ConnectFest to demonstrate benefit of onboard networking standard SEVERNA PARK, MD—Visitors to the Toronto International Boat Show will get a close-up look at a “live” demonstration that shows how the onboard networking standard NMEA 2000® operates. Attendees will be able to participate in the free event, called ConnectFest, anytime during the nine-day show. Doors open at 10 a.m. on January 10 at Toronto’s Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place.

The action at ConnectFest will involve most major manufacturers connecting their NMEA-certified products to the NMEA 2000 backbone, demonstrating device interoperability on the plug-and-play network. Products will come from Raymarine, Simrad, Lowrance, Furuno, Garmin, Humminbird, Airmar, Maretron, and Actisense, to name a few manufacturers participating.

The NMEA 2000 network is nonproprietary and enables connection and disconnection of products from different manufacturers with no downtime on the network. An industry-wide group of experts organized by the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) developed the network standard.

Visitors will be able to talk with the manufacturers who have built products using the NMEA 2000 protocol. A hands-on opportunity with the NMEA 2000 cable and connector system will illustrate the advantages of the lightweight, quickly installed network and show how systems can be expanded for future needs. ConnectFest will be located at Booth G138.

“For anyone who wants to know more about NMEA 2000 and how it benefits them, the Toronto Boat Show is the place to be. We invite you to stop by our booth anytime,” said NMEA Managing Director Mark Reedenauer.

For more information, visit www.torontoboatshow.com/education/connectfest/.

Photo caption: ConnectFest draws a crowd at the 2014 METS trade show in Amsterdam.