Alaska Business Magazine

Mat-Su Transportation Fair
2026-02-25 15:00 - 19:00 (America/Anchorage) | Raven Hall at the Alaska State Fairgrounds, 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer, 99645, United States
Photo Credit: Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

Visit the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Transportation Fair to learn about more than 100 road, rail, pedestrian, air, and safety projects happening across Mat-Su. Featured projects include Bogard Road at Engstrom Drive/Green Forest Drive improvements, Knik-Goose Bay Road reconstruction phase 2, Wasilla Main Street rehabilitation, Tex-Al Drive Extension upgrade and pathway, Engstrom Road to Trunk Road new corridor, and Shaw Elementary School access improvements.

Palmer Museum of History and Art Winter Wine Walk
2026-02-27 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Palmer, 723 X. Valley Way, Palmer, 99645, United States
Photo Credit: Palmer Museum of History and Art

Join the Palmer Museum of History and Art for a one-of-a-kind evening in downtown Palmer. Sample five specially selected wines, including mulled wine to remove the winter chill. Enjoy complimentary snacks and take advantage of special sales at five downtown businesses. Shop, sip, and enjoy an unforgettable experience with friends. The Wine Walk is one of the Palmer Museum’s largest fundraisers for the year, and supports the museum’s mission: to inspire, enrich, and cultivate the community’s connection to the history and art of the greater Palmer area. Participants must be 21 years of age or older. Only 120 tickets are sold. Tickets are non-refundable.

2026 Apprenticeship Expo & Construction Recruiting Event
2026-03-03 10:00 - 16:00 | Alaska Works Training Center
Join the National Association of Women in Construction in celebrating Women in Construction Week. Explore construction careers through hands-on activities, interactive displays, and simulators.

Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference’s Annual Economic Summit and Membership Meeting
2026-03-04 - 2026-03-06 | Hotel Captain Cook, 939 W 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference

The Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference’s Annual Economic Summit and Membership Meeting provides an opportunity for leaders from Southwest to gather, learn, and share what they know. This year’s conference entitled “Currents of Change, Waves of Opportunity” is split into three days, focusing on hazard mitigation and emergency response. Wednesday: community and tribal leaders discuss hazard mitigation, resilience tools, and emergency response resources. Thursday: the conference focuses on economic transitions, from helping Southwest community leaders understand how revised national security strategies may impact communities to encouraging ways to develop and engage in Arctic policymaking. Friday: the conference focuses on fishing and public policy, kicking off with a presentation from the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute on the state of Alaska fisheries and the seafood industry and wrapping up with presentations from elected officials. Online registration closes February 28, 2026.

2026 Alaska Small Business Development Center Summit
2026-03-06 | The Wildbirch Hotel, 239 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: Alaska Small Business Development Center

Alaska’s small businesses are not just adapting to change—they’re shaping it. The 2026 Alaska SBDC Summit: Small Business at the Edge of Innovation brings entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry leaders together to explore how new technologies and bold ideas are driving Alaska’s future.
Hosted at The Wildbirch Hotel, this one-day event will dive into three powerful tracks—healthcare, AI, and e-commerce—with interactive sessions, real-world case studies, and thought-provoking conversations led by national and statewide experts.
Whether you’re navigating supply chain challenges, harnessing AI tools to streamline operations, or expanding into new markets, the summit delivers insights, connections, and strategies needed to stay competitive.

Winter Discovery Day at Government Peak Recreation Area
2026-03-07 11:00 - 16:00 | Government Peak Recreation Area, N Mountain Trails Dr, Palmer, AK, 99645, United States
Photo Credit: Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation

Winter Discovery Day at Government Peak Recreation Area is a community event designed to connect locals with winter recreation resources, gear, and activities. Attendees can see gear demos, visit informational and activity tables, and enjoy hot cocoa and warm fires. More than fifteen Mat-Su businesses and nonprofits will be on site with information and hands-on activities. The event is free to attend; no need to register.

2026 Mariculture Conference of Alaska
2026-03-10 - 2026-03-12 | Hotel Captain Cook, 939 W 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: Sea Grant Alaska

Join Sea Grant of Alaska for the 2026 Mariculture Conference of Alaska, where ocean views, industry insight, and collaborative energy flow together. The Mariculture Conference of Alaska is an opportunity to engage with members of the mariculture industry, hear from experts, and connect with farmers, processors, researchers, community leaders, and other professionals. The goal of the conference is to support the continued development of mariculture in the state by reviewing accomplishments, addressing challenges, and exploring opportunities in research, innovation, education, and industry growth.
In addition to the conference, the NOAA Fisheries Alaska Regional Office will host an all-day workshop on March 9, “Alaska Aquaculture Opportunity Atlas Rollout and Webtool Planning Workshop.” At the conference, annual meetings for members of the Alaska Mariculture Alliance and Alaska Shellfish Growers Association will take place on March 12.

Meet Alaska 2026
2026-03-19 | Hotel Captain Cook, 939 W 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: The Alaska Support Industry Alliance

Meet Alaska 2026 will showcase Alaska’s competitive advantages in oil, gas, and mining, from infrastructure to innovation. Participants will gather to discuss Alaska’s future, celebrate industry collaboration, and connect with leaders from across the state. Topics on the agenda for discussion include critical minerals, the future of the North Slope, infrastructure that builds Alaska: The Trans Alaska Pipeline System, ports and other entry points, Alaska’s role in the AI and data center boom, a conversation with gubernatorial candidates, and a discussion about the 2026 election.

30th Annual Alaska Native Art Auction Gala
2026-03-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Hotel Captain Cook, 939 W 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: Koahnic Broadcast Corporation

For thirty years, the Alaska Native Art Auction has brought the community together to celebrate Indigenous artists, culture, and the voices that carry those stories forward. In 2026, the event will bring back a powerful celebration of culture, creativity, and community, including the return of the Alaska Native Art Auction Indigenous Fashion Show. This runway experience highlights Indigenous designers, artists, and cultural expression, honoring the deep connections between art, regalia, contemporary fashion, and storytelling. It reflects how culture, creativity, and identity continue to be carried forward through Indigenous art and design. This auction is not only a celebration; it is a moment to affirm the future of Native-led media, arts, and storytelling.

32nd Alaska Tribal Conference on Environmental Management
2026-03-24 - 2026-03-27 | Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa, 401 E 6th Ave, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: Alaska Tribal Conference on Environmental Management and Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium

Since 1994, the Alaska Tribal Conference on Environmental Management has been a vital networking space for tribal environmental professionals from across the state to learn from one another, connect with support organizations and agencies, and discover resources to help assist in efforts to improve local environmental health. This year’s event is hosted by Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium’s Community Environment and Health department in partnership with environmental professionals from all sectors. The conference will feature six tracks: capacity building, community infrastructure, contaminated sites, one health (about food and water security, contaminant monitoring, and human-animal-environment connections), resilience, and solid and hazardous waste. The event includes four days of general sessions, informational sessions and trainings, networking with exhibitors, keynotes, and performers.

2026 Mat-Su Employer Expo
2026-03-25 10:00 - 15:00 | Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center, 1001 S Clapp St, Wasilla, AK, 99654, United States
Photo Credit: Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development

The Mat-Su Employer Expo is a free, high-impact event bringing together job seekers and workforce partners from across the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and beyond. It’s an opportunity for employers to meet outstanding and nontraditional candidates with diverse skills and backgrounds, to network with local and statewide businesses, to increase a company’s visibility and community presence, and to support a local event dedicated to connecting employers and job seekers.

ANC Job Fair
2026-03-25 11:00 - 15:00 | Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, 5800 Lockheed Avenue, Anchorage, AK, 99502, United States
Photo Credit: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

Job seekers might find their dream job at the 2026 ANC Job Fair on March 25, 2026, at the North Terminal from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Dozens of employers will be on hand, with hundreds of job opportunities. The ANC Job Fair is airport- and aviation-centric, with many businesses represented. The job fair is free, and so is parking at the North Terminal parking lot.

2026 Symphony of Wines
2026-03-26 19:00 - 21:30 | Hotel Captain Cook, 939 W 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: Anchorage Symphony Orchestra

Raise a glass at the Symphony of Wines, a wine tasting event benefiting the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra (ASO). The evening will include more than 160 wines from top vineyards, live music, curated hors d’oeuvres by Hotel Captain Cook Executive Chef Patrick Hoogerhyde, and unique silent auction items and experiences.
Proceeds from the Symphony of Wines silent auction and raffles help fund ASO’s community programs, including Tickets for My Neighbors. With this program, ASO gives more than 100 tickets for each concert to students, military families, and social service agencies.

The George Hieronymous Empty Bowl Project
2026-03-28 11:30 - 13:30 | Dena’ina Center, 600 W 7th Avenue, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: Bean’s Café

The George Hieronymous Empty Bowl Project event will include unlimited soup and cornbread, the opportunity to take home a handcrafted bowl, a silent auction, live entertainment, kids’ activities, and more. This much-loved community event was first held in 1994, and Bean’s Café is proud to continue the tradition. The Anchorage Clay Arts Guild, which brought the event to Anchorage, will be in attendance.
During this special gathering, Beans Café raises awareness and funds to combat hunger and remind everyone of the empty bowls in our community and the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors: those experiencing hunger, food insecurity, and homelessness. The event symbolizes the importance of what one bowl of soup can mean to someone concerned that they will not have enough to eat that day.

Mat-Su Sentinel Icebreaker: A Community News Benefit Party
2026-03-28 19:00 - 22:00 | MTA Events Center, 1317 S Kerry Weiland Ct, Palmer, AK, 99645, United States
Photo Credit: True North photography | Lauren Langford

Lace up your skates for a one-of-a-kind, family-friendly community night at the MTA Events Center in Palmer, including a live concert and ice-skating experience featuring The Super Saturated Sugar Strings. A ticket includes live concert entry, open ice time, ice skate rentals (while supplies last), Big Dipper Homemade Ice Cream (while supplies last), and soft drinks courtesy of The Odom Corporation (while supplies last). Additional goodies available for purchase include beer for sale by Palmer Brewing Company, food for sale by El Señor Moose food truck, and a high-stakes raffle, with tickets sold at the event.
Don’t like ice skating? No problem. Ice skating is optional. A separate ice-free dance floor will be set up near the band, so attendees can dance, listen, and hang out without ever stepping on the ice. The event is a benefit event supporting local nonprofit journalism.

2026 Alaska Miners Association Fairbanks Convention and Trade Show
2026-04-06 - 2026-04-09 | Carlson Center, 2010 2nd Avenue, Fairbanks, AK, 99701, United States
Photo Credit: Alaska Miners Association

The Alaska Miners Association Fairbanks Convention and Trade Show boasts more than 600 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, educational short courses, and technical sessions. As part of the event, participants can take part in a tour of the Manh Choh mine Monday, April 6, 2026, for an additional registration fee.

44th Annual Alaska Governor’s Safety and Health Conference
2026-04-07 - 2026-04-08 | William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center, 555 W 5th Ave, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development

The Alaska Governor’s Safety and Health Conference serves as a premier event for Alaskan workers, business leaders, and government representatives. With a theme centered on empowering frontline industries, the 2026 conference focuses on fostering safer workplaces by sharing cutting-edge safety, health, and environmental information across various industries. The event features engaging presentations, expert panels, and networking opportunities to empower attendees with actionable insights for improving workplace safety. Exhibitors and sponsors gain visibility among industry professionals and leaders, furthering a collective goal of creating healthier, safer work environments throughout Alaska. This conference is essential for anyone dedicated to advancing safety standards in the state.

Alaska Infrastructure Development Symposium
2026-04-07 - 2026-04-09 | Dena’ina Center, 600 W 7th Avenue, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: Alaska Municipal League

The 2026 Alaska Infrastructure Development Symposium will provide an opportunity to learn and understand Alaska’s infrastructure needs and challenges, networking possibilities, and planning for the future. Work together with infrastructure experts, local, state, and national officials to advance and strengthen infrastructure across Alaska.
As a clearinghouse of information and planning, the Infrastructure Symposium will feature updates from state and federal agencies, planning and implementation strategies, and focus on reporting and compliance. Sessions will focus on asset management, project development, and ways to overcome challenges related to the sustainability of these investments. Local and Tribal government officials are encouraged to attend, as well as other community-based organizations, utilities, contractors, and businesses.

Alaska SHRM Conference
2026-04-07 - 2026-04-08 | Hotel Captain Cook, 939 W 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: Alaska SHRM State Council

Join the Alaska Society for Human Resource Management at its annual conference, where human resource professionals come together to explore the “The Business of People: HR’s New Frontier.” This event aims to connect and develop Alaska’s HR professionals, offering an opportunity for attendees to enhance professional skills and knowledge in the ever-evolving field of human resources. The conference will feature a range of sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities to help participants stay at the forefront of industry trends and best practices.

Alaska Construction Career Day
2026-04-08 08:00 - 15:00 | Alaska State Fairgrounds, 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer, AK, 99654, United States
Photo Credit: Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities

Alaska Construction Career Day is a day for high school students to explore the wide variety of construction and transportation careers. Labor unions, construction companies, the University of Alaska, school districts, state agencies, and trade and professional organizations collaborate to provide students with an introduction to various aspects of construction. Free for students, organizers hope to increase career awareness in the construction and transportation industry through hands-on experience with heavy equipment, welding, small tools, plumbing, electrical wiring, and other construction-related jobs. Organizers will provide educational resources and career training pathways for students in hopes of increasing the number of job placements in vocational, trade, and technical jobs. Students will have a chance to climb onto and sit in various pieces of large heavy equipment, including a semi-truck with trailer, sleeper berth, tractor truck, and concrete ready-mix truck, which adds a real-life learning experience. Session 1 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. is reserved for Anchorage School District and Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District schools. Session 2 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. is reserved for homeschool and rural students.

2026 Alaska Young Professionals Summit
2026-04-09 - 2026-04-11 | William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center, 555 W 5th Ave, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: Anchorage Chamber of Commerce

The Anchorage Chamber’s Young Professionals Group (YPG) will host the 10th Annual Alaska Young Professionals Summit, a two-day conference to develop Alaska’s workforce and prepare, motivate, and inspire attendees to be informed, productive leaders. The event will kick off with a reception at Loussac Library Thursday, April 9. An exhibitor hall and conference events will take place at the Egan Center Friday, April 10, and the conference will close with a brunch Saturday morning, April 11, at The Wildbirch Hotel. At the annual summit, more than 200 young professionals will attend a series of immersive sessions and panels presented by successful and experienced business, government, and community leaders. Attendees will hear a dynamic keynote speaker, participate in insightful discussions, and have the opportunity to connect with local experts. Content is geared toward all levels of employees and executives, and professionals are welcomed from all industries. All attendees are entered to win two roundtrip tickets courtesy of Alaska Airlines.

Arctic Encounter Summit 2026
2026-04-15 - 2026-04-17 | Dena’ina Center, 600 W 7th Avenue, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: The Arctic Encounter

The Arctic Encounter Summit 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. Hosted 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 national security, economic innovation, energy and resource development, climate science, research, and the Indigenous peoples of the North through engaging keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Arctic Encounter Summit 2026 provides an unparalleled platform to foster collaboration, inspire action, and chart a path forward for the Arctic and the world.

Alaska Press Club Conference
2026-04-16 - 2026-04-18 | Edward & Cathryn Rasmuson Hall, UAA, 3416 Seawold Dr, Anchorage, AK, 99508, United States
Photo Credit: Alaska Press Club

The Alaska Press Club Conference is an annual gathering that serves as a vital platform for journalists, media professionals, and students to connect, learn, and share insights about the evolving landscape of journalism in Alaska and beyond. Attendees can expect a dynamic lineup of workshops, keynote speeches, and panel discussions led by industry experts, covering a range of topics from investigative reporting to digital media trends. The conference, as with all Alaska Press Club education events, is free to members.

Mat-Su Commercial Investment and Development Forum
2026-04-17 11:30 - 13:30 | Chop House at Lake Lucille, 1300 W Lake Lucille Dr, Wasilla, AK, 99654, United States
Photo Credit: Elevate Commercial

Learn about the outlook for Mat-Su commercial real estate at the 5th Annual Mat-Su Commercial Investment & Development Forum. Forum speakers include Jenny Willardson, principal broker at Elevate Commercial; Brett Watson, associate professor at the UAA Institute of Social and Economic Research; Mike Brown, Matanuska-Susitna Borough manager; and Crystal Nygard, City of Wasilla deputy administrator. Speakers will discuss economic trends shaping the future of Mat-Su commercial real estate development, as well as key drivers for growth.

7th Annual Alaska Native Book Fair and Authors Event
2026-04-17 12:00 - 16:00 | Cook Inlet Tribal Council, 3600 San Jeronimo Dr, Anchorage, AK, 99508, United States
Photo Credit: Alaska Native Media Group

Join Alaska Native Media Group as it gathers to support Alaska Native authors and creators. The purpose of the book fair is to encourage and educate Alaska Natives on becoming authors, to prompt dialogue about the writing process from the perspective of Native authors. In addition, the event will showcase the work of published Alaska Native authors and illustrators to a large audience. Alaska Native authors being highlighted include Patricia Godfrey, Phyllis Adams, Barbara Atwater, Ethan Atwater, Sharon Kay, Lily Tuzroyluke, Katherine Gottlieb, Caitlyn Kelly, Miranda Miller with Arya Bear the therapy dog, Holly Miowak Guise, Richard Atuk, Yaari Walker, and Edward K.Thomas.

2026 Alaska ENA Conference
2026-04-22 - 2026-04-24 | BP Energy Center, 1014 Energy Court, Anchorage, AK, 99508, United States
Photo Credit: Emergency Nurses Association Alaska State Council

Join the Alaska Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) April 22 for the 2026 Alaska ENA Conference. Lectures are still being finalized, but participants can register now to learn about current topics, earn continuing education credits, make new friends, and catch up with old ones. As part of the conference, there will be a two-day Jeff Solheim Certified Emergency Nurse review April 23 and 24. His courses are so informative and really set you up well to take the exam (and level up your ER practice even if you don’t plan to test).

Alaska Trucking Association Annual Meeting
2026-04-22 - 2026-04-23 | Alaska Native Heritage Center, 8800 Heritage Center Dr., Anchorage, AK, 99504, United States
Photo Credit: Alaska Trucking Association

The Alaska Trucking Association Annual Meeting brings together Alaska’s trucking professionals for two days of advocacy, education, and networking. Whether a seasoned expert or just entering the industry, this event is an opportunity to connect, learn, and lead. Wednesday, April 22, the association will also host its reception and safety awards banquet to celebrate the people who keep Alaska’s roads safe. To register for the meeting, reach out to jamie@aktrucks.org or Danielle@aktrucks.org.

Mat-Su Home Builders Spring Home Show
2026-04-25 - 2026-04-26 | Menard Sports Center, Wasilla, AK, United States
Photo Credit: Mat-Su Home Builders Association

The Mat-Su Home Builders Spring Home Show is the place to see, learn about, and buy the latest home products and services under one roof. More than 100 local companies and experts will be on hand to answer questions, share ideas, and provide inspiration to help with upcoming home projects and improvements. From outdoor living, landscaping, home automation, security, remodeling, design, and more, it’s a great spot to learn what’s new in home improvement. New since 2025: arts and crafts vendors are welcome, along with other local Alaskan vendors not directly related to home improvement and DIY. Tickets are $5 per person, or three cans of food on Saturday. Active and retired military, firefighters, police officers, and first responders can attend free on Sunday. Entry is free for everyone Sunday between 10 a.m. and noon; children under 12 years of age have free entry throughout the event. The first 100 families to visit each day will receive a two-gallon bucket, courtesy of Home Depot. Food trucks will be at the event each day, and attendees will be eligible for prizes and giveaways.

Alaska Science of Reading Symposium
2026-05-01 - 2026-05-03 | Dena’ina Center, 600 W 7th Avenue, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Photo Credit: Alaska Department of Education and Early Development

The 2026 Alaska Science of Reading Symposium brings educators, leaders, and partners together to continue Alaska’s shared climb toward strong, equitable literacy outcomes for every student. The 2026 theme is “Continuing the Climb: Evidence, Effort, Impact.”
Grounded in the science of reading and aligned with the Alaska Reads Act, the 5th annual symposium focuses on evidence-based instruction, sustained implementation, and measurable impact. Over three days, participants will deepen their understanding of effective literacy practices, strengthen systems that support readers of all ages, and collaborate across roles and regions to ensure every Alaskan child is supported on their journey to becoming a skilled and confident reader.

Alaska Airlines Aviation Day
2026-05-01 10:00 - 16:00 | Alaska Airlines Hangar, 3600 Old International Airport Rd, Anchorage, AK, 99502, United States
Photo Credit: Alaska Airlines

For the second consecutive year, Alaska Airlines is hosting Aviation Day in Anchorage at its hangar at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. The free event aims to inspire aviation dreams in young people. Aviation Day provides an opportunity for young adults to learn about the various paths in the aviation industry, as well as educational paths to a career. It’s open to children between the ages of 11 and 20.
Parking is not available at the Alaska Airlines Hangar, so attendees are encouraged to park at the Ted Stevens International Airport snow dump parking lot off Lake Hood. Signage will direct traffic to the Lake Hood Drive location, and shuttle will carry attendees to the hangar.
