• MRAA, Strategic Partners Gear Up for Annual Boating Conference and Expo
MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 1, 2025 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), alongside its Strategic Partners, is gearing up for Dealer Week 2025, set for Dec. 7–10 in Tampa, Florida. As boating’s only event focused entirely on dealer growth, Dealer Week delivers world-class education, innovative solutions from top companies and unmatched networking opportunities. It’s all built to help industry retailers prepare for what’s next in the year ahead.
This year’s event is projected to welcome more than 1,400 attendees, 180+ exhibitors, 60+ boat brands and 14 boats in slips, making Dealer Week 2025 one of the most significant annual gatherings in the marine industry.
“Especially as retailers prepare for a year marked by shifting consumer expectations, new technologies, and unpredictable economic ups and downs, Dealer Week gives our industry the chance to come together to learn and strengthen the relationships that ultimately drive success,” said Mike Davin, MRAA VP of Industry Relations. “This year’s ‘Prepare for What’s Next’ theme was chosen because retail is in the midst of generational change. We want to be certain that as an industry we are prepared to capitalize on it.”
What’s New for You at Dealer Week 2025
Dealer Week 2025 introduces a slate of new programs and experiences tailored to dealer needs, including:
F&I Workshop
Educator DJ Stringer will present a focused learning track designed to help dealers strengthen profitability and navigate today’s financing environment.
Women’s Networking Event
The dedicated gathering will support community-building, leadership development and connection among women within the marine industry. The MRAA Educational Foundation and Brand Lab Gear made this event possible.
New-to-Marine Showcase
The new Dealer Week zone showcases companies and innovations entering the marine space for the first time. Attendees can walk through the easy-to-navigate tabletop booths.
Boat Show Boot Camp
Sam Dantzler and Jordon Schoolmeester of Garage Composites will share practical guidance, tactics and hands-on learnings in the pre-conference workshop to help dealers increase leads and improve results at boat shows.
WSIA/MRAA Advocacy Session
The Facing the Next Wave: How Dealer Action Protects Access and Your Bottom Line event will discuss why rising wake sport regulations threaten your business. Learn how dealer advocacy protects access, revenue and the boating lifestyle.
Opening and Closing Keynotes
High-energy sessions from Doug Stephens (Evolve Your Dealership for a Rapidly Transforming Market) and Jeff Havens (Uncrapify Your Future!) will frame, with urgency and laughter, opportunities and challenges retailers should prepare for in 2026.
MRAA Industry Celebration
The 2025 celebratory event, made possible by KICKER Marine Audio, is themed “Escape to the Tropics.” Dealer Week 2025 attendees get free admission to the event at Splitsville Tiki + Social in Tampa.. Dress code: Sunset Resort Casual.
“Dealer Week is designed to help dealers learn and build the skills, actionable strategies and confidence they need to succeed,” said Liz Walz, MRAA Director of Learning Vision and Impact. “This year’s new workshops and networking events reflect crucial areas dealers tell us matter most — profitability, leadership, connection and preparing teams to thrive in a fast-changing market.”
Strategic Partners Fuel Growth and Innovation
MRAA’s 12 Strategic Partners play a vital role in supporting Dealer Week’s educational programming, attendee experiences and industry-wide collaboration. Get more information at DealerWeek.com/strategicpartners.
MRAA Strategic Partners for 2025-2027 include:
- Barletta Boats & Chris-Craft
- Bennington Marine
- Boats Group
- Brunswick
- Correct Craft
- Lightspeed DMS
- Malibu Boats, Inc.
- Northpoint Commercial Finance
- Smoker Craft, Inc.
- Volvo Penta of the Americas
- Wells Fargo
- Yamaha
“Our Strategic Partners are deeply committed to helping dealers grow their businesses and elevate the experiences they deliver to boaters,” said Liz Keener, MRAA Senior Director of Partnerships. “Their investment in Dealer Week and MRAA year-round fuels the tools, resources and conversations that help retailers evolve and prepare for what’s next.”
View the Dealer Week 2025 schedule page and register today.
About Dealer Week
For more than 50 years, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has delivered world-class education to marine dealers, retailers and service operations that power the boating industry. Dealer Week exists to engage, energize and empower the dealer community. MRAA envisions a brighter future for marine retail, and Dealer Week is a key part of 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.
