Dec 3, 2019

The 2019 Boating Ontario Annual Conference, held at the Sheraton on the Falls, was a resounding success. The three-day conference saw the largest attendance in our history and the introduction of several networking moments, such as BOATS (Boating Ontario Annual Trade Show), the Spousal Program, and the First-Timers Reception were all well received.
 
The First-Timers Reception welcomed an astounding 37 new attendees to the conference and provided a chance for newcomers to mingle with other first-time delegates as well as meet members of the Boating Ontario Board of Directors.
 
Delegates were treated to an array of educational and informative sessions including Millennials Management, a robust and engaging shirt sleeve session, an update on the Marine Liability Act, the IJC on Great Lakes water levels, NMMA on the proposed luxury tax, a Facebook seminar and an incredible closing keynote on leadership techniques. Wrapped around these were a total of eight unique breakout sessions featuring solutions to a variety of topics.
 
Boating Ontario President Jan Holland and CEO Rick Layzell presented four awards during the Gala Dinner on Tuesday evening. A huge congratulations to the winners of the following awards: Outer Harbour Marina, winner of the Robert Eaton Environmental Award for their implementation of two Seabin receptacles in the Toronto Harbour; Holden Rhodes of Killarney Mountain Lodge & the Sportman’s Inn, winner of the Gord Blake Visionary Award for his impressive contributions to the revitalization and growth for the Killarney area; Scott MacCrimmon of Hucks Marine & Resort, winner of the President’s Award for his tireless efforts in the fight against tariffs and high water levels; and Judy Semple of Hutchings Marine Products, winner of the W.J. Robertson Award for her long-time dedication to, and support of Boating Ontario.

Winners of the Boating Ontario Awards of Excellence with CEO & President – Holden Rhodes, Outer Harbour Marina, Judy Semple and Scott MacCrimmon. Photos by Andy Adams.

Finally, Boating Ontario held their Annual General Meeting during the conference and the Board would like to take this opportunity to welcome Erin Csumrik Shaw of McGregor on the Water and Vanessa Orchard of C.A.S. Power Marine to the Boating Ontario Board of Directors.
 
As the conference wrapped up Boating Ontario CEO Rick Layzell announced the 2020 Conference will return to the Sheraton on the Falls – Monday, November 30th to Wednesday, November 2nd, 2020.