Having served as a PR manager and magazine editor for around 20 years in the off-road and powersports industry, safety factored into everything my teams did, from producing media kits to writing stories and taking photography. It was all about the message we were creating and sending to the end user, reader and product owner. Safety and the promotion of it were mandatory!
Learn more about the importance of life jackets at the Safe Boating Campaign site. (Image courtesy National Safe Boating Council)
National Safe Boating Week runs June 18-24. Memorial Day weekend marks the official kickoff to summer for boating and all forms of outdoor recreation. As a marine industry leader, industry advocate and steward of recreational boating, you play an integral role in ensuring the safety of every guest who joins you at your on-the-water events.
You and your customers will gather on rivers, lakes and across the seas to celebrate boat ownership, build relationships and showcase the boating lifestyle. That’s why you need to be a boating safety activist. Use your team’s expertise and boat operation knowledge to create more safety awareness through customer education.
We’ve shared many stories of successful events on the MRAA Spotlight page “Dealership Events That Deliver.” One aspect that measures the success of any event is boater safety. Every captain plays a part in protecting each occupant of their vessel. Everyone, including you as an event organizer and host, is responsible for caring for the attendees, the boats, the water and the environment. We’re also all responsible for our boating etiquette and the image we portray to non-boaters.
Make boating safety a priority as you ramp up your events this year! This message is a friendly reminder that we all play a role in promoting boating safety. Here are a few marine industry safety leaders and advocates and links to their resources to help your team share boating safety with your customers and event attendees.
Send event participants this Sea Tow Foundation Sober Skipper Flyer. (Image courtesy of Sea Tow)
Real-world events and concepts to help you connect with, educate and engage customers, outdoor enthusiasts and the community
What if you could achieve three of your most important goals – more traffic, more leads and more sales – with one strategy? That’s the promise of dealership events done right.
More than half of respondents to a recent MRAA poll reported they hold five or fewer annual events. About 37 percent host between 6 and 12 events per year. And six percent host 13 or more events per year.
So, it’s time to ask yourself: How do you stack up against the rest? Are you average? Above average? A leader in dealership events?
If you don’t have events expertise or experience, perhaps creating, planning, hosting, sponsoring or budgeting for more events feels overwhelming.
Don’t let your fear of the unknown win. With a little inspiration, you can support your business and the marine industry by creating events and other opportunities to connect with customers, boaters, outdoor enthusiasts and your community. The goal? Boater retention and lead generation, both of which are critical components to your success.
A Proven Strategy from Leading Dealers Dealership events aren’t a new concept. In fact, when the Dealership Certification program began, the founding dealers believed promoting the boating lifestyle beyond the confines of their physical stores was essential. They envisioned Certified Dealers playing a role in organizing or endorsing local events aimed at drawing newcomers to experience boating, as well as encouraging current boat owners to remain active on the water. Their starter list included nine elements:
Boat shows
Demo days
Boating getaways
Parades
Fishing teams
Fishing tournaments
Charity events
Boating education
Watersports shows/tournaments
To achieve bigger and better results in your dealership(s), we invite you to seek inspiration from this list of 50 dealership event ideas:
The Pelican Pass Boating Rendezvous in Florida with The Boat House. (Image by Marshall Nicholson, courtesy of The Boat House.)
Boating Rendezvous – The Boat House – MRAA Gold Member, Certified Using some event management wizardry, the Boat House Florida team has developed detailed planning and communication processes for its boating rendezvous and sales events to cater to customers and gain team buy-in.
Sock Burning – Nine Marina – MRAA Bronze Member Nine Marina goes all in when it comes to summer fun. Its sock-burning events, complete with live music, food and prizes, engage customers by asking them to hang up (burn!) their socks and put on their sandals for the summer boating season. It also helps promote ship store traffic and merch sales.
Kentucky Derby & Walleye Weekend – Oak Hill Companies – MRAA Gold Member, Certified Oak Hill Marina and Oak Hill Outdoor play host to what is known as Walleye Weekend. This year, the 42nd annual event had a live weigh-in with prizes, a special Kentucky Derby event, a Friday fish fry and live music. Customers and guests experienced Oak Hill’s quality service and saw boats, fishing gear and outdoor apparel.
Rock the Boat – Hagadone Marine Group – MRAA Gold Member, Certified The Hagadone Marine Group hosts numerous annual events, from its Lake Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo to Women Making Waves. To kick off summer, though, HMG uses its cruise boat line for an exclusive two-hour boating event featuring live music, event keepsakes, gourmet appetizers and beverages.
Factory Takeover – Dan’s Southside Marine – MRAA Silver Member Dan’s Southside Marine shared with its followers on Facebook what it called “Minnesota’s new pontoon buying event,” inviting them to partake in a two-day Premiere Pontoons Factory Takeover event. Customers could tour the factory in Big Lake, Minnesota, and meet the people behind the brand.
Saturday Service & Breakfast – Arrowhead OKC – MRAA Gold Member, Certified Arrowhead Boat Sales OKC hosted a Boat Service and Breakfast event in April, inviting customers to bring their vessels in for spring service on a Saturday. Breakfast was on them!
Winter Celebration – Boats by George – MRAA Bronze Member The event that wasn’t. Remember to maintain your flexibility with events and improvise when you need to. Due to strange weather and an early ice-out, Boats By George shared a social post requesting new names for its annual ice-out party and Demo Days event. The winner received a BBG hat.
She’s the Captain – Boat Town – MRAA Bronze Member Designed specifically for women boaters, Boat Town’s She’s the Captain events aim to “show people what it actually means to boat like a girl.” Boat Town’s women staffers help women boat owners and other participants to boat properly, providing them with a comfortable learning environment and support.
Voyage & Vine – Petzold’s Marine Center – MRAA Gold Member Petzold’s Marine Center showcased new Chris Craft boats and local wines at a custom sales showcase, promising its customers an evening of elegance and discovery. The showroom event also pledged to create memories to last a lifetime for guests.
Community Fundraisers – Active Water Sports – MRAA Gold Member, Certified A perfect win-win example, Active Water Sports participated in the Deschutes Children’s Foundation gala and auction. AWS auctioned off two boating packages (a dinner cruise on a pontoon and a water sports day on a wake boat), knowing the donations and proceeds will help children and families in need.
Toy Drive – Boater’s Exchange – MRAA Gold Member, Certified Boater’s Exchange held a toy drive to benefit Central Florida East Coast Charities. Customers were encouraged to drop off new toys to fill a boat. Boater’s Exchange delivered the toys in the boat to the CFEC organizers at its event and celebration. “Together with you, we can make Christmas brighter for our local children in need,” says Boater’s Exchange.
Food Drive – Lakeview Marine – MRAA Gold Member, Certified Lakeview Marine held a fill-the-boat food drive to raise food levels and donations that benefitted the Webster-Dudley Food Share program. Customers were encouraged to drop by the showroom to drop off non-perishable food in the boat just in time for Thanksgiving.
Boat & Rec Training – Faction Marine – MRAA Silver Member Whether it is wake surf lessons or wake surf boat setup and driving skills, Faction Marine of Alexandria, Minn., lends its experienced skills, offering customized classes to help customers get familiar with their boats and learn safety and etiquette on the water.
Donuts & Coffee – Holly Acres RV and Marine – MRAA Silver Member, Certified Certified Dealer Holly Acres RC and Marine hosted two separate Saturday events that included free donuts, bagels, fruit and coffee. They added: “Fuel up with delicious treats while exploring our top-of-the-line vehicles. Who can resist a combination of tasty snacks and stunning boats and RVs?”
Image courtesy of Strong’s Marine
15. Women on the Water – Strong’s Marine – MRAA Gold Member, Certified Strong’s Marine’s Women on the Water events empower women clients and team members, helping them feel comfortable on the water. Now in their third year of existence and held at two locations, these on-the-water training opportunities advance education and boost customer confidence.
16. Season Opening Vessel Safety Checks – Yarmouth Boatyard – MRAA Gold Member, Certified Yarmouth Boat Yard hosted a Season Opener & Vessel Safety Check to help its customers know they are in full compliance with state and federal boating laws to ensure their boat is ready for the season.
17. Fishing Tournaments – Apopka Marine – MRAA Bronze Member, Certified Apopka Marine caters to its fishing boat and angling customers by hosting and supporting various fishing tournaments and events. It was the presenting sponsor of the Citrus County Building Alliance’s 29th Annual Family Fishing Tournament and the Joe Bega Big Bass Classic.
18. Halloween Boat Parade & Fireworks Show – Oakdale Yacht Resort & Marina – MRAA Bronze Member, Certified It doesn’t have to be July 4th to celebrate with fireworks. Oakdale Yacht Resort & Marina, Yacht Club and Tiki Bar hosted a boat parade and fireworks show over Halloween that concluded with live music.
19. Search for the Golden Egg – Overby Marine Sales and Service – MRAA Gold Member, Certified Move aside Willy Wonka, as Overby Marine Sales and Service has its own golden chase item — a search for the golden egg. The dealership hid Easter eggs all over its Lake Gaston location part & accessories section. Only one of those was the winning egg connected to a special prize.
20. Poker Run – Cedar Port Marina – MRAA Gold Member This event — also a fundraiser at $20 per hand — helped support student lunch debts and bring customers and staff together for fun. It featured live music, a costume contest and numerous poker run stops at various locations.
Image courtesy FLX Marine.
21. Pop-up Boat Show – FLX Marine – MRAA Bronze Member FLX Marine teamed with two other local dealers to create their own Pop-Up Boat Show as a new way to engage customers and get sales leads and deals back. They share tips and a checklist to make an event like this more successful.
22. Boat Maintenance Seminar – MarineMax Sail & Ski Center – MRAA Diamond Ambassador MarineMax Sail & Ski Center helps customers understand their boats and the services they have available to them to boost their confidence as owners. The custom events are for owners of varying skill levels and introduce them to the store’s “make-ready” and service teams that provide insights and tips for maintenance and boat care.
23. Winter Tie-Up – No Wake Marine – MRAA Bronze Member Boating and winter do not seem to go together, but No Wake Marine won an award from Malibu Boats for its Winter Tie-Up event. The winter evening gathering includes huge pro shop discounts, games, food, complimentary beverages, and a live band. They add: “Another way we like to give back is to provide special events that include you and your family! After all, at the end of the day … it’s all about family!”
24. Boat Parade – Regal & Nautique of Orlando – MRAA Gold Member, Certified Regal & Nautique of Orlando sponsors the Windermere Boat Parade, a community event to engage boat owners. The dealer also provides a winning prize pack for the boat judged to have the best holiday decorations.
25. Owners Reunion – NXTLVL Marine DFW – MRAA Silver Member Held annually at Hell’s Gate on Possum Kingdom Lake, the Owner’s Reunion includes a demo time for boats and wake surfing and a tie-up celebration. The customer appreciation party moves to Lush Resort for pool time and a belly flop contest, food, music and raffles. NXTLVL hosts at least six events to celebrate its customers and the boating community it serves.
26. Evening with the Stars – Active Water Sports – MRAA Gold Member, Certified AWS holds its annual Evening with the Stars event around Thanksgiving, where customers and the community engage with pro wakeboarders. The event includes boat-show pricing, pro shop closeouts, free food, a raffle (to benefit Children’s Cancer Association) and Toys for Tots donations.
27. Anniversary Celebration – Chessie Marine – MRAA Gold Member, Certified Chessie Marine, in 2022, hosted a fancy gala to celebrate its 30th anniversary and showroom grand opening. Along with a unique anniversary logo of their iconic “Chessie” sea monster, they supplied their team and customers with food, entertainment and a facility tour.
28. Boat Club Education – Bridge Marina – MRAA Silver Member Bridge Marina adds a weekly On-Water Training Clinic to its Boat Club member onboarding process, helping members become better, safer and more confident boaters through education and training.
29. Parking Lot Party – Minnesota Inboard Water Sports – MRAA Bronze Member Hosting events can force you to improvise due to weather. Minnesota Inboard Water Sports did just that after the cancellation of its tie-up Reunion. Instead, it hosted a Parking Lot Party for customers and the public at its Excelsior location with food, football, games, giveaways, raffles, kid’s events and more.
Image courtesy of Mount Dora Boating Center & Marina.
30. Movie night – Mount Dora Boating Center & Marina – MRAA Gold Member, Certified Mount Dora Boating Center & Marina has mastered hosting motion pictures on the water! The movie nights have become big hits with customers, but new guest numbers have risen lately. More people want to enjoy the boat-in movie theatre experience.
31. Beyond Boat Show Open House – Wayzata Marine – MRAA Bronze Member Wayzata Marine hosted a “Beyond Boat Show Open House” at its Lake Minnetonka showroom for two weekends after the Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show. The idea was to help customers take advantage of the exclusive boat show offers, manufacturer rebates and opportunity to view new models.
32. Wakeboard Competition – Idaho Watersports, MRAA Gold Member, Certified Wake in the Snake (River) is an annual wakeboard competition hosted by Idaho Watersports. Idaho Watersports hosted the 25th anniversary event last year, bringing in event sponsors and food vendors.
33. Wilmette Raft Up – Gordy’s Marine – MRAA Gold Member, Certified Gordy’s Marine hosts a fun Raft Up party outside of Wilmette Harbor on Lake Michigan. Like a rendezvous, Gordy’s crew gathers on a sand bar and builds a memorable day filled with great people, food, boating and fun.
34. Grand Opening/Reopening – Rapid Marine – MRAA Gold Member, Certified Rapid Marine Group has hosted the Grand Opening/Reopening of some of its stores throughout Minnesota. It reserves the entire weekend to showcase the new facility and fishing boats to the public and its customers. Event activities include Friday VIP night, fishing Q&A sessions with pros, appetizers and refreshments.
35. Customer Appreciation Party – Reeder-Trausch Marine – MRAA Silver Member Combine live music, free food and prizes with buying incentives on boats and you have an event to engage your customers and new shopper. Reeder-Trausch Marine in Rockville, Indiana, scheduled a 4-hour event in mid-April — its seventh annual event —to show its customers some spring-time love. It also hosted a fall party to cap off the boating season.
36. Key Largo Excursion – RIVA Motorsports & Marine – MRAA Gold Member, Certified The RIVA Motorsports & Marine crew invited customers to experience the Florida Keys by joining them on the 2023 RIVA Key Largo Excursion! The four-day event destination event included trips to Alligator Reef, Christ of The Abyss and Islamorada Sandbar. RIVA teamed with FL Ski Riders to host the event.
37. Boats ‘N Bros – Charlotte Ski Boats – MRAA Bronze Member Charlotte Ski Boats hosts specific events for men and women to experience the wake surfing life! Whether it’s the Boats ‘N Bros events for men or the Ladies’ Surf Nights for women, both events create memories on the water through surfing, fellowship and fun.
38. Kids in Boating Class – MarineMax Fort Myers – Diamond Ambassador To help engage, educate and raise future boaters, MarineMax Fort Myers hosts its Kids in Boating Class. They believe in instilling responsible boating values at an early age, so the program is for customers’ children to learn fundamentals, proper safety and respect for the water and nature.
39. Fishing Seminars – Legendary Marine – MRAA Silver Member Legendary Marine hosts numerous events at its showroom. The Gulf Coast Boating & Fishing Seminar Series is held the first Tuesday of each month in Destin and includes hands-on training by a professional captain, including tips for outfitting a boat and techniques for catching different fish (tarpon, amberjack, blackfin tuna and more).
40. Branded Fun Run – Big Thunder Marine – MRAA Gold Member To support its brands, Baja, Fountain and Donzi, Big Thunder Marine (BTM) hosts an annual Fun Run event. It includes a registration party, breakfast at the lake and numerous entertainment stops so customers can experience the boating life in the Lake of the Ozarks, Mo.
41. Demo Days – Lakeside Marina – MRAA Gold Member, Certified This Demo Days event highlighted Lakeside Marina’s line of fishing vessels and helped engage and retain boaters and anglers. The event included well-known fishing pros, television personalities and Recon Boats owner and founder John Johnson. The exclusive, free event lets customers enjoy time seat time on the water with fishing industry icons and also learn their top fishing tips and tactics.
42. Carp Classic – Pier 33 – MRAA Silver Member Along with hosting Michigan Boater Safety Classes, Pier 33 hosts a fun fishing and boating event dubbed the Carp Classic. The event creates valuable connections with customers and the community. Entrants compete for prizes and can fish from a boat or the dock, as no license is required to fish that weekend.
43. Owner’s Adventure – Nautical Ventures Group – MRAA Silver Member Nautical Ventures Group, aka “The Go-To People for Fun on the Water,” hosted a Rendezvous in Bimini, Bahamas this year for its Axopar customers. The idea was to create cherished memories for their customers that last a lifetime. They are already planning for the June 2025 event!
44. Home & Outdoor Expo – Valley Speed Marine Boating Center – MRAA Silver Member One way to connect with the community you serve to engage existing customers and new clients is to attach your brand to a local outdoor expo or show as an exhibitor or sponsor. Ideally, you gain exposure to outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and interests.
45. Year-end Sales Event – Inland Boat Company – MRAA Bronze Member Located in Oshkosh, Wis., Lakeside Marina hosted a branded Demo Days event and added two sponsors. It included free grub, a raffle, expert tips from professional anglers and on-water demos.
46. Student Immersion – Irish Boat Shop – MRAA Silver Member On the heels of celebrating the 2024 International Marine Service Tech Week, Irish Boat Shop staff hosted students from the Great Lakes Boat Building School. The students explored six different stations at the dealership to become more familiar with it and to gain industry exposure. Sharing industry insights and dealership knowledge with students and the potential next-generation of the marine-industry workforce is a wise decision.
47. Showroom Showdown – J&K Marine, MRAA Gold Member, Certified and U Motors, MRAA Gold Member, Certified J&K Marine partnered with U Motors & Marine and two other retailers to host a one-day “battles of the dealers” event for customers in the middle of February in Minnesota. The event included food, fun, professional fishing tips, recreational products and also served as a way to highlight J&K Marine’s new showroom.
Image courtesy of Erwin Marine Sales
48. “Running of the Toons” – Erwin Marine Sales – MRAA Silver Member Erwin Marine Sales will host its inaugural and branded event: “Running of the Toons.” The event serves multiple purposes, including providing customers an exclusive on-the-water adventure, exposing non-owners to the boating lifestyle and donating all the proceeds to support the McKamey Animal Center. The fee is $50 per boat (for two people). Erwin Marine Sales has included a participant keepsake bag as well.
49. Pancake Breakfast & BBQ Lunch – Pirate Cove Marina – MRAA Silver Member As part of its 30th anniversary celebration, Pirate Cove Marina hosted an open house that included breakfast, lunch, raffles, kids’ activities and boats! The proceeds from the day went to a local outreach mission and the “Operation Backpack Program” to help local children in need.
50. Boats & Ball Games – Phil Dill Boats – MRAA Silver Member Phil Dill Boats held its third annual Boats & Ball Games watch party at its showroom, inviting customers to bring their family and friends to experience a gridiron rivalry. Football and school loyalties can be big fun to attach to, especially with food, activities for kids, contests, giveaways and clearance boats!
50 Dealership Event Ideas, Tactics and Resources Visit the MRAA Spotlight page “Dealership Events that Deliver” for more best practices, tactics and winning ideas.
Need more information about MRAA Membership?Learn more.
Discover Boating, powered by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and MRAA, announced today the launch of its latest short film in the “See You Out Here” campaign, Beyond the Diamond: A Life of Boating, Fishing, and Family, featuring nine-time Major League Baseball all-star, Gary Sheffield. The video takes viewers on a day in the life of Sheffield as he sets out on the water with friends, which will be shared across paid digital, streaming, social media, events and PR as part of Discover Boating’s summer 2024 campaign.
Over his 22-year career, Sheffield played for multiple teams, including the San Diego Padres, Florida Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, and New York Mets. He has a passion for boating that’s played an important part of his life, especially since his retirement from professional baseball, boating and fishing with family and friends where he resides near Tampa, Fla.
Next month, viewers can watch an extended cut of this video, learning more about Sheffield’s love for boating and how it plays into his lifestyle.
Sheffield is one of a handful of real boater stories being shared as part of the 2024 Discover Boating “See You Out Here” campaign this summer as current boaters help welcome the next generation.
Read the MRAA blog about Gary Sheffield’s career and his love of boating.
Gary Sheffield, nine-time Major League Baseball all-star and five-time Silver Slugger, circled the bases after launching homers 509 times during his 22-year career. He traveled North America as a professional ballplayer for the Marlins, Dodgers, Brewers, Yankees, Braves, Padres, Tigers and Mets. I remember hunting for his rookie cards back in 1989. Back then, he was living out his big-league dreams. Today, he’s living a different dream as an avid boater (and angler), and he’s sharing his passion for the sport as an ambassador for Discover Boating’s 2024 “See You Out Here” campaign.
The author’s personal Gary Sheffield rookie card collection.
Born in Tampa, Fla., Sheffield grew up fishing and watching his father around the docks. He dreamed of owning a boat. Today, the proud fishing vessel owner joyfully shares his passion for on-the-water experiences with others. There’s only one “Sheff,” but like millions of other enthusiasts, he understands the peace, tranquility, privacy and adventures that await him on a boat.
Sheffield is familiar with the spotlight, having been a pro sports icon for roughly 40 percent of his life. Now he’s shining the spotlight on the benefits of boating and fishing with a passionate message that is relatable and welcoming to a diverse audience of new boaters and outdoor adventurists.
“I try to introduce [boating] to as many people as I can, and I just want them to just get a feel of what I feel,” said Sheffield in a Discover Boating video promo. “This is what it’s all about, man. My dad grew up over here in Fort Tampa, taking me out fishing. This kind of balances me out and balances my soul. Sometimes you’re going through things in life; this kind of resets me. This is what life is all about right here.”
In Case You Missed It! I encourage you to watch NMMA President Frank Hugelmeyer’s State of the Recreational Boating Industry update from the 2024 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show. You’ll gain more perspective on how dealership contributions help Discover Boating, but also learn more about why Sheffield yearns to share boating adventures with his friends and family and why Discover Boating is sharing his real story with others to help make boating a home run experience for everyone!
• How the Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo Propels Hagadone Marine Group to New Heights
By Kodie Woodhead, Director of Marketing, Hagadone Marine Group & Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises
In 2024, The Hagadone Marine Group hosted their sixth annual Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo, marking yet another year of resounding success and community engagement. This event, held at the picturesque Blackwell Island Marina on beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, has become a cornerstone of the company’s calendar and a pivotal driver of sales, community building and brand visibility.
Initially, Hagadone Marine Group participated in the local Spokane Boat Show. However, recognizing the potential for a more personalized and expansive showcase, the company launched its own event in 2019. This decision has paid off spectacularly, with attendance growing from hundreds in the early years to more than 6,500 visitors annually. The Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo is the largest event hosted by Hagadone Marine Group, and it significantly boosts the company’s sales, accounting for 20-25 percent of annual boat sales.
Preparation for the Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo is a comprehensive endeavor, with over 30 days dedicated to readying three showrooms. This intensive effort ensures a seamless and captivating experience for attendees. The marketing campaign for the event is equally extensive, drawing potential customers from across the region and as far as the Seattle, Wash., area and beyond. The successful execution of this event is a testament to the team’s dedication and the Hagadone Marine Group’s strategic vision.
A special VIP Night is part of Hagadone Marine Group’s Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo.The Hagadone Marine Group team behind the Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo.
The Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo is a celebration of the local boating community more than it is a sales event. Leading up to the main event, several smaller activities, such as Wine & Whiskey Wednesdays, Kids Surf Day and VIP Night, create buzz and drive traffic to the showrooms. These pre-event gatherings offer exclusive show pricing and foster a sense of anticipation and community among boating enthusiasts.
Every year, the Boat Expo introduces exciting new features to captivate attendees. One highlight, in 2023, was a boat giveaway, which drew thousands of visitors in a single day. These attractions not only enhance visitor experience but also underscore Hagadone Marine Group’s commitment to innovation and customer engagement.
Part of the Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo offered activities for kids. Part of its customer-centric approach included pre-Expo events to create buzz and on-site activations like this build-a-boat station.
For the team at Hagadone Marine Group, the Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo is a source of pride and an opportunity to showcase their expertise and customer-centric approach. President Craig Brosenne emphasizes the dealership’s dedication to maximizing fun on the water while minimizing hassle. Whether it’s delivering dinner to a client’s dock or providing driving lessons on a new boat, the team’s commitment to exceptional service is evident.
For Marine Retailers Association of the Americas members considering hosting their own events, the success of the Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo offers five valuable insights. It highlights:
The importance of strategic planning
Collaborative teamwork
Extensive marketing
Community engagement
Continuous innovation
By creating an event that not only boosts sales but also unites the local community and showcases top-tier service, dealerships can build lasting relationships and drive significant growth. The Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo exemplifies how a well-executed event can transform a dealership’s fortunes, foster community spirit and create unparalleled opportunities for growth.
For Hagadone Marine Group, it’s a tradition that continues to thrive, setting a benchmark for excellence in the marine retail industry. As other dealerships look to emulate this success, they can draw inspiration from Hagadone Marine Group’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences both on and off the water.
For more event ideas and best practices for success, visit the MRAA Spotlight page.
Discover Boating, powered by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the MRAA, continues to generate valuable content for new and seasoned boaters alike. Discover Boating, through monthly emails and social media efforts, drives consumers to DiscoverBoating.com, sharing with them boating lifestyle content.
(Discover Boating image)
Celebrating Earth Day and National Picnic Day In April, Discover Boating celebrated Earth Day. From practical tips for keeping our waterways clean to easy-to-follow suggestions to encourage boaters to enjoy their water time and protect the environment. Additionally, Discover Boating provided a comprehensive guide to planning the perfect boat picnic for National Picnic Day.
Boating for Mental Health Discover Boating highlighted boating’s mental health benefits for Mental Health Awareness Month. The article provided 10 reasons why boating is an excellent way to boost well-being. From reducing stress to connecting with loved ones to enjoying water’s calming effects, boating offers many rewards.
New Articles in April In April 2024, Discover Boating published new articles offering a range of tips and guides for boaters:
Sharing the Knowledge It’s your busy season, so share some of these articles with your customers to help enhance their boating experiences and promote a well-informed boating community. They articles make great social medias posts, e-newsletter content and work in other communication channels.
The Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show, in partnership with Progressive Insurance®, landed in the top 10. (Photo by NMMA)
The top 10 winners for Best Boat Show are ranked as follows:
St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show
Palm Beach International Boat Show
Detroit Boat Show
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show, in partnership with Progressive Insurance®
Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show
Newport International Boat Show
Bay Bridge Boat Show
Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show, in partnership with Progressive Insurance®
Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show, in partnership with Progressive Insurance®
10Best Readers’ Choice Awards highlight the best of the best in contests covering categories such as destinations, food and drink, hotels and things to do. Nominees in all categories are submitted by a panel of experts. The final set of nominees are selected by 10Best editors before being presented to the public.
Last week the recreational boating industry, including the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), visited Washington, D.C., for the annual American Boating Congress (ABC) hosted by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). MRAA staff, certified dealers and members of the MRAA board of directors met with lawmakers to discuss the contributions of the marine industry to the larger economy as well as issues of concern and how Congress can help.
Mike Sayre, MRAA Director of Government Relations, Chad Taylor, President Taylor’s South Shore Marina, Mike Davin, MRAA Vice President of Industry Relations, Jeff Strong, President Strong’s Marine, Matt Gruhn, MRAA President, Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager, and Joe Lewis, General Manager Mount Dora Boating Center.
ABC, an integral event for the recreational boating industry, enables business owners and stakeholders to discuss issues impacting their businesses and the recreational boating industry directly with their elected officials. These conversations are key in developing relationships between members of Congress and event attendees, laying critical groundwork for the MRAA Government Relations Team.
This year, ABC featured a new schedule, with attendees coming in Wednesday for a day of programming and preparation ahead of a full day of meetings on Capitol Hill on Thursday, followed by a dinner and keynote speakers. While on the Hill, MRAA staff and members visited with various offices, including meeting with the staff of Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN), Sen. Todd Young (R-IN), Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY-1), Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH-2) and many more.
These meetings put MRAA members and staff at the table with key members of Congress and their staff, presenting the opportunity to discuss key policy priorities like the LAKES Act as well as issues impacting the recreational boating industry like the proposed Right Whale Vessel Speed Rule and proposed tariffs on aluminum extrusions.
Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager, Danny Porter, Research and Development Manager Thunderbird Industries, Grant Porter Executive Vice President Thunderbird Industries, Scott Porter President Thunderbird Industries.
Mike Morris, President DuraBrite Inc., Jay Blackburn Faria Gauges NMMA board member, Eric Kretsch, Legislative Coordinator Association of Marina Industries, Scott Croft, Vice President of Public Affairs Boat Owners Association of the United States, Jeff Strong, President Strong’s Marine. Patty Lawrence, Director of Education International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition, Tashia Roberson-Wing, Legislative Assistant Representative Landsman (D-OH-01), Chad Taylor, President Taylor’s South Shore Marina, John Relyea, CEO Brand Lab Gear.
After a long day of successful Hill meetings, attendees reconvened for a dinner and to hear from Keynote Speakers Mike Allen and Alex Thompson from Axios. In a fireside chat, moderated by NMMA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Robyn Boerstling, Allen and Thompson prognosticated about the 2024 Presidential Election, provided input about the importance of policy at the state level, and gave insights about the unique political and legislative landscape we are in currently.
The final day of ABC, Friday, May 10, featured a panel that discussed efforts to bolster the workforce in the recreational marine industry. Again moderated by Boerstling, the panel featured MRAA’s Mike Davin, Vice President of Industry Relations, Randall Lyons, Executive Director for the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association and John Adey, Executive Director of the American Boat and Yacht Council. The panel discussed current efforts being undertaken by each organization while diving into the opportunities for collaboration among various entities.
Randall Lyons, Executive Director Massachusetts Marine Trades Association, Mike Davin, MRAA Vice President of Industry Relations, John Adey, President American Boat and Yacht Council and Rob Newsome, Senior Vice President of Operations National Marine Manufacturers Association.
In all, ABC 2024 was a success and the MRAA staff and members ensured dealer concerns were represented and made known. This is a challenging time of year for dealers to break away and engage in advocacy, which is why the MRAA Government Relations Team is consistently advocating on behalf of retailers to ensure the voice of the dealer is always included. As they say in D.C., if you are not at the table, you are on the menu, and MRAA works to keep you at the table.
If you have any questions about ABC or want to attend in 2025, please do not hesitate to reach out to Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager, at chad@mraa.com or Mike Sayre, MRAA Director of Government Relations, at Sayre@mraa.com.
Join the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) for an industry webinar to learn the why & how of the Discover Boating brand, created to attract new boaters and retain current boaters.
Learn more about who the campaign is reaching, how it’s engaging today’s evolving consumer and why the brand is building long-term market share for boating.
Join the Why & How of Discover Boating webinar at 12 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 23, 2024.
The webinar will outline:
Evolution of the Discover Boating strategy
Key elements of the brand’s spring/summer campaign
Examples of how the campaign is working to engage boaters of today and tomorrow
Speakers include: Ellen Bradley, Chief Brand Officer and Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, NMMA; Mike Davin, Vice President of Industry Relations, MRAA; and Kevin Williams, Vice President of Marketing, NMMA.
Webinar: Why & How of Discover Boating DATE: Thursday, May 23, 2024 TIME: 12 p.m. ET
MINNEAPOLIS, May 7, 2024 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) announces the addition of Battery Tender, ECOXGEAR, iNet, Newcoast, North River Boats and Speedydock Software as its newest Partner Members.
Marine manufacturers, suppliers and service providers, through Partner Membership, commit to aligning their brands with the programs and opportunities that MRAA offers in its efforts to fuel the success of the marine industry. Support from Partners allows the Association to expand its offerings and create a positive, long-term impact on MRAA members’ business.
Six New Partner Members:
Battery Tender (Deland, Fla.) designs, manufactures and distributes advanced battery technology that are always ready to go when you are.
ECOXGEAR (Poway, Calif.) specializes in 100% waterproof, dustproof and rugged audio solutions from soundbars for Golf Cars, UTVs, ATVs and the marine industry.
iNet (Cedar Park, Texas) offers a quick-and-easy way to apply online for a boat loan in 48 states.
Newcoast (Clearwater, Fla.) allows you to connect with the largest network of quality lenders and insurance providers in the marine and RV industries for the most competitive rates.
North River Boats (Rosenburg, Ore.) is one of the largest heavy-gauge aluminum boat manufacturers in the United States with a mission to relentlessly improve quality and customer service.
Speedydock Software (Auburn, Ala.) creates software applications that simplify dry stack marina operations and manage boat club reservation scheduling.
“Collaborating with these six unique companies reinforces our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions and unparalleled support to the marine industry,” says Allison Gruhn, MRAA Vice President of Business Development.
Dealer members are encouraged to explore the list of companies that actively support the MRAA across four partnership levels. View the complete list.
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.
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