SEMINARS & PRESENTATIONS
Free seminars and classes are happening all weekend at the Mat-Su Outdoorsman Show, taught by Alaskan experts on a wide variety of topics.
Seminars are free, but
SEATING IS LIMITED
Arrive a little early. Check in at the seminar registration table and pick up a ticket to reserve your seat!
FRIDAY SEMINARS
Friday
2:00
Planning Your First African Safari
presented by Waymaker Safaris
Ever dreamed of hunting Africa? Learn how to confidently plan your first African safari from Alaska to the bush. Waymaker Safaris will discuss why you should consider an African Safari, traveling from Alaska, bringing your rifle, costs, physical requirements, trophy handling and shipping, and more!
Friday
3:00
Halibut 111
presented by Bottom Line Charters
Halibut 111 is a presentation that covers where to fish, tides, gear, tackle, bait and methods to successfully catch halibut. Presented by Capt Ernie Kirby, owner of Bottom Line Charters in Ninilchik, Alaska, who will share his 33 years of guiding off the Kenai peninsula. Geared for the novice to the weekend fisherman.
Friday
4:00
Foundations of Off-Grid Power
presented by Susitna Energy Solutions
Thinking about going off-grid? Whether you’re powering a recreational property, seasonal cabin, or remote home, understanding the fundamentals is key to building a system that actually works in Alaska. This seminar will walk through the core components of an off-grid power system — solar panels, battery storage, inverters, charge controllers, generators, and system sizing. Susitna Energy Solutions will discuss how to determine your power needs, how to plan for winter conditions, how to balance solar with generator backup, and common mistakes to avoid.
SATURDAY SEMINARS
Saturday
12:00
5 “Must Do” Susitna River Adventures
presented by Susitna River Coalition
The Susitna River offers some of Southcentral Alaska’s most accessible, family-friendly adventures. Susitna River Coalition will discuss the top “must do” activities. Join local legends and river runners for five bucket-list Susitna trips—and pick up practical planning and safety tips you can use right away.
Saturday
12:00
Cold, Clean, & Off Grid: Alaska Homestead Water & Sanitation Secrets
presented by Susitna Energy Solutions
Susitna Energy Solutions will present a concise overview of practical sanitary and water solutions designed for Alaska’s remote, off-grid, and cold-climate conditions. This session will cover alternative toilet options – including composting, incinerating, and bagging systems – as well as water storage, delivery, and water heating solutions suited for seasonal and year-round use. Attendees will gain a high-level understanding of available options, typical applications, and key considerations when selecting reliable systems for homes, cabins, worksites, and community projects across Alaska.
Saturday
1:00
Halibut 111
presented by Bottom Line Charters
Halibut 111 is a presentation that covers where to fish, tides, gear, tackle, bait and methods to successfully catch halibut. Presented by Capt Ernie Kirby, owner of Bottom Line Charters in Ninilchik, Alaska, who will share his 33 years of guiding off the Kenai peninsula. Geared for the novice to the weekend fisherman.
Saturday
1:00
Wilderness First Aid
presented by Ready Alaska
Fractures, sprains, cuts, burns, falls, hypothermia, embedded fish hooks… there are countless ways that you or someone with you could get injured while out enjoying Alaska’s wilderness. Jessica van Wulven, an experienced medical provider and outdoor enthusiast, will be teaching splinting, fishhook removal, how to handle bleeding emergencies, and other basic medical skills that could mean the difference between life and death in Alaska’s remote wilderness.
Saturday
2:00
Planning Your First African Safari
presented by Waymaker Safaris
Ever dreamed of hunting Africa? Learn how to confidently plan your first African safari from Alaska to the bush. Waymaker Safaris will discuss why you should consider an African Safari, traveling from Alaska, bringing your rifle, costs, physical requirements, trophy handling and shipping, and more!
Saturday
2:00
Stop the Bleed
presented by Northern Lights Armory
This seminar, presented by Northern Lights Armory, provides a demonstration of the tools and how to respond effectively to life-threatening severe bleeding. It includes proper tourniquet use and empowers bystanders with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist someone in need.
Saturday
3:00
Trawl Bycatch in Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska: What it is and what can be done
presented by Salmon State
Trawlers tow nets the size of a football field through the water column, catching everything in their path. This indiscriminate fishing practice leads to the “incidental” catch of non-target species, commonly known as bycatch. Join Salmon State to learn more about how these fisheries are managed, including the state managed trawl fishery in Prince William Sound, the impacts on Alaskans, and how you can get involved to stop wasteful trawl bycatch.
Saturday
3:00
Outboard Jet Maintenance and Repair
presented by Greatland Welding & Machine
This will be a seminar by Greatland Welding & Machine about outboard jet maintenance and tune-up work on your outboard jet. What is the efficiency, and how do you maintain it.
Saturday
4:00
Living Off Grid? Or Getting Ready to Make the Leap?
presented by Renewable Energy Systems of Alaska
Join Renewable Energy Systems for an empowering off-grid living class. Whether you are already running a cabin on solar or just starting to explore off-grid life, this class gives you the tools to build a reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy setup. Melissa covers everything from beginner basics to smart upgrades, system troubleshooting, and long-term planning for true energy independence. Perfect for new cabin owners, off-grid beginners, and long-time off-grid homeowners looking to improve their systems. If you’re ready to boost your confidence, strengthen your setup, and learn from a trusted expert, this class is your next step.
SUNDAY SEMINARS
Sunday
12:00
Backcountry Canoe Access Skills Lining & Poling
presented by Resident Hunters of Alaska
This class, by Resident Hunters of Alaska, teaches hunters that they can access hunting grounds with a canoe, line upstream, and then float back down with your meat. No motor or fancy boat required, just a canoe and human power.
Sunday
12:00
Adventure All Year: Small-Group Experiences in Palmer, AK
presented by Adventures by True North AK
Discover why Palmer, Alaska, truly is one of the best places in the state to adventure year-round. In this session, Adventures by True North AK will highlight the incredible outdoor opportunities right here in our own backyard — and how you can experience them in new ways. As a locally owned and operated guide and outfitter based right here in the Mat-Su Valley, we offer small group guided tours, hands-on outdoor classes, community events, and premium equipment rentals designed for both visitors and locals alike. Palmer is the ultimate basecamp-with glacier-fed rivers in the summer, stunning fall colors, and unforgettable winter wilderness just minutes from town. Come see what opportunities you may have been driving past for years, and learn how to make the most of the adventure waiting right outside your door.
Sunday
1:00
Wilderness First Aid
presented by Ready Alaska
Fractures, sprains, cuts, burns, falls, hypothermia, embedded fish hooks… there are countless ways that you or someone with you could get injured while out enjoying Alaska’s wilderness. Jessica van Wulven, an experienced medical provider and outdoor enthusiast, will be teaching splinting, fishhook removal, how to handle bleeding emergencies, and other basic medical skills that could mean the difference between life and death in Alaska’s remote wilderness.
Sunday
1:00
Halibut 111
presented by Bottom Line Charters
Halibut 111 is a presentation that covers where to fish, tides, gear, tackle, bait and methods to successfully catch halibut. Presented by Capt Ernie Kirby, owner of Bottom Line Charters in Ninilchik, Alaska, who will share his 33 years of guiding off the Kenai peninsula. Geared for the novice to the weekend fisherman.
Sunday
2:00
Planning Your First African Safari
presented by Waymaker Safaris
Ever dreamed of hunting Africa? Learn how to confidently plan your first African safari from Alaska to the bush. Waymaker Safaris will discuss why you should consider an African Safari, traveling from Alaska, bringing your rifle, costs, physical requirements, trophy handling and shipping, and more!
Sunday
2:00
5 Things You Need to Know About Pepper Spray
presented by Accurate Advantage
This seminar, with Accurate Advantage, unpacks bear threats and defense in Alaska and details the benefits and boundaries of pepper spray for bear defense.
Sunday
3:00
Aluminum Boat Maintenance and Awareness
presented by Greatland Welding & Machine
This seminar, by Greatland Welding & Machine, will discuss different situations that are detrimental to both salt water, and fresh water boats. Things such as corrosion, electrical, vibration etc.