National Marine Electronics Association hosts International Marine Electronics Conference & Expo
SEVERNA PARK, Md. – The National Marine Electronics Association is hosting the NMEA International Marine Electronics Conference & Expo on Sept. 29 to Oct. 1.
Beginning its three-day run on Sept. 29, 2015, at the Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel in Baltimore, Md., the event will also offer on-the-water demonstrations of the latest electronics products and face-to-face time for dealers and manufacturers at the equipment and services expo, which will be spread over two afternoons. All information is posted on the NMEA conference website www.expo.nmea.org.
“I’m very excited to have the conference in the Mid-Atlantic this year – I don’t think there has ever been one in this area,” says NMEA Chairman Johnny Lindstrom. “We are anticipating seeing many of the dealers from the region that haven’t had the opportunity to attend previous events at other venues. Again, we have been able to expand the training offerings and have partnered with ABYC for even more opportunities for you, our members. Remember, this is your NMEA, and can only be as beneficial as you, the members, make it. Get involved, that’s what makes it work.”
Training and technical sessions will include both manufacturer-specific sessions and special topics, including: NMEA 2000 Engine Interfacing, U.S. Coast Guard Electronics Update, ABYC Electrical Standards Update, Bathymetric Generation, Advances in CHIRP Technology, Internet of Things/Signal K, NOAA Charting, and NMEA Standards Update, including OneNet and NMEA 2000.
The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) will hold an all-day Electrical Fast Trac training on Monday, Sept. 28, 2015, the day prior to the conference. NMEA invites all interested students to reach out to ABYC for sign-up information.
Students can also take advantage of the all-day NMEA trainings at a 50 percent discounted price. The Basic Marine Electronics Installer course will be held Tuesday, Sept. 29. The NMEA 2000 Network course will be Wednesday, Sept. 30, and the Advanced Marine Electronics Installer course will be Thursday, Oct. 1. Additionally, NMEA technical committees for both OneNet and NMEA 2000 will be meeting throughout the week.
The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Task Force will meet Wednesday morning, Sept. 30 at 9:30 a.m. The GMDSS Task Force is a group dedicated to monitoring the success and shortcomings of the GMDSS. The Task Force is also active in current efforts to modernize the GMDSS and monitors related developments in maritime radio and electronic navigation. The Task Force makes recommendations to government authorities to improve safety at sea.
“Most importantly, your NMEA has listened to member feedback from last year’s conference and adjusted the schedule to a mid-week format (Tuesday through Thursday),” says Mark Reedenauer, NMEA president & executive director. “We have added new training sessions so both exhibitors and attendees get the most out of their investment in the NMEA. This will definitely be the place to be for networking and technical training on all aspects of marine electronics.”
A preliminary schedule of events is posted on www.expo.nmea.org. For more information, contact the main office at 401-975-9425.
