New Format for ABBRA and International Boatyard Business Conference

ABBRA, the American Boat Builders & Repairers Association has announced its 2013 Annual Conference the “International Boatyard Business Conference”. This boatyard and related services industry event will be held January 19-20, 2013 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It will cater to boatyard owners, operators, and managers, boat builders, and boat repair businesses and will focus on the most current topics of interest with presentations by some of the marine industry’s most influential business leaders both nationally and internationally.

Session Topics Planned:
•       leadership and the evolution of effective management practices in the boatyard business
•       the impacts of globalization on service delivery and quality
•       Innovative workforce initiatives… that are working
•       education, training and the need for uniform standards in the technical trades,
•       creative approaches to boatyard business development and new thinking about the business of boatyard services
•       the national regulatory and legislative landscape… the trends and the impacts

This new format for the ABBRA's Annual Conference will offer valuable information through sessions and training seminars. Additionally, events planned during the two days will serve as excellent networking opportunities for the attendees. The conference will continue to be the venue for ABBRA's Annual Awards that recognize industry service, achievement and contributions, including ABBRA's Boatyard of the year award.

“Based on the feedback we have received from our members and from other leading voices in the boatyard services industry, we believe this new format and focus on critical boatyard business issues will breathe new life and interest into ABBRA’s annual conference,” said Pam Lendzion President of ABBRA. “We added the term international to our conference title this year to focus attention on the fact that we are operating more and more in a global industry. Today’s boatyards are likely to work on boats that have been built in foreign countries or fly a foreign flag. Obtaining necessary information and parts for these vessels can be a challenge. ABBRA's conference sessions will be designed to provide timely and relevant information to boatyard owners, operators and managers, boat builders and repair businesses. As we finalize the conference venue and event details, the program and speakers will be announced.”

According to Gordon Connell, the new Executive Director of ABBRA, the association has represented the boatyard, marine service and repair industry since 1943 and has a strong and established reputation for training. He noted, “The International Boatyard Business Conference will prove to be a worthwhile opportunity for marine service and repair businesses to talk about common issues and share solutions. Boatyards and businesses that provide services to boatyards should not miss the conference.”