More than 450 marine industry professionals have registered to attend the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, to be held Nov. 16-18 in Orlando, representing an increase of more than 81 percent over last year’s total attendance. Of those registered, more than 310 are dealers, representing a 56-percent increase over 2008’s event.

“In the face of what this industry has endured of late, this conference is already a success,” says Ed Lofgren, chairman of the Marine Retailers Association of America. “And it’s all about the product — seminars and presentations that are vital and visionary and that fill the needs of the dealer market place and direct access to the best products and services on the market today. Every marine retailer in the country that wants to survive and prosper should be at this event.”

Nearly 20 educational sessions are on tap for this national dealer event, and nearly 60 companies have already signed on to exhibit.