ABBRA’s Boatyard Business Conference Scheduled for January 16th – 18th 2013

The American Boat Builders & Repairers Association's (ABBRA) Boatyard Business Conference will take place from January 16 – 18, 2013, at B Ocean Hotel in Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida.

Previously, ABBRA was a co-producer of the IMBC but determined that the Boatbuilding and Repair industry had specific needs in the current economic climate and a conference that is wholly focused on the business of building and repairing boats was called for. ABBRA's Boatyard Business Conference is an event that will provide relevant information and a format that caters strictly to boat builders, boatyard owners, operators, managers and boat service and repair business professionals.

The conference theme “Sustainability & Growth of the Traditional Boatyard in a New Global Marketplace” will focus on the operational, legislative, workforce, and technical business issues critical in day-to-day management of boatyards and marine service facilities today while also considering a vision for the future.
 
Pam Lendzion, ABBRA President says, “We have made some bold and significant changes to ABBRA's annual conference because our members have indicated the need for an event that offers comprehensive discussions that can ultimately help chart their path forward.” She added, “We’re inviting the industry's leaders to join us and participate in interactive discussions that tackle the challenges of sustainability and growth such as globalization, technological advances, and the development of a technically trained workforce capable of fueling future growth in the boat building and boat repair industry.”

The two day conference will be held at the B Ocean Hotel located on the beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It will open Wednesday, January 16, 2013, at 4 pm with registration and an opening reception in the evening.  Sessions will begin Thursday morning at 8 am, January 17th followed by a keynote luncheon and the 70th Anniversary Platinum Jubilee Celebration and Awards Dinner later that night.  The conference will close on Friday, January 18th after morning sessions and a final keynote luncheon.

The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) will officially roll out their new Fast Trac training initiative at the conference. Ed Sherman, ABYC’s Curriculum Director, one of the speakers scheduled for the conference says, “Fast Trac is a new training initiative that provides affordable technical training and allows marine technicians to earn an ABYC certification without having to take time away from work. A successful pilot program was conducted at the Brewer Boatyards in New England. ABBRA is proud to be affiliated with both ABYC and Brewer Boatyards.  The Fast Trac program will be offered to ABBRA member Boatyards nationally.”

ABBRA will celebrate its 70th anniversary at the conference and present its annual awards, including the Dennis Snow President’s Award.

For more information about the conference or for sponsorship details contact ABBRA Executive Director Gordon Connell or President, Pam Lendzion at 954-654-7821, gordon@abbra.org or lendzion@aug.com.