The recession hasn’t dampened one of the longest-running maritime shows on the west coast, say organizers of the 42nd Annual Pacific Marine Expo, to be held in Seattle this weekend.

“We’re very fortunate,” show director Bob Callahan said. “A lot of shows across the country have been down, but this one has bucked the trend and stayed strong. The show is approximately the same size as last year.”

Billed by organizers as the largest and longest-running commercial marine trade show on the west coast, the expo will be held this Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 19 to 21, at Qwest Field Event Center and includes more than 425 exhibitors and events such as conferences, author appearances, happy hour gatherings and a documentary screening.

“If you’re in the marine industry, the expo is the place to be,” said Mike Lodato, vice president of Diversified Business Communications, which produces the show. “It is the best opportunity of the year to reach key decisions within the commercial marine industry.”

Callahan said the show is expected to draw about 10,000 attendees from as far away as South America and Japan. “It’s an important show,” he said. “There’s a tremendous amount of products for people to see. They can see the latest in electronics and propulsion. There’s fishing gear, deck machinery … there’s just a huge variety of product for them to see.

“In addition to sourcing products, they also have a great time at our many special events,” Callahan said.

This year’s show includes a keynote address by University of Washington Research Scientist Dr. Trevor Branch dubbed “Rebuilding Global Fisheries: No More Gloom and Doom.” Speaking from 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19, Branch will discuss a new study of the world’s fisheries which finds that it is possible to rebuild ecosystems and avoid future fisheries collapses if nations act wisely.

On Friday at 10:30 a.m. there will be a screening of the documentary “Black Wave: The Legacy of the Exxon Valdez,” which chronicles the environmental, social and economic impacts of the spill on the fishermen of Cordova, Alaska.

Conferences at the show will focus on workboats, fisheries and fisheries business, processing and safety. Panel presentations include ”Building Business and Driving Sales with the Captains and Crew of Deadliest Catch,” “Klamath River Dam Removal: Salmon Revitalization?” and “Taking it to the Streets: How to Tell the Fishermen’s Story to the Consumer?”

At the author’s corner and bookstore, writers will be on hand to talk with attendees and sign books. Attendees can check out maritime history and art, and test their skills on a variety of handcrafted model working vessels.

Fishermen can compete in the Fisherman of the Year Contest, testing their ability to tie nets while blindfolded and scramble into survival suits for a chance to win cash prizes.

A happy hour from 4 to 5 p.m. each day provides a chance to network and enjoy a complimentary drink, and attendees can enter to win tickets to a Seattle Seahawks game or a Major League Soccer Championship Cup game.

Held annually in Seattle, the Marine Trade Expo attracts a range of people in the marine industry, from commercial vessel operators to seafood processors, who come to check out the hottest products and new services. For the past few years, Callahan said, the show has also attracted a growing number of private yacht owners, who come to check out the latest in marine electronics.

Callahan said the wide variety of products on display and the range of events make the show a popular annual event.

“It’s just a real friendly atmosphere and it’s a way for people to conduct business, catch up with old friends and network,” he said. “It’s a good time.”

Tickets can be purchased at the door or on the show’s website. Registering online in advance gets you a chance at winning one of five $500 American Express gift cards.