April 30, 2017

Technical and business training, new products, expanded awards program, demonstration boats highlight annual event

SEVERNA PARK, MD-For marine electronics dealers, installers, technicians, and office personnel who are looking for the best training and new product opportunities this year, the 2017 NMEA International Marine Electronics Conference & Expo is the place. General registration and new exhibitor sales will open on May 11 for the September event.

Beginning its three-day run on September 26, 2017 at the Bellevue Hilton on Seattle’s east side and Lake Washington, the event will focus on education and training, a new products expo, demonstration boats, product awards, as well as networking and social events. The NMEA Conference & Expo is the largest trade event in North America focused on marine electronics. All event information is posted on the NMEA Conference website www.expo.nmea.org.

“After listening to member feedback and suggestions, we have increased the training offerings and brought back business-related training tracks. This year we will also bring back the CEO panel which features top industry CEOs who share their insights into consumer and industry trends,” said Mark Reedenauer, NMEA President and Executive Director.

“We have also added member incentives and discounts to encourage dealer and trade members to attend. The 2017 NMEA Conference and Expo offers the best opportunity of the year for face-to-face contact between dealers and installers and marine electronics manufacturers,” he said.

Full conference registrants can also take advantage of the all-day NMEA training at a 50% discounted price-the lowest price that NMEA offers. NMEA offers the following courses during the Conference (see www.expo.nmea.org for specific days and times):

*NMEA & ABYC Combined Training
*Basic NMEA Installer Training (MEI)
*Basic NMEA 2000® Installer Training
*Advanced NMEA Installer Training (AMEI)
*Advanced NMEA 2000® Installer Training

Attendees may see the latest products in action on demonstration boats that will operate all three days, including evenings when manufacturers show off underwater lights, night vision cameras, and radar operation. The marina is a 10-minute shuttle ride from the Bellevue Hilton.

Thursday evening will feature the NMEA Awards Banquet. The NMEA Product of Excellence Awards and the NMEA Technology Award are highly prized by the manufacturers of marine electronics.

“To better serve the membership, the NMEA Board of Directors are very excited to have the conference back in the Pacific Northwest this year,” said NMEA Chairman Mike Spyros. “We are anticipating seeing many members and non-members from the West Coast, Alaska, and from British Columbia, which is only a three-hour drive away. It is an event that no one in this industry can afford to miss.”

A preliminary schedule of events is posted on www.expo.nmea.org and more information will be added in coming weeks. For more information, contact the NMEA main office at 410-975-9425.