IMBC sets attendance record

ATLANTA – Participation in the International Marina & Boatyard Conference, which ends today in Atlanta, was the highest in the show’s history organizers reported in a release yesterday.

There were 508 attendees at the show, co-produced by the Association of Marina Industries and the American Boat Builders & Repairers Association, and 581 total participants (attendees, exhibitors and sponsors) at this year’s event, held at the Atlanta Marriot Marquis. Last year’s event drew 500 total participants.

Organizers said they were delighted with the attendance and the level of energy displayed on the exhibit floor and in the sessions. The record attendance came despite snow delays and cancelled flights in Atlanta’s hub airport, they reported.

The number of exhibitors also increased this year to 110, up from 90.

Association of Marina Industries President Jim Frye told Boating Industry that having a venue to display at has helped the exhibitors at the show mature and that their knowledge and expertise is a valuable technical resource for attendees to draw on.

“Marina owners should regard the exhibit floor as a valuable part of the show,” Frye said. The exhibit floor is part of [their] education.”

IMBC concludes today with a tour of marinas along Lake Lanier after an all-industry awards breakfast and closing keynote from Bill Yeargin of Correct Craft.

IMBC 2009 is scheduled to be held Jan. 25 – 28 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., at the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center.

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