Alaska Business Magazine

2025 Best of Alaska Business Summer Celebration
2025-07-17 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Anchorage) | Anchorage Brewing Company, 148 W 91st Ave, Anchorage, 99515, United States
It’s back! Alaska Business is hosting a celebration for our readers’ favorites at the Anchorage Brewing Company. Gather on July 17, 2025, for a festive gathering honoring business excellence with live music, food, drinks, fun games, and more!
Alaska Business honors dozens of companies that have been selected by our readers through a write-in survey as the best in categories ranging from General Contractor to Coffee Shop. The list stays fresh with new categories this year, including Musician/Band, Yoga Studio, Boutique and more.
Each individual must present a ticket at the event.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or here

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2025 North American Echinoderm Conference
2025-07-21 - 2025-07-26 | UAS Campus, Juneau, Juneau, AK, United States
Photo Credit: University of Alaska Southeast

Submerge yourself in the study of echinoderms—sea urchins, sea stars, brittle stars, sea cucumbers, and feather stars—at the North American Echinoderm Conference at UAS in July. UAS faculty members Nicole Nakata and Julie Schram will host the conference, which will include an icebreaker reception on Monday, presentations from leaders in the field, a poster session, a closing banquet, and a Saturday field trip to go tide pooling in Auke Bay.

All-Alaska Medical Conference
2025-07-23 - 2025-07-25 | Hotel Captain Cook, 939 W 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: Alaska Academy of Physician Assistants

The Alaska Academy of Physician Assistants is hosting its All-Alaska Medical Conference. Register to be part of the event offering an array of valuable continuing education, networking opportunities, and professional development.

Arctic Encounter Symposium 2025
2025-07-30 08:00 - 2025-08-01 19:00 | Dena’ina Center, 600 W 7th Avenue, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: The Arctic Encounter

The Arctic Encounter Symposium 2025 is the largest Arctic event in North America, where global leaders, policymakers, innovators, and visionaries come together to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the Arctic today. Taking place in Alaska, this dynamic event convenes a diverse network of stakeholders from across the globe, including government officials, Indigenous leaders, researchers, industry pioneers, and cultural advocates. Over the course of the gathering, participants will explore critical issues such as climate resilience, economic innovation, security, energy and resource development, research, and the Indigenous peoples of the North through engaging keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities.

2025 Anchorage Economic Summit
2025-08-06 11:00 - 14:30 | Dena’ina Center, 600 W 7th Avenue, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: Anchorage Economic Development Corporation

Anchorage Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) luncheons are the largest sit-down business events in Alaska, bringing together hundreds of leaders from across industries to connect, learn, and shape the state’s economic future. The Anchorage Economic Summit is a consistently sold-out event, attracting more than 1,500 attendees. This year’s event will feature Jenna Wright, AEDC president and CEO, as she presents the findings of AEDC’s annual Business Confidence Index survey and updates the audience on Anchorage’s job market, unemployment trends, and consumer confidence. AEDC Board Chair Michelle Klouda will provide updates on the organization’s new strategic plan, including progress under the Choose Anchorage initiative. Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance will deliver a special address on the city’s priorities and progress. And keynote speaker Mary C. Daly, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, will offer insights on employment, inflation, and opportunity through her address, “Building Resilient Economies and Thriving Communities.” The luncheon wraps at 1 p.m., but attendees can take part in post-luncheon breakout sessions to discuss one of four Anchorage-focused topics: Housing, Energy, Anchorage’s Role in the Arctic Economy, or the Choose Anchorage Initiative. Each post-luncheon session is limited to 100 attendees and has an additional cost of $25 in addition to the luncheon ticket.

2025 Alaska Oil and Gas Association Conference
2025-08-26 17:30 - 2025-08-28 16:00 | Dena’ina Center, 600 W 7th Avenue, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: Alaska Oil and Gas Association

Join the Alaska Oil and Gas Association at its annual conference August 26 through 28. Alaska’s premier oil and gas industry event begins with an evening employee appreciation event and kickoff party Tuesday evening. The conference begins Wednesday with top-tier speakers from across Alaska and the United States. Early bird pricing is available until June 30.

Techstars Startup Weekend
2025-09-05 - 2025-09-07 | Pioneer School House, 437 E 3rd Ave, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: Alaska Version 3

Startup Weekend is a three-day program through which aspiring entrepreneurs can experience startup life. It’s held in hundreds of cities around the world. Startup Weekend is a good place to connect with passionate people driven to build something new. It provides participants many opportunities to engage and connect with like-minded individuals and to truly start something amazing. Learn what it really takes to innovate, disrupt, and start a company from people who’ve been there. The Anchorage Startup Weekend will be focused on the Alaska tourism and visitor industry and the market opportunities related to the industry. Help explore and grow this valuable part of the Alaska economy.

2025 Alaska State of Reform Health Policy Conference
2025-09-11 08:30 - 16:00 | Hilton Anchorage, 500 W 3rd Ave, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: State of Reform

Managing constant change in healthcare takes more than just hard work. It takes a solid understanding of the legislative process and knowledge about intricacies of the healthcare system. That’s where the State of Reform Health Policy Conference comes in. State of Reform pulls together practitioners, thought leaders, and policymakers, each working to improve the healthcare system in their own way, into a unified conversation in a single place. It is sure to be one of the most diverse statewide gatherings of senior healthcare leaders, and one of the most important events in Alaska healthcare.

17th Annual Mat-Su Emergency Preparedness Expo
2025-09-20 10:00 - 15:00 | Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center, 1001 S Clapp St, Wasilla, AK, 99654, United States
Photo Credit: Matanuska-Susitna Borough

This free family-friendly event will feature information about how to prepare for earthquakes, wildfires, floods, and more. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn hands-only CPR, first aid, and backcountry safety. There will be new indoor and outdoor exhibits, emergency preparedness supplies for sale, live demonstrations, hands-on activities, a youth poster contest, vendors, food trucks, door prizes, and more.

2025 Alaska Superintendents Association Fall Conference
2025-09-24 - 2025-09-27 | Wedgewood Resort, 212 Wedgewood Drive, Fairbanks, AK, 99701, United States
Photo Credit: Alaska Superintendents Association

The Alaska Superintendents Association Fall Conference is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for Alaska superintendents to come together for connection, collaboration, and shared learning. This event brings district leaders from across the state to explore timely challenges, exchange practical strategies, and engage in meaningful conversations that strengthen leadership and support student success. Alongside informative sessions, participants will enjoy time to network, recharge, and have a little fun with colleagues who understand the unique demands of the role. Join as the group tackles real issues, celebrates its work, and builds momentum for the future together.

Palmer Community Foundation Celebration
2025-09-25 17:30 - 20:00 | Palmer Train Depot, 610 S Valley Way, Palmer, AK, 99645, United States
Photo Credit: Palmer Community Foundation

The Palmer Community Foundation (PCF) is hosting a Community Celebration at the historic Palmer Train Depot. This is a night to come together, connect with neighbors, and celebrate what makes the Greater Palmer area such a special place to call home. The foundation will also honor this year’s PCF grant award winners, including Mat-Su Ski Club, Palmer Arts Council, Quilts of Valor, Alaska Wildlife Alliance, Friends of the Palmer Public Library, Mat-Su Sentinel, and Onward and Upward. Food and drinks will be provided by Turkey Red, and there will be live music by The Robotz. All are welcome to attend.

The 2025 Top 49ers Luncheon
2025-09-26 11:30 - 13:30 | Dena’ina Center, Anchorage, 600 W 7th Ave, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Join us for this year’s Top 49ers Celebration!
Alaska’s Largest Local Businesses by Gross Revenue
The Top 49ers are Alaska’s largest local companies, ranked by gross revenue. They were established in Alaska and maintain headquarters here, and they voluntarily submit revenue figures, which we use to develop the Top 49ers ranks annually.

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2025 Conference for Writers and Illustrators
2025-09-27 | Atwood Center Rasmuson Hall, 4455 University Drive, Anchorage, AK, United States
Photo Credit: Alaska Writers Guild

Alaska Writers Guild is partnering with Alaska Romance Writers, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and UAA’s Department of Writing to bring agents, editors, and authors from across the country to assist writers and illustrators at every stage of their careers and creative processes. The conference kicks off Saturday, September 27, 2025. An optional intensive workshop and first-page roundtable session starts early on Friday, September 26.

UAA College of Business and Public Policy Showcase
2025-10-03 17:00 - 19:30 | Edward & Cathryn Rasmuson Hall, UAA, 3416 Seawold Dr, Anchorage, AK, 99508, United States
Photo Credit: UAA College of Business and Public Policy

Alaska’s future isn’t just about the next year; it’s about the next generation. For decades, our strength has been our people: innovators, leaders, and dreamers working together to create a sustainable, resilient economy. The 2025 College of Business and Public Policy Showcase is where these voices come together. This year’s showcase explores bold pathways to long-term prosperity for Alaska. Hear directly from leaders in financial services, forestry, mining, oil and gas, entrepreneurship, tourism, and more as they share perspectives on overcoming today’s challenges, responsibly developing Alaska’s resources, and building a sustainable Alaska economy for tomorrow.
The College of Business and Public Policy Showcase isn’t just an event—it’s a movement. It’s where ideas are exchanged, leadership is celebrated, and the conversations that shape Alaska’s success begin. Because Alaska doesn’t just keep up—we lead the way.

Frost Fest: Winter Resource Expo
2025-10-04 11:00 - 16:00 | Palmer Train Depot, 610 S Valley Way, Palmer, AK, 99645, United States
Photo Credit: Revel Treks and Tours

Worried you might not have enough to do this coming winter? Check out Frost Fest: Winter Resource Expo and learn about the many winter activities available in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough during the winter months. Learn about local clubs that offer winter recreational activities, along with classes and educational events happening this winter. Catch gear demonstrations and learn how to be avalanche safe while recreating in the backcountry. More than a dozen businesses and organizations will be on hand to provide information and help residents get excited about winter.

2025 Northwest Auctioneer Convention
2025-10-06 - 2025-10-07 | Alaska Premier Auctions and Appraisals, 325 W Potter Dr, Anchorage, AK, 99518, United States
Photo Credit: Washington Auctioneer Association

The 2025 Northwest Auctioneer Convention will be held at Alaska Premier Auctions and Appraisals for a day filled with networking, learning, and fun. This in-person event is a must-attend for auctioneers looking to connect with industry professionals and stay ahead of the game. Get ready for insightful workshops, engaging speakers, and a chance to expand auctioneering skills.

2025 Alaska Business Summit
2025-10-08 - 2025-10-10 | Alyeska Resort, 1000 Arlberg Avenue, Girdwood, 99587, United States
Photo Credit: Alaska Chamber

Alaska’s top business symposium, the Alaska Chamber’s Alaska Business Summit attracts business leaders from all across the state. The summit will highlight business issues of statewide importance, host the Premier Business Awards presentation, and set the chamber’s 2026 advocacy agenda.

59th Annual Alaska Principals’ Conference
2025-10-09 - 2025-10-11 | Hilton Anchorage, 500 W 3rd Ave, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals/Alaska Association of Elementary School Principals

School principals, assistant principals, and aspiring educational leaders are invited to the 2025 Alaska Principals’ Conference, an inspiring and informative opportunity to connect with fellow educators from across the state. Learn, grow, and build meaningful professional relationships. Jeff Utecht, a global educational consultant and speaker, will speak at the event. Utecht has upskilled more than 75,000 teachers, consulted with Fortune 500 companies, and presented twice at the United Nations. With deep roots in education and bold insight into cross-generational leadership, Utecht will ignite listeners with a vision for the future of schools.

2025 Mat-Su Fall Economic Conference
2025-10-15 11:00 - 15:30 | Evangelo’s Restaurant, 2530 E Parks Hwy, Wasilla, AK, 99654, United States
Photo Credit: Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce

Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, the City of Wasilla, and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough are partnering to address the topic of resources in Mat-Su. The 2025 conference will have a keynote speaker, lunch, panel discussion, and energy presentations. The conference aims to connect the topic of resources and resource development in the Mat-Su with the impact on Wasilla’s business community.

Learn to Return Open House
2025-10-17 10:00 - 15:00 | Learn to Return, 5761 Silverado Way, Anchorage, AK, 99518, United States
Photo Credit: Learn to Return

Learn to Return (LTR), a survival training school in Anchorage, is celebrating forty years in business with an open house. There will be guest presentations, equipment demonstrations, and food to celebrate the business’ success. Demonstrations will include a 3,000-gallon tank to highlight the new Arctic-10 Immersion suit. LTR staff will be available throughout the day to demonstrate aircraft survival trainers, fall protection equipment and Alaska medical supplies. They will also be discussing new weekend courses geared for individuals and families called Survival Saturdays, and for industrial clients, they are adding a Mobile Elevated Platform Fall Protection class. A special raffle will be held for life jackets, medical kits, headlamps, and more.

RE+ Alaska
2025-10-20 | William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center, 555 W 5th Ave, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: The Alaska Center

RE+ Alaska will bring together clean energy professionals to discuss real-world solutions helping to spur electrification for tribal and rural communities. With a focus on the people and projects accelerating Alaska’s energy transition, tribal funding opportunities, and emerging technologies, this event seeks to bring Indigenous knowledge, innovation, and renewable energy solutions together to create a brighter, more sustainable future.

2025 Alaska Travel Industry Association Annual Convention and Trade Show: “Seasons of Adventure”
2025-10-21 - 2025-10-23 | Dena’ina Center, 600 W 7th Avenue, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: Alaska Travel Industry Association

Join the Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) for its 2025 Annual Convention and Trade Show in Anchorage in October. The event is Alaska’s largest annual gathering of tourism professionals. Network with tourism businesses, including tour operators, wholesalers, vendors, destination marketing organizations, and elected officials while learning the latest travel industry best practices and business skills. Under the theme “Seasons of Adventure,” the convention will include a “speed networking” event to develop new professional contacts, suggestions for partnering with influencers, a reception for emerging tourism leaders, and the yearly ATIA Awards Banquet and Advocacy Auction. ATIA’s convention is only available to current ATIA members.

2025 Alaska Safety Alliance Annual Membership Meeting
2025-10-22 16:00 - 19:00 | Anchorage Brewing Company, 148 W 91st Ave, Anchorage, 99515, United States
Photo Credit: Alaska Safety Alliance

The Alaska Safety Alliance (ASA) Annual Membership Meeting is where the nonprofit regional safety council’s community comes together to celebrate. With a growing network of members, ASA helps employers and employees find training they need to remain safe in Alaska’s process industries, from oil and gas to maritime and construction. The annual meeting is a perfect place to connect, share in successes, and enjoy an evening of food, drinks, and live music by the Roland Roberts Band. ASA Scholarship recipients who represent the future of Alaska’s industries will also be recognized.

The Alaska Support Industry Alliance 2025 Annual Meeting and Board Elections
2025-10-23 18:00 - 21:00 | Anchorage Marriott Downtown, 820 W. 7th Avenue, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: The Alaska Support Industry Alliance

Join friends in the oil and gas industry for a cocktail hour, dinner, and The Alaska Support Industry Alliance annual board elections. Representatives from ConocoPhillips Alaska will give the keynote address.

A Summit on the Economic Impact of Early Care and Learning
2025-10-28 | Anchorage Marriott Downtown, 820 W. 7th Avenue, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: thread

thread’s 6th Summit on the Economic Impact of Early Care and Learning: Building Solutions and Creating Opportunity will provide attendees an opportunity to hear from local and national leaders, get the latest updates on the governor’s Child Care Task Force recommendations, and discover innovative solutions from communities across Alaska. Whether a business leader, policymaker, or community advocate, this summit is an opportunity to help build a stronger, more resilient childcare system in Alaska.
Childcare continues to challenge Alaska’s workers and business. Families, communities, and businesses struggle when parents lack access to reliable, affordable childcare. A robust childcare system is crucial for nurturing Alaska’s workforce, alleviating family burdens, supporting worker retention, and strengthening the quality of life and economy across Alaska.

Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference Workshop: The Business of Alaska Rural Energy
2025-10-28 08:30 - 2025-10-29 12:30 | Virtual Via Zoom
Photo Credit: Alaska Center for Energy and Power and Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference

As a follow-up to the governor’s Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference, the Alaska Center for Energy and Power and Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference are hosting free quarterly virtual workshops to sustain connections, strengthen relationships, and share knowledge among the energy-focused community. An August workshop discussed lessons in transmission planning.
The October workshop is entitled The Business of Alaska Rural Energy: Project Development and Operational Sustainability. More than 200 Alaska villages rely on isolated power systems and bulk fuel storage facilities as critical infrastructure for heat, electricity, and transportation. Rural energy systems face escalating burdens from aging equipment, high capital costs, limited local resources, and shrinking public funding—including more than $1.5 billion in deferred maintenance. As a result, the gap between community needs and available resources continues to widen. This workshop will explore solutions to close that gap—examining new approaches to financing projects, ensuring safe and reliable energy delivery, and strengthening local and regional capacity to support long-term community energy security.
The workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day over two days. Look for future workshops in January and April 2026.

2025 Alaska Miners Association Convention and Trade Show
2025-11-03 - 2025-11-06 | Dena’ina Center, 600 W 7th Avenue, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: Alaska Miners Association

The Alaska Miners Association Convention and Trade Show boasts more than 1,000 attendees representing the Alaska mining family. Convention week includes many networking events, the largest mining tradeshow in the state, representatives from all operating mines and potential mining development projects in Alaska, along with educational short courses and technical sessions.

Alaska Statewide Payroll Conference 2025
2025-11-07 | Z.J. Loussac Library, 3600 Denali St., Anchorage, AK, 99503, United States
Photo Credit: Northern Lights Alaska Chapter of the American Payroll Association

The Northern Lights Alaska Chapter of the American Payroll Association is inviting all payroll professionals to attend its statewide payroll conference, 2025 Payroll Glow Up: Flawless Finishes, Fierce Fundamentals. The day-long learning event will give payroll professionals a chance to network with peers, get up-to-date information on payroll accounting, and have a little fun.

2025 Sitka WhaleFest
2025-11-07 13:00 - 2025-11-09 16:00 | Harrigan Centennial Hall, Sitka, Visitors Dock at Crescent Harbor, 330 Harbor Dr, Sitka, 99835, United States
Photo Credit: Sitka Sound Science Center

Sitka WhaleFest celebrates marine life through science, art, culture, and adventure. Attendees of all ages and backgrounds leave WhaleFest with a deeper connection to the ocean.
The core of Sitka WhaleFest is the three-day science symposium, where scientists and knowledge-bearers share the latest research and learning about marine life. This symposium is for everyone: speakers highlight the relevance and accessibility of their knowledge to people from all walks of life. Deepen the WhaleFest experience by participating in hands-on workshops, appreciating the work of artists and performers, exploring Sitka Sound, and engaging with Sitka’s vibrant community.
Lisa Teas Conaway, a lifelong Sitka resident and longtime attendee of Sitka WhaleFest, is the resident artist this year. The heart of Sitka WhaleFest is the three-day symposium, where world-renowned scientists share their current research. This innovative science event gives future scientists and anyone interested in our oceans opportunities to meet and interact with a passionate and diverse group of speakers. Each afternoon, symposium participants and guest speakers will explore a daily theme connected to the overall theme of the symposium: Entwined. In addition to numerous activities in and around Sitka, three lectures are scheduled each day, between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Tikahtnu Upper Cook Inlet National Heritage Area Day of Storytelling
2025-11-08 08:30 - 17:00 | Anchorage Senior Activity Center, 1300 E 19th Ave, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: Alaska Humanities Forum

Residents from across the Anchorage-Tikahtnu Upper Cook Inlet area are coming together to reflect on who we’ve been, who we are now, and who we want to become. This is part of a growing effort to recognize the region as a National Heritage Area.
In November 2021, a team of volunteers initiated a project to designate a new National Heritage Area in the Tikahtnu Upper Cook Inlet. As part of this initiative, the Alaska Humanities Forum is leading a free public day of storytelling that will serve as a key moment for identifying, collecting, and sharing stories that shape Anchorage’s sense of place, history, and community.
Guided by its mission to connect Alaskans through stories, ideas, and experiences that inspire understanding and strengthen communities, this event will bring together residents from across the Anchorage/Tikahtnu Upper Cook Inlet area to reflect on who we’ve been, who we are now, and who we want to become.
This public event is for anyone who cares about the history and future of the Anchorage/Tikahtnu Upper Cook Inlet area: tribal members, business owners, historians, elders, faith leaders, artists, storytellers, teachers, youth, and anyone else who wants to connect with their neighbors and build stronger communities.
The stories and reflections gathered during this event will help shape a feasibility study that will be developed following the event and submitted to the National Park Service as part of the official process for designating the Tikahtnu Upper Cook Inlet as a National Heritage Area.
During the storytelling event, participants will have the opportunity to listen deeply to guest storytellers and learn more about a diverse range of experiences in the Anchorage/Tikahtnu Upper Cook Inlet area; share and record their own stories in a range of formats, connect with other residents of the Anchorage/Tikahtnu Upper Cook Inlet area, and enjoy live music, performances, and catered food.
