Chris Fischer was the keynote speaker at SkillsUSA's 50th National Leadership and Skills Conference. Fischer is an ocean explorer who has led 19 global expeditions to advance science and education while unlocking many mysteries surrounding the life history of white sharks and other giants of the ocean. He has facilitated millions of dollars in collaborative ocean research, supporting the work of over 50 scientists from over 35 international and regional institutions. The Opening Ceremony was sponsored by Caterpillar Inc.