Manheim Specialty Auctions signs on as MDCE sponsor

MAPLE GROVE, Minn. — Manheim Specialty Auctions has signed on as a “Powered by” sponsor for the 2010 Marine Dealer Conference and Expo. The conference, hosted by Boating Industry magazine, the Marine Retailers Association of America and the marine industry’s leading suppliers, takes place Nov. 14-17 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel and Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Manheim was also a “Powered by” sponsor, the MDCE’s highest level of sponsorship available, for last year’s event.
“MDCE has grown into the best opportunity for dealers to meet, network, and learn about the trends, best practices and winning strategies for how to succeed in any market,” says Karen Braddy, Manheim’s General Manager of Specialty and Heavy Truck & Equipment. “We’re excited to be a part of that conversation because we’re always looking for ways we can better serve our customers.”
Last year’s MDCE, which took place at Disney’s Coronado Spring Resort in Orlando, attracted 743 total attendees, an increase of 199 percent over 2008. Of those who attended, 439 were dealership personnel, an increase of 122 percent over 2008, and 228 individual dealerships were represented. In addition, 75 companies exhibited during the show, filling 58,000 square feet of exhibit space, which also represented a substantial increase over 2008.
This year’s event, MDCE 3.0: New Decade, New Market, New Strategies, will once again feature a first-class educational lineup, including three concurrent tracks and more than 20 total educational sessions all designed based on feedback generated through a survey of marine dealers. The exhibit hall at the Orange County Convention Center, a five-minute walk from the host hotel, offers 106,272 square feet of space.
“Manheim Specialty Auctions has been a valued partner of ours for some time now, and we’re thrilled to have them renew their support of the MDCE in 2010,” says Matt Gruhn, publisher of Boating Industry. “The mission and values of the MDCE align very closely with those at Manheim, creating a valuable synergy and long-lasting partnership.”
Manheim, the world’s leading provider of vehicle remarketing services, began hosting Manheim Specialty Auctions (www.manheimspecialtyauctions.com) to meet the growing needs of customers looking for used vehicles other than the traditional automobile. Today, Manheim offers customers access to 85 locations in North America, with 17 dedicated to selling Specialty units including Boats, RVs, Motorcycles and PowerSports vehicles. By offering services such as full-service reconditioning, electronic condition reports, certification, distribution centers, title management, inspections, vehicle transportation, financing and dealer floor planning, Manheim helps customers realize the full value of their vehicles. Customers can also take advantage of Mobile Specialty auctions that provide convenient, onsite sales and support at any location in North America. All vehicles are sold “in-lane” or “online” via Manheim Simulcast and OVE.com. Manheim is a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Cox Enterprises, Inc. one of the nation’s leading communications, media and automotive services companies.
Boating Industry serves the marine industry through its mission to be a trusted source for proven solutions, delivering its audience real results. That audience has transformed over the last decade, as Boating Industry evolved from a print magazine to a multi-channel media outlet providing content through print, online and in-person mediums. Its magazine is delivered 11 times annually; its Top 100 Dealers Program has risen to become the most-coveted awards program in the industry; it produces several e-newsletters each week; it has created a series of e-white papers; and most recently, it took over responsibility for the production and overall direction of the MDCE in a licensing agreement with the MRAA. See more at www.boatingindustry.com.