• Annual MRAA Conference and Expo Runs Dec. 8-11, in Orlando, Fla.
MINNEAPOLIS, Friday, Nov. 8 – The countdown is on! In one month, Dealer Week 2024 will bring the marine industry’s largest dealer education event to life, beginning Sunday, Dec. 8, in Orlando, Fla. Boat dealers and industry professionals alike are gearing up for a week filled with transformative insights, hands-on education and unequaled networking opportunities.
Dealer Week, hosted annually by the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, connects boat retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, service providers and more professionals for a conference and expo dedicated to helping boating retailers – and, by extension, the industry – succeed in 2024 and beyond.
Dealer Week registration is on track with last year’s record-setting levels leading up the four-day event. Here is an overview of some of the highpoints event attendees can expect.
Economic & Industry Updates
Gain the latest projections for the economy in the year ahead, along with deep insights and reasoned strategies, from boating experts and industry leaders. Industry thought leaders will open and close the conference with in-depth presentations on how to attact endless customers and innovative strategies to build thriving, future-focused workplace cultures.
An Emphasis to “Outperform”
Top educators will host four different Dealer Week Pathways (Leadership, Marketing, Sales & F&I and Service & Parts) highlighted by 24 educational sessions with subject matter experts who will provide specific examples of how to drive performance in today’s market. This is your chance to set apart your business and your team from the competition. Learn more about the Dealer Week theme, frequently asked questions and a calendar of events, here.
Expo Hall
The Dealer Week Expo Hall contains innovative products and the latest vessels from a wide selection of boat and accessories manufacturers. Attendees can meet with partners and service providers who are dedicated to dealer success. The 2024 Expo Hall at Dealer Week, the largest in the event’s history, houses the educational classrooms because the exhibitors serve as educational partners for the dealership attendees. The record number of booths includes 50 first-time exhibitors.
Special Service Event
The official start of Dealer Week 2024 happens Sunday, Dec. 8. The exclusive Service Department Special Event is designed to help dealership service departments outperform in a challenging market. The event unites service managers and service advisors for a robust educational workshop to help them work together to operate at the highest level. The Dealer Week add-on session is designed for anyone currently involved in service management, working as a service advisor or training for one of these roles. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today.
THE Networking Reception
Dealer Week is held in December because a majority of dealers have said it’s the time of year where they can get away and focus on learning and to connect with peers and other industry leaders. The annual networking receptions have spurred nearly as many great business collaborations and ideas as the educational sessions. This year, the Opening Reception will be held at the Rosen Plaza, where event participants can enjoy food, drinks and great conversation while they are meeting new people and reconnecting with old friends.
A Rockin’ Celebration
Open to all Dealer Week attendees and exhibitors, the MRAA’s Industry Celebration 2024 is themed “Get Ready to Rock” and made possible by KICKER Marine Audio. Hosted at Orlando’s famous Howl at the Moon, the rock-themed event will include great food and drinks, dueling pianos, contests and fun from 7-10 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10. Rock-and-roll-themed costumes are highly encouraged for all attendees.
To see a complete event rundown, and to register, visit DealerWeek.com. Hotel blocks at some of the nearby hotels have already sold out, so please book your lodging soon. See you in Florida!
###
About Dealer Week
For more than 50 years, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has delivered world-class educational programming to dealers, retailers and service operations that power the boating industry and serve today’s boaters. Dealer Week exists to engage, energize and empower the dealer community. The MRAA envisions a brighter future for marine retail, and Dealer Week is the preeminent means for bringing that vision to life. Learn more at DealerWeek.com.
About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.
