MBIA’s Recreational Boating Educational Conference reports 20% increase in attendance
December 13, 2013, Livonia, Mich. – More than 120 marine industry professionals gathered in Lansing for the annual Recreational Boating Educational Conference (RBEC) on December 4 & 5th last week. Attendance was up 20% from the year prior.
“We attribute the success and growth to our rebounding industry in Michigan and the great line-up of speakers and sponsors contributing to the event,” said MBIA Executive Director Nicki Polan.
“MBIA had several legislative victories to celebrate with our members this year and it was great to see such a big turnout of industry colleagues. The conference was educational and attendees left with useful information and new skills to take back to their businesses,” said MBIA Chairman Jim Coburn, of Coburn & Associates, LLC.
“It was the best RBEC we have attended in the last 10 years. The venue was great, the organization was top notch and the MBIA really did a great job of driving members to the exhibit tables. Nearly every attendee had genuine interest in learning about our services,” said Chuck Shults, Vice President of Alliance Sales for Veracity Payment Solutions, a member service for the Association.
RBEC is the only conference dedicated to Michigan’s marine industry, which has a $7.4 billion economic impact to the state of Michigan. Boat dealers, marina operators, harbor masters, retailers, and service providers attend each year for the educational and networking value RBEC offers. The 2014 RBEC is set for December 3 & 4, 2014, location to be determined.
