Special session added to MDCE agenda

MINNEAPOLIS — In a special session preceding the 2015 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo opening keynote address, marine service expert Valerie Ziebron will lead a panel discussion on solutions to the current shortage of marine technicians.

This one-hour special session is part of the Marine Retailers Association of the America’s annual meeting, which will kick off on Monday, Nov. 16 at 4 p.m. and is open to all MDCE attendees.

“The technician shortage is having a serious impact on dealers’ growth and the industry’s recovery from the recession,” explains Liz Walz, vice president of MRAA, which produces the annual event in partnership with Boating Industry. “This panel discussion will focus on what can be done to fill open positions and improve the skill sets of the next generation of technicians.”

The panel will be comprised of marine dealers, manufacturers and trade school representatives. Attendees will walk away with five key things they can do to become a part of the solution.

“If sales sells the first boat, and service sells the next one, then a shortage of technicians is a real problem,” says Ziebron, of Yamaha Marine University and VRZ Consulting. “This conversation will identify solutions marine businesses and schools can put into place to ensure this shortage doesn’t become a crisis.”

Ziebron is a perennial MDCE favorite who specializes in the marine service and parts departments. In addition to her duties as an MRAA special session moderator, she and Master Service Advisor Dan Fujiwara will lead a pre-conference workshop, “Schedule Your Way to Service Success,” and a Service Plus track session, “Attract and Keep Techs.”

For more information on this year’s MDCE and to register, visit marinedealerconference.com.

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