MINNEAPOLIS — One year after launching a Young Professionals Community to foster growth and networking opportunities for emerging leaders in the marine industry, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has scheduled the second-annual gathering of this group at the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, Nov. 17-20, 2013 in Orlando, Fla.

The Young Professionals Leadership Development Event will kick off in MDCE Room 1 at 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19^th, immediately following the MDCE Networking Reception on the expo floor. The educational portion of the event, led by David Spader of Spader Business Management, is entitled, “Success & Fulfillment: How the Adaptable Leader Delivers Both for Themselves, Their Employees & Their Dealership.”

The event, which will feature a variety of snacks and beverages this year, is sponsored by the MRAA Educational Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation that provides financial support for education, training and professional development in the recreational marine trades.

“The more than 90 attendees who attended last year’s Young Professionals event are a testament not only to the presence of young, emerging leaders in our industry, but also their commitment to professional development,’” says Liz Walz, MRAA Director of Education and Membership. “We greatly enjoy our relationship with Spader and the support of the MRAA Educational Foundation, both of which have allowed us to fuel that commitment and help the industry to nurture both current and future leaders.”

While the educational session is the primary focus of this Leadership Development Program, following the session, attendees are encouraged to join the MRAA Staff and many of their peers for an informal networking event at Marlow’s Tavern, located at Pointe Orlando, which is just across International Drive from the 2013 MDCE.

The brainchild of the MRAA’s Young Leaders Advisory Council, this Young Professionals Community offers industry participants educational and networking opportunities, both in-person and online. There are no restrictions to who can join this group or attend this event.

Register now for the Young Professionals Leadership Development Event, which is free to all MDCE attendees, at www.mraa.com/event/YPC2013. In addition, the Young Professionals Community is live here. Members of the MRAA can access the community by logging in, joining the Young Leaders Group page, and interacting with fellow Young Professionals. Participate in forums, connect with peers and take advantage of all the community has to offer.

About Marine Retailers Association of the Americas

At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the companies that interact with the boater in their community must thrive. Those businesses determine the boater’s experience and are the leading factor in the industry’s success. The MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those businesses, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit