International Arctic Experts To Join Alaskan Leaders For Second Arctic Imperative Summit

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, July 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaskans are invited to join a thought-provoking mix of state and national and international figures at the second annual Arctic Imperative Summit. This intimate gathering of industry, investment, government and Arctic community leaders convenes August 24–27, 2012, in Anchorage and Girdwood, Alaska.

MISSION:

The Summit aims to sharpen the world's focus on the Arctic by providing a cross-disciplinary forum to collaborate on solutions. Presenting a broad selection of topics and challenges, the Summit is a unique opportunity for Alaskans to engage with Arctic world leaders in their home state and discuss Arctic development. Although such development is inevitable, there is an opportunity to shape it responsibly. Through conversation and engagement with the world's Arctic leaders, Alaskans will be in a stronger position to determine how future development decisions will be made on their shores.  

PROGRAM:

Topics for discussion at this year's Summit include investment opportunities; Arctic security needs; the perspectives of local Arctic residents; the rapid growth of shipping traffic; responsible resource management; evolving policy issues, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Law of the Sea Treaty (LOST); case studies, such as the recent Renda fuel delivery through sea ice to Nome; and much more.

The Summit schedule can be found here: http://bit.ly/NAhY5u. A detailed agenda will be released prior to the event.

SPEAKERS:

Building on the event's past success in attracting world-class speakers, this year's Summit will feature:

• The Honorable James A. Baker III, Former U.S. Secretary of State
• The Honorable Mark Begich, U.S. Senator, State of Alaska
• Ed Crooks, U.S. Industry and Energy Editor, Financial Times
• Charles K. Ebinger, Director, Energy Security Initiative, Brookings
• The Honorable Olafur Ragnar Grímsson, President of Iceland
• The Honorable David J. Hayes, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of the Interior
• Martin S. Indyk, Vice President and Director, Foreign Policy, Brookings
• General Charles H. Jacoby Jr., Commander, U.S. Northern Command
• Chris Matthews, Host, "Hardball with Chris Matthews" and "The Chris Matthews Show"
• General Walter Natynczyk, Chief of the Defense Staff, Canadian Forces
• Thomas R. Nides, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, U.S. Department of State
• Joseph W. Ralston, Vice Chairman, The Cohen Group
• David M. Rubenstein, Co-founder, The Carlyle Group
• The Honorable Mead Treadwell, Lieutenant Governor, State of Alaska
• Felix H. Tschudi, Chairman of the Board, Tschudi Shipping Co.

A comprehensive list of speakers, including confirmed Alaskan leaders, is updated daily and can be found here: http://bit.ly/LXTc2g.

 "Due to the urgency of these issues and the strong support we received following our Summit last year, we are reconvening this August with expanded program offerings," says Alice Rogoff, founder of the Arctic Imperative Summit. "If you were not able to attend last year, please consider joining us this August. The forces of Arctic development demand we continue to engage one another in a spirit of collaboration."

REGISTRATION:

Registration is available online at http://bit.ly/Lt6ihQ. The Summit pass for in-state attendees from the private sector is $1,200. Discounted passes are available for elected officials and staff of Summit speakers. Other exceptions may apply on a case-by-case basis as space permits, such as academics involved in Arctic research and relevant nonprofits.

Please contact Nolan Frame at [email protected] with registration questions or with details on your request for a registration discount. Please include background on your credentials. If approved, registration details will be provided.

MEDIA:

Media with relevant assignments will be granted access to the Summit at no charge and may register online at http://bit.ly/Lt6ihQ. Gallery seating will be provided in the back of the meeting facilities to watch the Summit live. A media room will also be provided on-site. Boxed lunches will be provided, along with access to receptions and dinners. Please contact Tim Fitzpatrick at [email protected] for assistance in coordinating on-site interviews or with general media queries.

ONLINE ACCESS:

If you are unable to attend, the Summit will be broadcast live online. Summit speeches will also be archived on our Vimeo page at http://bit.ly/LXY0oj.

POST-SUMMIT ARCTIC TOUR:

Following the Summit, interested attendees can participate in a three-day tour of strategic sites across the state to see the significance of the U.S. gateway to the Arctic firsthand. More information, including the cost of the tour and a complete itinerary, can be found at http://bit.ly/LsNq2D.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Please follow us on Twitter at @ArcticSummit, hashtag #AIS2012, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/arcticimperativesummit for Arctic news and Summit highlights.

SPONSORSHIP:

The Summit offers an excellent opportunity for your organization to enhance its profile among Arctic decision-makers. For further details on remaining promotional packages, contact Tom Marriage at [email protected].

THE ARCTIC WIRE:

Read in-depth coverage on news and politics across the circumpolar North on The Arctic Wire.

ABOUT THE ARCTIC IMPERATIVE:

The Arctic Imperative is an independent nonpartisan organization founded by Alice Rogoff, publisher of AlaskaDispatch.com. The mission of the Summit is to sharpen the world's focus on the policy and investment needs of the Arctic and provide a platform for local, state, national and international leaders to make measured, long-term Arctic development decisions.

CONTACTS:

Toll-Free Information:
800-718-6528
[email protected]

Registration:
Nolan Frame
800-718-6528
[email protected]

Media:
Tim Fitzpatrick
907-717-4978
[email protected]

Sponsorship:
Tom Marriage
907-743-0744
[email protected]

SOURCE The Arctic Imperative