News

2014 ABBRA Boatyard Business Conference Speakers and Topics Announced; Registration Now Open

ABBRA Opens Registration and Announces Speakers & Topics for January 22-24, 2014, Boatyard Business Conference

 Theme – Reflect, Rethink, Refocus: Business Leadership for Tomorrow’s Boat Building and Repair Industry

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – October 10, 2013 – The American Boat Builders & Repairers Association (ABBRA) announces its line-up of topics and speakers for the 2014 ABBRA Boatyard Business Conference.  The event, which focuses strictly on issues important to boatyards, boat builders and marine service/repair businesses, will take place January 22 – 24, 2014, at the B Ocean Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and will offer conference participants a venue to hear updates on opportunities and challenges facing the boatyard/boatbuilding marine industry sector.

Registration is now open.  Register early to receive 2013 rates; members who register before December 8th pay only $295 and non-members pay $395.  After December 8th rates will increase to $395 for members and $495 for non-members.

The program will combine interactive sessions with experienced industry leaders, industry partners and leading non-industry experts with breakout roundtable sessions, and several networking and business-to-business events.

The conference is entitled “Reflect, Rethink, Refocus:  Business Leadership for Tomorrow’s Boat Building and Repair Industry” and speakers will offer general session presentations on the following:

  • Mark Lindsay, Principal, Boston Boat Works/MJM Yachts – “The Practical Application of “Reflect, Rethink & Refocus” for Your 2014 Business Plan”
  • Tracy Mandart, AWMA, Wealth Manager – Regions Bank, Fort Lauderdale, FL  – “Succession & Transition Business Planning Is a Hallmark of Leadership”
  • John McKnight, NMMA and Gerry Nessenson, ValvTect – “The Facts About Ethanol, Alternatives and What They Mean for Boatyards & Builders”
  • Chris Niles, UBS – “Reflect, Rethink and Refocus on the Economy” 
  • Jillian Murphy, The Syncretics Group – “Leadership at the Edge”

Breakout roundtables will focus on three different business aspects that will span both days of the conference: Business Development and Marketing, Operations, and Environmental and Safety.

The ABBRA Boatyard Business Conference is made possible through the support of Presenting Sponsors Starkweather & Shepley and Great American Insurance Company – Marine Division. Additional sponsors include American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC), Sea Hawk Paints, My-Villages, Dockmaster Software,   Mirka Abrasives, Interlux/AwlGrip, PierVantage, Lumishore USA, ValvTect Marine Fuel, and Gowrie Group.

For additional information on the conference or for registration please visit abbra.org or contact Gordon Connell or Nicole Hoekstra at 954-654-7821.

 

 

 

 

About American Boat Builders & Repairers Association (ABBRA)

Founded in 1943, ABBRA is a national marine trade organization that represents, is dedicated to, and seeks to strengthen and encourage professionalism in the boat building, marine service, and boat repair industry.