Marina conference wraps itself in green
The focus will be on environmentalism and conservation when boatyard pros get together in Florida
By Beth Rosenberg / Staff Writer
b.rosenberg@tradeonlytoday.com
The 2009 International Marina and
Boatyard Conference, scheduled for Jan.
25-28 in Fort Lauderdale, is going
“green,” with efforts under way to provide a more environmentally friendly
event.
All seminar handouts will be provided on USB ports to save paper. The
port plugs into a personal laptop computer or central computer station in
the convention center so attendees can
look through the material and print out
only what they want in hard copy.
Also this year, the conference’s new
exhibition management company,
Champion Exhibition Services, will
contribute to the “green” efforts by
using recyclable materials for signs,
purchasing carpet containing recycled
materials, using organic cleaning products and providing exhibitor manuals
on CD and online.
Profits in a Unique Way, Marina Market
Overview, Business Strategies to Overcome the Impact of the Energy Crisis,
How to Evaluate Business Decisions in
Today’s Tough Business Environment,
and The Role of Engineering in Marina
Redevelopment.
In all, more than 25 industry professionals are scheduled to speak during
the three-day event. In addition, Bill
Yeargin, president and CEO of Correct
Craft, will discuss team-building, using
personality assessment tools. He will
speak at the industry breakfast on the
final day of the conference.
Following the seminars, a field trip is
planned to three Southeast Florida
marinas: Port Condominium, which
features a vertical storage system; and
Harbour Towne Marina and Pelican Ma-
rina, which are run by the Miami Dade
Parks and Recreational Department.
A dinner and networking event, featuring entertainment, will be held at
the Pelican Marina following the tour.
“It’s really the premier event for
the marina and boatyard industry,”
says LaMarre.
For information, or to register, visit
www.marinaassociation.org/imbc. n
IMBC brings marina owners, operators
and personnel, as well as boatbuilders
and repairers, together for a summit.
IMBC, sponsored by the Association
of Marina Industries and the American
Boat Builders and Repairers Association, is billed as the premier education
and networking opportunity for marina
professionals.
“It’s the only conference geared toward marina and boatyard owners, operators and personnel,” says conference co-coordinator Rachel LaMarre.
“It’s where everyone really gathers to
talk about current trends, what’s going
on, revised standards, new methods
and techniques and networking.
“It provides an opportunity for delegates to network with internationally
acclaimed marina professionals and certified marina managers,” she says.
LaMarre says registration, as of early
November, was on par with the 2008
event, which drew about 600 people.
The conference features a dozen seminars on a variety of subjects, in addition to more than 100 exhibitors showing their latest products. The show
floor is open for the duration of the
conference.
Seminar topics include: Maximizing
