IMBC pre-registration up 10 percent
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Early registration for the International Marina & Boatyard Conference, scheduled to take place at the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center Jan. 25–28, has increased 10 percent over last year’s numbers, despite the current economic climate, organizers reported in a recent statement.
IMBC’s co-producers — the Association of Marina Industries and the American Boat Builders and Repairers Association — expect the overall conference attendee numbers to increase substantially once all numbers are tallied. Pre-registration for IMBC is available until the end of the day today, after which attendees may purchase their tickets at the show in Fort Lauderdale.
“We are pleased with registration numbers, thus far,” said James Frye, AMI’s president and chair. “The level of support from this year’s show sponsors and exhibitors, given the economic challenges our industry is facing, is very encouraging. This is evidence that investing in professional networking and continuing education are still, if not more, important during these challenging times.”
As the only conference that caters to owners and managers at marinas, boatyards, and service facilities, IMBC has also seen an increase in sponsorships and exhibit sales this year. The number of exhibitors has increased by 7 percent and sponsorships have increased by 20 percent from 2008 to 2009, according to organizers.
The IMBC team has made what it called “critical changes” to the operations of the conference to enhance the overall experience, including USB drives containing seminar information; a new registration booth and entrance to the exhibit hall; new show graphics; and a new layout to the conference program.
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