MDCE 2015 launches with poolside reception
The 2015 Marine Dealer Conference and Expo got underway with a splash Sunday night during a poolside kickoff reception at the Rosen Plaza Hotel.
“We have folks from almost all of the 50 states, as well as Canada and even Australia at this year’s convention,” said Liz Walz, vice president of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas—which cohosts MDCE along with Boating Industry magazine “Having a chance to informally gather as an industry, reconnect with old friends and meet new colleagues makes for both a fun evening and an experience that pays dividends throughout the year.”
Sunday night’s reception was sponsored by ARI, and guests were treated to fantastic weather, hors d’oeuvers and plenty of time to network. The marine industry’s premier annual dealer educational event, the 2015 edition of MDCE offers a menu of more than 30 specialized educational sessions covering topics from Facebook ads and best hiring practices to maximizing retail efficiency and advanced leadership courses for young professionals.
“This year will feature the most dynamic mix of laser-focused seminars yet—all led by recognized experts in their field,” Jonathan Sweet, editor of Boating Industry, said. “We’ve spent most of the last year talking to dealers about the content that would be most helpful for them, and we are proud to be delivering an educational agenda that not only matches what they were looking for, but exceeds those expectations on multiple levels.”
In all, nearly 1,200 registrations were received for the 2015 MDCE—topping last year’s record-setting number and illustrating the conference’s continued, year-over-year growth.