STO: Dealer conference plans 2013 pre-event workshops

From Soundings Trade Only:
The Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, which has seen a 173 percent increase from the number of registrants prior to May 1, 2012, announced it will feature an all-new series of pre-conference workshops at its 2013 event, set for Nov. 17-20 in Orlando, Fla.

The new series will feature seven workshops and is scheduled for the morning of Nov. 18. The workshops will offer in-depth strategies and expert advice in either single three-hour workshops or as many as two 1.5-hour workshops, announced the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, the group that co-produces the show with Boating Industry magazine. Read more.

MasterCraft signs on as MRAA Premier Partner

MINNEAPOLIS — MasterCraft Boat Company, a manufacturer of luxury inboard wakeboarding, water skiing, and wakesurfing powerboats, recently signed on as a Premier Partner Member of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas.

“MasterCraft and MRAA share a passion for providing dealers with tools to raise their game,” says Parker Stair, VP of Sales and Marketing for MasterCraft. “Through our involvement with the association, we can help dealers gain access to educational events and resources to improve and grow their business.”

MasterCraft Boat Co. operates a single manufacturing facility located in Vonore, Tenn. Founded in 1968, MasterCraft has long been known for developing innovative products and features for the marine industry, particularly in the water sports niche.

“MRAA is thrilled to partner with MasterCraft, a company that produces one of the most well-recognized brands in our industry,” says Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA. “We are honored that they have chosen to support the dealer community through membership with MRAA. Together, we can build a stronger boating business.”

 

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is the only North American association dedicated to furthering the interests of boat and engine dealers and other marine-related retailers throughout North America. Under the umbrella of MRAA Rewards, the MRAA offers a host of cost-saving, revenue-generating, business-improvement, and professional-development benefits exclusively for its members. MRAA is the united voice of marine retailers. For more information, visit

Irwin Marine Renews as Retail Premium Member

MINNEAPOLIS – Irwin Marine, a full service marina and authorized dealer for Sea Ray Boats, Berkshire pontoon boats, Sea-Doo, Stingray, and Meridian Yachts, has renewed its membership as a Retail Premium Member, the highest level a retailer can support the association at.

“The MRAA has always strived for the industry’s well-being, but something is changing within the organization,” says John Irwin, Vice President of Irwin Marine. “It is like the MRAA is being energized for the first time, really. For the first time we are seeing parts of the marine industry come together, parts that have typically stayed away from each other. In addition to this, some of the new tools MRAA is offering, such as the education and legislative piece, act like a spark plug for industry success. All in all, the promise for growth has never been grander from my perspective, and this is something I want to be involved in. I am very optimistic about the years ahead, and the next 5 years in particular.”

A third-generation, family-owned and operated business, Irwin Marine, out of Laconia, N.H., was founded in 1919 and has been named a Top 100 Dealer for three consecutive years. The depth of Irwin Marine’s history is vast. Having kept a keen focus on providing a safe and rewarding workplace, delivering the best product available and exceptional service for nearly 100 years, Irwin Marine is considered a leader in the boating industry.

“We are thrilled that Irwin Marine continues to show strong support for MRAA and its goal of improving business for the marine industry,” says Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA. “John Irwin, Vice President of Irwin Marine, has not only been an MRAA board member, but he and his team have been long-time supporters of the MRAA and the marine industry as a whole. This persistent commitment to the association demonstrates Irwin Marine’s sound leadership qualities.”

John Irwin, who recently served a six-year stint on the MRAA Board of Directors, is an acting liaison between the MRAA Board and MRAA’s Young Leaders Advisory Council.

About Marine Retailers Association of the Americas

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is the only North American association dedicated to furthering the interests of boat and engine dealers and other marine-related retailers throughout North America. Under the umbrella of MRAA Rewards, the MRAA offers a host of cost-saving, revenue-generating, business-improvement, and professional-development benefits exclusively for its members. MRAA is the united voice of marine retailers. For more information, visit www.MRAA.com.

Marine Dealer Technologies joins MRAA as Partner Member

MINNEAPOLIS – Marine Dealer Technologies, a web-based tech company offering cutting-edge tools for dealers, has signed on as a Partner Member of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas.

“With the rapid expansion of technology over the past few years, the marine industry is experiencing somewhat of a shift in finding tools that offer a competitive edge,” says Kris Thayer, President of MDT. “We want everyone in this industry to succeed, and for that to happen we have to work smarter. Supporting the tools the association offers, while creating innovative digital tools ourselves is an approach that will certainly result in a well-equipped industry.”

MDT is a company that focuses on creating web-based solutions for dealers. The company’s goal has always been dealer centric—help those who sell and buy boats to make the process cleaner, simpler, and more efficient. Their newest product, the Digital Showroom Manager is one of a number of tools that helps fulfill this goal.

“MDT has a strong desire to support the marine industry and its dealers, a key objective of the MRAA for more than 40 years,” says Matt Gruhn, President of the MRAA. “Thayer, a dealer himself for more than 25 years, understands the full spectrum of dynamics in the showroom and in the boating business at large, and puts that experience to work in his technology company. We’re excited to welcome them to MRAA Membership.”

About Marine Retailers Association of the Americas

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is the only North American association dedicated to furthering the interests of boat and engine dealers and other marine-related retailers throughout North America. Under the umbrella of MRAA Rewards, the MRAA offers a host of cost-saving, revenue-generating, business-improvement, and professional-development benefits exclusively for its members. MRAA is the united voice of marine retailers. For more information, visit www.MRAA.com.

MDCE introduces Pre-Conference Workshops

MINNEAPOLIS – Organizers of the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo announced today that it will feature an all-new series of Pre-Conference Workshops at the 2013 event. This offering is designed to give marine retailers access to hands-on training sessions by leading educators, where they’ll explore and ultimately create new opportunities for their businesses.

Featuring seven individual workshops, the new series will be scheduled for the morning of Monday, Nov. 18 and will offer attendees the option to take-in either a single three-hour workshop or up to two 1.5-hour workshops. These pre-conference sessions will feature in-depth strategies and expert advice on the most critical issues facing today’s marine dealers.

“We have created these workshops in response to requests from MDCE attendees, who have been looking for deeper, more interactive educational sessions,” explains Liz Walz, Director of Membership & Marketing for the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, which co-produces the event with Boating Industry. “Attendees won’t just be sitting still, listening to the speakers’ insight and advice. They’ll be working alongside some of the best trainers out there to craft customized tools, processes and strategies they can immediately bring back to their dealership and implement. These workshops take MDCE’s dealer education to a new height.”

While the specifics of the pre-conference workshops will be announced in the coming days, these sessions will feature limited seating and be focused on topics such as leadership, sales, customer loyalty, and the service department, as well as digital marketing efforts, such as apps, social media and SEO.

“The beauty of these pre-conference workshops is that they will allow dealers to build a plan in specific areas of their business while they are at the MDCE,” explains Jonathan Sweet, Editor-in-Chief of Boating Industry. “Then, when the three tracks of educational sessions start the following day, attendees can enhance the plan they have created with the ideas, best practices and solutions that they pick up during the rest of the MDCE. That’s a formula that will prove to be very effective for anyone looking to maximize their return on investment at the MDCE.”

The MDCE is scheduled for Nov. 17-20, 2013, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. It has attracted an increasing number of dealers every year since 2007, and this year, the event attracted more than 250 registrants prior to the May 1, a record for the event. The most registrants the event has ever accumulated prior to May 1 was 92 in 2012.

The full educational line-up will be announced soon. Visit MRAA.com/event/MDCE for more information.

About the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo

The Marine Dealer Conference & Expo is the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas’ annual conference and member meeting. As the marine industry’s only dealer-specific educational conference, the MDCE features an in-depth line-up of educational topics, a full-featured expo hall, and a series of fixed networking opportunities, all of which are designed to help marine dealers connect with and learn from others who can foster their success. The MDCE is co-produced by the MRAA and Boating Industry, and it offers a keynote presentation, three tracks of educational content, and more than 20 sessions in all. It will be held Nov. 17-20 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Learn more at www.mraa.com/event/MDCE.

More than 250 people already registered for 2013 MDCE!

MINNEAPOLIS – With more than six months to go before the start of the 2013 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, more than 250 marine industry professionals have already registered to attend the event.

The 251 registrants represent a new record — by a long shot — for the MDCE at this point in the year. In fact, that number is a 173-percent increase over the previous highest number of registrants prior to May 1. The previous high was 92 registrants in 2012.

“Clearly, these people understand the great value that the MDCE has to offer them year-in and year-out,” says Matt Gruhn, President of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, who co-produces the MDCE with Boating Industry. “They trust in the opportunities, ideas and connections that this event will provide them, and they know that when we say this year will offer the best educational line-up to date, we will follow through on that promise.”

The finishing touches are being put on the educational agenda this week, and the speakers and topics will begin to be announced later this month. The full event promotional brochure will be published in June and will be inserted into Boating Industry magazine.

“We are thrilled with the number of people who are already registered,” says Amy Collins, Publisher of Boating Industry. “The MDCE has been growing in momentum over the past six years, and we expect to continue that momentum through this year’s event and beyond.”

Anyone interested in registering can save up to $125 off of the standard rate by registering today. The early-bird discount of $50 applies, and MRAA Members can add on a $75 discount for a total of $125 in savings. Members simply need to login to this website and register. If you’re not a member, join today. If you are and forgot your password, call Matt Gruhn at 763-315-8043.

About the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo

The Marine Dealer Conference & Expo is the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas’ annual conference and member meeting. As the marine industry’s only dealer-specific educational conference, the MDCE features an in-depth line-up of educational topics, a full-featured expo hall, and a series of fixed networking opportunities, all of which are designed to help marine dealers connect with and learn from others who can foster their success. The MDCE is co-produced by the MRAA and Boating Industry, and it offers a keynote presentation, three tracks of educational content, and more than 20 sessions in all. It will be held Nov. 17-20 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Learn more at www.mraa.com/event/MDCE.

More than 120 already registered for MDCE

With one week to go before the April promotion for the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo expires, the event has already set a record for the number of attendees registered before May 1. To date more than 120 people have registered for the 2013 MDCE, which will be held Nov. 17-20 in Orlando, Fla. See who has registered!

During the month of April, MDCE registrants can combine a $50 early-bird registration discount with a $25 April promo to register for the guaranteed lowest rate of the year. MRAA Members can save an additional $75, which means that they can register at the same low rate as the 2012 event.

“In each of the past five years, the MDCE has attracted more and more dealers,” says Matt Gruhn, President of the MRAA, which co-produces the MDCE with Boating Industry. “This year, we’re already seeing increased interest in the event, and we’re still a week or two away from announcing our educational line-up. That line-up, very simply, will be the best that we’ve ever offered, and 2013 will be a must-attend event.”

To register and take advantage of the April promo, simply enter “AprilMDCE” in the Promo Code box when you are registering. The early-bird discount will automatically be applied to your registration, and if you’re an MRAA Member, make sure to log in before you register. These savings of up to $150, are a per-person discount, so your savings add up in a hurry. And don’t forget: this offer expires on Tuesday, April 30th. So Register now.

“With the additional value that we are building into the 2013 MDCE, we expect this record pace for registrations to continue right up until the show begins,” says Jonathan Sweet, Editor-in-Chief of Boating Industry. “We’ve spent a lot of time focusing on increasing the opportunities that the MDCE offers dealers, and whether you’re an annual attendee or a first-time attendee, there’s no question that you will walk away with numerous ideas that you can implement immediately into your business.”

The highest number of MDCE registrations recorded in any year prior to the month of May was 92 in 2012.

 

$50 Early-Bird Savings
Anyone who registers for the MDCE by Sept. 20 will automatically receive $50 off of the regular rate. No promo code necessary.

$25 April Savings
To save an additional $25 on your MDCE registration, simply enter “AprilMDCE” into the promo code box when registering. This offer expires April 30th.

$75 MRAA Savings
If you are an MRAA Member, you can save an additional $75 on MDCE registration for a grand total of $150 in savings. Sign in at mraa.com with your user name and password or, if you’re not a member, join now.

Best-Price Guarantee!
There will be no better registration rate for the 2013 MDCE than what is being offered now through April 30th. We guarantee it. Register today.

Stay Tuned!
The MDCE is the only dealer-specific event of its kind. For 2013, we’ve invested more into delivering the best topics from the best speakers. Our dealer conference committee is conducting  a final review of the event’s agenda this afternoon, and we will begin announcing the educational line-up soon. Don’t miss out on this opportunity.

MDCE educational content ascending to new level

Organizers of the 2013 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo are investing in the event’s educational program at a higher level than ever before, with plans underway to offer an expanded line-up of speakers and topics.

As part of this initiative, more than 120 topics from 100-plus potential speakers are being entertained for the 2013 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo. During this year’s pre-conference survey, numerous dealers recommended specific presenters for consideration, and a record number of applications were submitted in response to the MDCE Call for Presentations.

“Whether you’re a loyal attendee of MDCE or considering it for the first time, this year will undoubtedly stand out as the best yet for its incredible combination of timely topics, speaker quality, exhibit hall opportunities and networking events,” says Jonathan Sweet, Editor-in-Chief of Boating Industry magazine.

“We understand the challenges and opportunities dealers are facing in their businesses today,” says Liz Walz, MRAA Director of Membership & Marketing, “and we designed this year’s MDCE agenda to maximize the concrete takeaways dealers can bring back to their businesses to gain a substantial advantage in the marketplace.”

Register now for the lowest rates of the year.

April promo drives early MDCE registration

Following the grand opening of registration for the 2013 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo earlier this month, more than 40 industry professionals have registered to attend, setting a new record for April registration with more than a week left to go.

Driving this surge in early registrations is a one-month promotion through which dealership attendees are receiving the lowest rates they will see this year.

Full price admission for MDCE is $499. The early bird rate that expires in September provides a $50 discount. And during the month of April, registrants receive an additional $25 off, bringing the price down to $424 (simply enter “AprilMDCE” into the promo box to save).

Members of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, which co-produces MDCE with Boating Industry magazine, receive another $75 off the cost of registration for a rock bottom rate of $349, the same low rate available last year.

MDCE is scheduled to take place Nov. 17-20 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

Register now to take advantage of this opportunity!

Dominion Marine Media upgrades MRAA membership

MINNEAPOLIS — Dominion Marine Media, the division of Dominion Enterprises that operates YachtWorld, Boat Trader and boats.com, has upgraded its membership with the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas to Premier Partner Member.

“As a major contributor to the success of today’s marine dealer, we are proud that Dominion Marine Media is increasing its support of the dealer body through this upgraded membership with Marine Retailers Association,” says Matt Gruhn, President of the MRAA. “Their support of dealers through events such as Marine Retail University and the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, as well as the tools and resources they provide dealers on a day-in, day-out basis is extremely impressive, and we’re honored to strengthen our partnership with them as they continue to look for new ways to serve their customers.”

Dominion Marine Media’s web services and portal advertising support dealer marketing and advertising services that create a compelling consumer experience. They were named MRAA’s Supplier of the Year in 2012, recognizing their support to the dealer body, and specifically noting a series of initiatives, including informational webinars, social media seminars and other training programs tailored for dealer performance. Dominion Marine Media operates out of a number of offices located anywhere from British Columbia and the United Kingdom to the United States. Their international presence supports 38.1 million unique visitors to the DMM web sites each year.

“We are excited to expand our partnership with the MRAA,” says Courtney Chalmers, Director of Marketing for Dominion Marine Media. “Our partnership with MRAA over the years has continued to strengthen, and we have plans to continue this trend as we continue to work together to create new opportunities for our dealers. And we are confident that our informational and educational resources will continue to advance our relationship with the broker and dealer communities around the boating industry.”

About Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is the only North American association dedicated to furthering the interests of boat and engine dealers and other marine-related retailers throughout North America. Under the umbrella of MRAA Rewards, the MRAA offers a host of cost-saving, revenue-generating, business-improvement, and professional-development benefits exclusively for its members. MRAA is the united voice of marine retailers. For more information, visit www.MRAA.com.

About Dominion Marine Media
Dominion Marine Media (DMM) is the Internet partner of choice for the recreational marine industry and operates the three market leading web portals –boattrader.com, yachtworld.comandboats.com. DMM is a division of Dominion Enterprises, a leading marketing services and publishing company that provides businesses with a comprehensive suite of technology-based marketing solutions including Internet advertising, lead generation, CRM, website design and hosting and data management services. DMM has offices in North America (Norfolk, Virginia; Seattle, Washington; and Vancouver, British Columbia) as well as in Europe (United Kingdom and Italy) and Australia. The company employs 150 people, has customers in 106 countries and advertises boats for sale in 166 countries. In 2012, over 51 million unique visitors spent time researching products on DMM web and mobile sites, apps and social media outlets. DMM’s global reach includes 23 localized web portals, which are translated into 13 languages.