(Duluth, MN) — The International Ship Masters’ Association (ISMA) has announced that two deadlines to register for events for the upcoming 136th Annual Grand Lodge Convention, January 28 – February 1, 2026 at the Holiday Inn Downtown and the Duluth Entertainment & Convention Center (DECC) are coming up soon. The first deadline is Sunday, January 18 for meals associated with the convention, and the second is Thursday, January 22 for those interested in attending the prestigious Grand Ball on Friday, January 30, at the DECC Harbor Side Ballroom.
The ISMA also revealed some topics expected to be discussed over the five-day event. They include the worker shortage in the maritime industry, maritime job training, and restoring U.S. Maritime dominance. U.S Representative Tom Tiffany (R-WI), Sara Fuentes, American Maritime Partnership, and J.M. “Mike” McCoshen, Administrator, Great Lakes Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) will headline seven speakers who will address ISMA delegates and others associated with the maritime industry.
“If people or businesses want to see what working in the maritime industry is like, this is a great opportunity. And while most of the attendees will be ISMA members throughout the Great Lakes region, we are inviting any local or regional businesses that have an interest in the maritime industry to attend. Those wishing to attend can choose the full registration package which is $300 and includes eleven meals and to hear from our national speakers coming to Duluth, or only paying for attending a specific event,” said Capt. Chris Edyvean / ISMA Grand 1st Vice President and event organizer.
ISMA Twin Ports Lodge #12 members have hosted the convention five times over the group’s 140-year history in 1958, 1967, 1982, 2001, and 2015. The 2026 convention marks the sixth time the Twin Ports takes center stage in the maritime industry with over one-hundred professionals from throughout the U.S. and Canada expected to attend.
Supporting the convention in Duluth are Platinum Sponsor – Key Lakes/Great Lakes Fleet; Gold Sponsors – Port of Monroe, MI, and Duluth Seaway Port Authority; Silver Sponsors – Enbridge, and Western Great Lakes Pilots Association; and Bronze Sponsors – International Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots, Marine Pollution Control, Port City Marine Services, J.W. Westcott Company, and Fraser Industries.
Anyone interested in attending the convention or becoming a sponsor for the 136th Annual ISMA Grand Lodge Convention can contact Capt. Edyvean at 715-862-2531 / E-mail: cjedyvean@hotmail.com. For more information about the ISMA, please visit www.shipmaster.org.
