Discover how female leadership is shaping the future of Europe’s Blue Economy. Join
us for two inspiring days at La Térmica featuring conferences, panels, exhibitions, hands-on Learning Labs, networking,
cultural experiences, and the premiere of the documentary Women From the Sea – WIN-BIG Episode. Don’t miss this
unique opportunity to connect, learn, and drive innovation across marine energy, aquaculture, blue biotechnology,
coastal tourism, and blue sports.
Following the Mediterranean and Baltic events, the WIN-BIG Atlantic event will celebrate women’s contributions to
ocean sectors, highlight inspiring stories, and offer practical tools to support blue careers. Researchers,
entrepreneurs, professionals, students, policymakers, and organisations working in marine and maritime fields are warmly
invited.
Register now!
Programme Overview
Day 1 - Conference Day - 25 March 2026, 9:45 – 17:15 (CET)
Venue: La Térmica, Málaga
| 9:15 - 9:30 | Registration |
| 9:30 - 10:00 |
Welcome and Opening National, EU, regional (Med-Atlantic-Baltic), and local governance representatives |
| 10:00 - 10:20 | "Women Ocean Champions" WIN-BIG book launch |
| 10:20 - 10:35 |
Keynote speech Hear a top female leader in the blue economy share her inspiring story |
| 10:35 - 11:25 |
Panel 1: WIN - BIG Explore the results of the Win Big Survey and the current state of gender equality in the blue economy.
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| 11:25 - 11:55 |
Coffee Break & WIN-BIG Women Ocean Champions Exhibition Opening |
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11:55 - 12:45 |
Panel 2: Marine communication in the digital era Join us as influencers, science communicators, and leading female researchers and entrepreneurs explore how knowledge flows from the marine world to the public.
Moderator: Verania Medina, Commercial and Marketing Director at Costasol Cruises |
|
12:45 - 13:35 |
Panel 3: Blue sports and sustainable tourism Explore how water sports and tourism can promote responsible and sustainable experiences while protecting our oceans.
Moderator: Irene Bruzón, Director of the Benalmadena Marina (Málaga) |
|
13:35 - 15:35 |
Show Cooking - Diego Gallegos, Michelin chef Lunch and Networking The lunch will consist of sea agri-food products from the Malaga province, "Sabor a Malaga" (taste of Malaga), and paella, a typical dish of the host country. Catering will include local seafood innovation products from Women led local startups. |
|
15:35- 16:25 |
Panel 4: Synergies Discover the projects transforming Europe’s blue economy through innovation and collaboration
Moderator: Elizabeth Chapman, Director of international projects, CMMA |
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16:25 - 17:00 |
Closure of the conference |
DAY 2- Learning & Networking Day - 26 March 2026, 10:15 – 18:30 (CET)
Venue: La Térmica, Málaga
| 10:15 - 10:30 | Registration | |
|
10:30 - 12:30 |
Learning Lab 1: Starting a business in the blue economy
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12:30 - 13:30 |
Lunch and Networking |
|
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13:30 - 15:30 |
Learning Lab 2: Blue BioBased Circular Economy Learning Lab + Social activity Blue BioBased Circular Economy Learning Lab, where participants learn to design and develop new products using recycled marine materials or upcycled ocean waste
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15:30 - 16:00 |
Coffee Break |
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16:00 - 17:30 |
Exclusive Premiere of WOMEN FROM THE SEA Documentary - EU Episode | |
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17:30 - 18:30 |
Event Closing |
Who should attend
This event is open to anyone interested in gender equality and careers in the Blue Economy, including:
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Researchers and students
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Entrepreneurs and innovators
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Professionals from the marine and maritime sectors
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Policymakers and public authorities
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NGOs, networks, and community organisations
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Allies and advocates for gender equality
Whether you are just starting out or already established, you’ll find opportunities to learn, connect, and share.
Registration Details
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Registration is free but required
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Spaces for the Learning Labs are limited. Early registration is highly recommended
Save your spot and be part of the movement to create a more inclusive Atlantic Blue Economy!
