Alaska Forum

What Alaska Forum does

Alaska Forum, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska, that operates as a neutral, apolitical convener across government, industry, tribal organizations, and nonprofits. Its flagship offering is the annual Alaska Forum Conference, now in its 28th year, which it markets as Alaska's largest cross-sector gathering — drawing 1,650+ participants (half from rural Alaska), 100+ breakout sessions, ~70 exhibitors, and 6 keynote events. The conference is delivered in hybrid format (in-person at the Dena'ina Center in Anchorage plus virtual participation via Cvent's Virtual Attendee Hub) and is supplemented year-round by Alaska Connect, an online training and events platform co-developed with the Knik Tribe.

The organization's portfolio is built around four integrated programs: (1) the annual Alaska Forum Conference (registration $50–$695; exhibitor packages $1,095–$1,795; sponsorship tiers $3,000–$10,000); (2) Alaska Forum Job Training, providing no-cost certifications (HAZWOPER 40, Asbestos Abatement, CPR/First Aid, Alaska Landfill Operator Training, Community Emergency Response Team) funded by USDA, EPA, and State of Alaska grants at a 0% indirect rate; (3) the Green Star® program — a registered trademark — delivering on-site community assessments, technical assistance, and the Green Star® Award to 26+ Alaska communities and small businesses, with documented ADEC-measured outcomes (SWIMS scores up 13.2%, Water Best Practices Scores up 8.9%); and (4) the U.S. Department of Labor-registered Environmental Technician Apprenticeship Program (ETAP). New 2026 additions include a Career Fair and an Arts & Crafts Fair at the annual conference.

Revenue is generated through a hybrid non-profit model combining paid conference registration, exhibitor booth rentals, tiered sponsorships, federal and state grants (USDA, EPA, Alaska Department of Labor, Alaska Workforce Investment Board), corporate sponsorships, in-kind donations, and individual contributions. The organization operates with fewer than ~20 employees, including Executive Director Kurt A. Eilo, Deputy Director Amy Penney, Finance Director Jacquoi Porter, and Community Programs Coordinator Tanner Johnson, and is governed by a board of directors including representatives from Jacobs, Knik Tribal Council, First National Bank Alaska (retired), Environmental Management Inc., Alaska Native Science Commission, and Geosyntec Consultants.

Name

Alaska Forum

Legal name

Alaska Forum, Inc.

Website

https://akforum.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Alaska Forum, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit in Anchorage that hosts Alaska's largest annual cross-sector environmental conference and delivers no-cost workforce training, a registered apprenticeship, and the Green Star® community certification program to rural communities, government, and industry across Alaska.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Services and Workforce Training

NAICS

Business Associations (81391), Civic and Social Organizations (813410)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Association & Society Conference Management (Nonprofit, Professional Bodies) (THAHACAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Training, Enablement & Talent Development Summits (THAHAMAH)

Keywords

• Environmental training services
• Workforce development programs
• Community environmental assessment
• Nonprofit environmental conferences
• Pollution prevention programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Anchorage

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Conference Registration Fees: Paid registration for the annual Alaska Forum conference. Tiers include In-Person All Access Pass ($695), Presenter/Moderator Pass ($450), Student Pass ($50, Alaska-based full-time students only), Two-Day Pass, and Virtual Access Pass ($275). Discounted additional All Access Passes for exhibitor staff at $450 with EXHIBITORPASS code.
2. Exhibitor Booth Rental Fees: Tiered exhibitor booth packages for the annual conference. Package One (up to 5 booth staff) at $1,095; Package Two (6–10 booth staff) at $1,495; Package Three (11–15 booth staff) at $1,795. Plus an additional $100 for third floor booths. Five-day space rental.
3. Conference Sponsorships and Partnerships: Tiered partnership program for the annual conference. Denali Partner – $10,000 (6 All Access passes + booth); Foraker Partner – $6,000; St. Elias Partner – $3,000. Additional opportunities: Keynote Lunch Table Sponsor ($2,000), Sponsor an Elder ($4,500), Coffee/Snack Sponsor ($1,000). Custom sponsorship packages available.
4. Federal and State Grants: Major funding stream via grant programs from USDA Rural Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Alaska Department of Labor, and Alaska Workforce Investment Board State Training and Employment Program. Funds job training (HAZWOPER, ALOT, ETAP, CERT) and the Green Star program. Operates at 0% indirect rate to maximize grant value.
5. Donations and Individual Contributions: Donations from individuals, businesses, and partner organizations that support the nonprofit's mission. Combined with public funding to maintain apolitical/independent operations.
6. Corporate Sponsorships and In-Kind Donations: Sponsors, donors, and funders support the Green Star program through corporate sponsorships, in-kind donations, grants, and contracts. Includes funders like USDA, Copper Valley Electric (COP), and ALPAR.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Alaska Forum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that operates four integrated programs: (1) the annual Alaska Forum Conference — Alaska's largest cross-sector gathering of government, industry, tribes, nonprofits, and community members; (2) Alaska Connect — a year-round online training and events platform operated in partnership with the Knik Tribe; (3) Alaska Forum Job Training — no-cost workforce certifications (HAZWOPER, Asbestos Abatement, ALOT, CERT) and the US Department of Labor-registered Environmental Technician Apprenticeship Program (ETAP); and (4) the Green Star® Communities program — no-cost on-site environmental assessments and recognition for rural Alaska communities and small businesses.

Product overview

Alaska Forum, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose portfolio centers on the annual Alaska Forum Conference (the state's largest cross-sector gathering, with AF2026 and AF2027 editions) and is supported year-round by Alaska Connect, an online training and events platform co-developed with Knik Tribe. Built around this conference + online platform architecture are the Alaska Forum Job Training program (offering Hazwoper, Asbestos Abatement, ALOT, CERT, and other certifications), the US Department of Labor-registered Environmental Technician Apprenticeship Program (ETAP), and the Green Star® Communities certification program (a no-cost infrastructure/energy/waste/safety assessment and award program for Alaska's small businesses and rural communities), along with its add-on Safer Choice pollution-prevention initiative. Sub-events under the Alaska Forum Conference umbrella include the new-for-2026 Career Fair and Arts & Crafts Fair.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Green Star: Alaska Forum's registered trademark pollution-prevention program supporting Alaska small businesses and communities with leadership in infrastructure, energy, waste management, safety, and preparedness. Includes the Green Star Communities Program and the Safer Choice initiative.
• Alaska Connect

Products and services

• Alaska Forum Conference Annual cross-sector conference described as Alaska's largest gathering of professionals, organizations, and community members. Brings together leaders from government, business, education, nonprofits, and communities to collaborate on environmental, infrastructure, and public-policy projects. Includes keynote events, breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall, a Career Fair, and an Arts & Crafts Fair.
• Alaska Connect Year-round online training and events platform delivered in partnership with Knik Tribe. Provides critical job-skills and technical trainings including certifications, and allows organizations to attend or host virtual trainings and conferences.
• Alaska Forum Job Training Industry-recognized technical training and certification program covering Hazwoper 40, Hazwoper Refresher, Asbestos Abatement, CPR/First Aid, Home Heating and Oil Tank, Confined Space, and Wildfire Protection Awareness. Provided at no cost thanks to grant funding from USDA, EPA, and the State of Alaska.
• Environmental Technician Apprenticeship Program (ETAP) US Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship sponsored by Alaska Forum that combines on-the-job training with related instruction to prepare environmental technicians for roles in air quality, emergency preparedness, energy, laboratory services, site management, natural resources, safety, solid/hazardous waste, sustainability, wastewater, water supply, and watershed management.
• Alaska Landfill Operator Training (ALOT) Training for designated landfill operators in villages with Class III landfills or open dumps. Covers landfill regulations and requirements, household hazardous waste, waste separation and screening, waste reduction and segregation, recycling, and personal protection equipment. Offered virtually and on-site in communities at no cost thanks to USDA grant funding.
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training CERT training program offering Alaskans in rural communities disaster preparedness and basic disaster response skills including fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Combines 12 hours of online coursework through the University of Utah with in-person training in Anchorage at the BP Energy Center, provided at no cost via an EPA grant.
• Green Star® Communities Program No-cost program supporting Alaska small businesses and rural communities that want to demonstrate leadership in infrastructure, energy, waste management, safety, and preparedness. Provides on-site community assessments, technical assistance on water/wastewater, solid waste, energy, and wildfire mitigation, and recognition through the Green Star® Award. Green Star® is a registered trademark of Alaska Forum.
• Safer Choice Program Pollution Prevention initiative built upon the Green Star® program and delivered in partnership with Knik Tribe under an EPA grant. Provides Pollution Prevention (P2) technical assistance to rural Alaskan businesses and helps communities access EPA Safer Choice certified cleaning and household products.
• Alaska Forum Career Fair Full-day Career Fair held as part of AF2026 at the Dena'ina Convention Center. Open to the general public, it connects job seekers and week-of-training graduates with hiring employers, trade schools, Native corporations, and non-profits, and offers complimentary resume writing support and professional headshots.
• Alaska Forum Arts and Crafts Fair Full-day Arts & Crafts Fair held as part of AF2026, showcasing local Alaska artisans and handmade goods including beadwork, carvings, textiles, and jewelry. Open to the general public and limited to handmade, independently created goods (no direct-sales or franchise vendors).

Named customers24 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, major and minor.

• Knik Tribe (Knik Tribal Council)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to operate Alaska Connect, a year-round online training and events platform. Also partners with Alaska Forum on the Safer Choice / Pollution Prevention program for Alaska Native Villages, supported by an EPA grant. The Knik Tribe representative (Richard Porter, Tlingit/Inupiaq) sits on the Alaska Forum Board of Directors as Secretary and also serves on the Planning Committee.
• Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeadership Partner of the Alaska Forum conference. Member of the Planning Committee. Provides outcome metrics (SWIMS, Water Best Practices Scores) used to measure Green Star program impact. ADEC Director Charlie Cobb is the named contact.
• Republic ServicesmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerLeadership Partner of the Alaska Forum conference providing financial contributions. Also a featured employer at the 2026 Career Fair.
• Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling (ALPAR)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerLeadership Partner of the Alaska Forum conference. Also a sponsor/funder of the Green Star program and sends speakers/moderators to the conference.
• Jacobs EngineeringmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerLeadership Partner of the Alaska Forum conference. Board of Directors Chairperson Win Westervelt represents Jacobs. Also sends speakers/moderators.
• Oil Spill Recovery Institute (OSRI)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeadership Partner of the Alaska Forum conference; also sends speakers/moderators related to oil spill response and prevention topics.
• Bristol Bay Native Corporation (BBNC)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerLeadership Partner of the Alaska Forum conference. Also a featured employer at the 2026 Career Fair.
• AECOMmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerLeadership Partner of the Alaska Forum conference. AECOM is also a featured exhibitor at the conference and sends speakers/moderators across infrastructure and environmental topics.
• New SagayaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLeadership Partner of the Alaska Forum conference; an Alaska retail/grocer demonstrating community-level support for the event.
• Kukk WaterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLeadership Partner of the Alaska Forum conference; an Alaska-based water brand aligned with environmental/sustainability themes.
• Alaska AirlinesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides annual travel discount for Alaska Forum attendees traveling from rural Alaska and the Lower 48 (discount code ECMO498 via alaskaair.com).
• Anchorage Marriott Downtown HotelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHost hotel for the Alaska Forum conference at 820 W. 7th Ave, Anchorage, Alaska 99501. Offers a discount rate of $179/night (less than the existing government travel rate). Reservation line: 907-279-8000.
• Copper Valley Electric Association (COP)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor/funder of the Green Star program.
• Chugach Electric AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of the Alaska Forum Planning Committee. Sends speakers/moderators on energy topics.
• University of Alaska Fairbanks - Bristol Bay CampusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of the Alaska Forum Planning Committee. Provides academic/research expertise in environmental and rural community topics.
• North Pacific Research BoardminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of the Alaska Forum Planning Committee; provides research expertise related to Alaska's marine and coastal environments.
• Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of the Alaska Forum Planning Committee. Sends speakers/moderators on oil spill response and regional environmental topics.
• Kuna EngineeringminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of the Alaska Forum Planning Committee. Alaska Native-owned engineering firm supporting infrastructure and environmental projects.
• U.S. Department of DefenseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of the Alaska Forum Planning Committee. Includes U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Navy, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Alaskan Command, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, and Pacific Air Force as speaker/moderator organizations.
• Alaska Department of Fish and GameminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of the Alaska Forum Planning Committee. Sends speakers/moderators on ecology, fisheries, and wildlife topics.
• Alaska Department of Military and Veterans AffairsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of the Alaska Forum Planning Committee. Sends speakers/moderators on disaster preparedness, response, and veterans-related topics.
• Alaska Event ServicesminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHandles freight, shipping, drayage, and additional booth services for exhibitors at the Alaska Forum conference. Neither the Dena'ina Convention Center nor Alaska Forum accept advance shipments; all shipping goes through this partner.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• National Safety Council: Large national safety organization offering HAZWOPER, confined space, and OSHA-aligned training. Comparable to Alaska Forum's HAZWOPER 40 and Refresher, Asbestos Abatement, and CPR/First Aid job training portfolio, though at far broader scale.
• National Wildlife Federation: Large national environmental non-profit with state affiliate programs, education, and community recognition initiatives. Comparable to Alaska Forum's environmental stewardship recognition model (Green Star) and education/outreach programming.
• International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM): Professional association for emergency managers, with training and certification programs including emergency preparedness. Comparable to Alaska Forum's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training delivery for rural Alaska communities.
• National Environmental Health Association (NEHA): National professional association credentialing environmental health practitioners. Comparable to Alaska Forum's environmental training and credentialing programs (CERT, ALOT, ETAP) that produce recognized environmental and safety competencies.

Direct peers

• Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP): Alaska non-profit advancing clean energy education, convenings, and policy. Comparable as a state-focused environmental non-profit running conferences, trainings, and community programs with overlapping government and tribal stakeholders.
• Resource Development Council for Alaska: Alaska-based non-profit that convenes cross-sector stakeholders (government, industry, communities) on natural resource, environmental, and economic issues. Most directly comparable as a similarly positioned Alaska convening/policy non-profit with overlapping sponsor and partner bases.
• Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center (PPRC): Non-profit providing pollution prevention technical assistance to businesses and communities in the Pacific Northwest. Closely comparable to Alaska Forum's Green Star and Safer Choice pollution prevention programs delivered under EPA P2 grants.
• Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA): Industry association that runs landfill operator training and certification programs nationwide. Directly comparable to Alaska Forum's Alaska Landfill Operator Training (ALOT) and broader solid-waste technical assistance offerings.
• Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC): Alaska tribal non-profit delivering workforce training, environmental health, and rural community capacity-building programs. Comparable in mission, Alaska rural focus, and grant-funded training delivery model.

Regional players

• Alaska Municipal League: Alaska state-wide association representing municipal governments. Comparable as a convening body for local government and community leaders on cross-cutting policy and capacity issues, with overlapping attendee and partner ecosystems.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/alaskaforum
• Facebookfacebook.com/alaskaforum
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/alaska-forum-on-the-environment-inc-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Alaska Forum