The 2013 Boating Ontario Conference & Trade Show attracted a significantly increased attendance over the 2012 show and conference delegates all seemed very pleased with this informative and valuable event.

Held at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville Ontario, the event opened on Sunday, December 1 with a reception and dinner. Keynote speaker Donald Dubois, president of Princecraft Boats opened the conference on the morning of December 2, and his inspiring address began by telling the audience about 3 things; the 60th Anniversary of Canadian company Princecraft Boats in 2014, how they manage the business and he also shared some valuable statistics and industry data.

A "Spotlight On Success" session featuring three industry speakers delivered a variety of positive stories to get things rolling and then the ever-popular "Peer To Peer Workshops" began with attendees breaking out into their choice of sessions on such key topics as "Tips to Increase Sales", "What Turns Your Customers On" and "Regulatory and Compliance Issues".

High-energy presenter Sam Dantzler was on hand to do 2 sessions, "Creating Customers for Life" and later in the day "Selling an Experience Not A Boat".

Two other very important sessions completed the Monday agenda with Darlene Upton providing an update on the Trent Severn Waterway and Rideau Canal then  Michelle Rutty talked about Climate Change and its impact Ontario Tourism.

Tuesday, Marketing Guru Marcus Sheridan opened the morning then the attendees broke out into more "Peer To Peer Workshops". After the coffee break, Randall Craig talked about Social Media Strategy closing out the formal presentations before the Trade Show and Luncheon opened.

The President’s Reception was also held in the Trade Show area this year and the conference ended with the President’s Dinner and Awards.

Overall, it was an excellent conference highlighted with a wide range of useful and applicable information to benefit those who attended. If you missed the 2013 conference, make a point of planning to attend in 2014. The event will again be held at the very popular Deerhurst Resort.

CAPTION: Sam Dantzler strikes a pose during his high-energy session.