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| ALL BETS ARE ON AT THE RIVER ROCK |
| On November 30th & December 1st, members of the recreational marine industry will come together to learn, share experiences and have some fun! We are in the process of finalizing an all-day program that is sure to result in a win for your business. Here is a sneak peek at the learning and networking opportunities for you at the 2011 BC Marine Industry Conference. We are working on delivering an incredible line up of speakers as well as interactive and informative sessions that will help your business succeed. More presenters and details will be announced soon. |
| Thom Dammrich |
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| Here from Chicago to help us kick off the day will be Thom Dammrich, President of the National Marine Manufacturers' Association. Sharing his industry perspective, Thom will re-visit where we've been and highlight some of the strategies that have helped re-shape and strengthen the future of the recreational marine industry. An exceptional leader, Dammrich was instrumental in uniting the industry and increasing the number of people who participate in recreational boating in North America with the launch of the first-official national advertising and marketing campaign in 2006, the Grow Boating Initiative. | ![]() |
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| Tod Maffin |
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| Internet Marketing Guru, Tod Maffin, will raise awareness of the impact that social media and online marketing has had on the recreational marine industry and the potential benefits to your company's bottom line if adopted. He will help us understand how to evolve our marketing, sales and business strategies to include online opportunities. Tod is one of North America's go-to commentators on the impact of technological change and online innovation. He writes a blog followed by thousands in the media, technology and business communities around the world. He reports on national technology trends on CBC Radio and is the past host of tod radio dot com and Real Life Chronicles. His energetic, highly entertaining presentations are delivered around the world. | ![]() |
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| Spotlight on Success :: Campbell Black |
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| Career Development - A Key Success Measure for Blackline Marine Campbell Black, owner and president of Blackline Marine Inc., will share with us how his company prepares and develops skilled workers to succeed in the rapidly changing recreational marine industry. Founded in 1980, Blackline provides technical services to the yachting market from two locations in Sidney. With a staff of 27 and an international reputation for quality, the company provides specialty services in composite structures, sailboat rigging, high end refinishing and metal fabrication. Training and industry cooperation have been a recurring theme in Campbell's life. In the mid 90's he was a key motivator in establishing the Marine Service Technician apprenticeship in BC and the private trades training company, Quadrant Marine Institute Inc. He was also an active member of the Marine Industry Workforce Development Committee that developed the Marine Mechanical Technician apprenticeship. Although Campbell has loved boats all his life, his real joy is working with and helping to grow the talent in the recreational marine industry. |
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| Spotlight on Success :: Jeff Rhodes |
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| Business Growth - Success in a niche market for Coastal Craft Jeff Rhodes, the founding partner and President of Coastal Craft Welded Aluminum Boats, will share with us how the company not only survived but excelled into a leading position during the recent challenging economic times. Founded in Gibsons in 1996, the company has transitioned from producing rugged aluminum workboats to small and medium sized aluminum yachts with a reputation for their high quality and attention to detail. The company continually pushes the envelope in product design and development. Coastal Craft was the first aluminum boat builder to introduce Volvo IPS in North America in 2007. That same year the company introduced E-Plex as a complete vessel monitoring and control system. More recently the company launched a vessel with their first Hybrid Power Management System utilizing Lithium-Ion cells and large capacity inverters. Coastal Craft continues to reinvest in infrastructure and its employees even during times of economic uncertainty. With a staff of 48 and growing, the company manages the growth well. Rhodes attributes the company's success to its employees and customers and the relationships that exists between both. It's a great situation where both parties truly value and respect one another. Upon saying that, Rhodes constantly reminds his staff that the customer is why we are here. If we lose sight of this for even a moment, our future becomes very uncertain. |
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| Spotlight on Success :: Mike Short |
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| Vision & Perseverance - The Successful Opening of False Creek Fuels Mike Short, owner of False Creek Fuels, will share with us his success at conquering the bureaucracy to launch False Creek Fuels in July 2011. There is a lot to be learned from Mike's experience, including the importance of a plan and the fortitude to keep pushing through the red tape when times are tough. The three-year quest - from opportunity to opening - was being monitored closely by the local boating community which was desperate to have its fueling needs met in a convenient location. False Creek Fuels is located at the former Esso barge which had provided fueling services for more than 70 years. Mike's 20 years of industry experience in both marina management and fuel services helped him succeed as he navigated his way through the complex regulatory requirements. |
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| Linda Waddell |
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| Get Ready for the NEW Vancouver International Boat Show As the Vancouver International Boat Show prepares to return to the NEW BC Place, Linda Waddell, President/Show Director, Canadian Boat Shows, will provide an overview of the Show's future direction. Combining input from consumers, exhibitors and committees, a new course has been set for 2012 that will ensure the show continues to evolve and remains strong and effective for the industry. Providing event management and production of the Vancouver Boat Show since 2003, Linda Waddell is the former Vice President of Northern Shows for NMMA. Linda has 25 years of show experience across North America, and has been directly responsible for producing more than 150 boat shows. Linda and her team have successfully lead the Vancouver show through significant growth and success. How you will benefit:
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| Sonny Wong |
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| How to market and sell to the Asian community Engaging with customers in a manner that is considerate and respectful of their culture, behaviour and belief system will help increase the potential for a successful sale and bind the relationship for the long-term. Join Sonny Wong, president and creative director of Hamazaki Wong Marketing Group, to take a closer look at the Asian market and the opportunities and potential of this affluent and influential community. Learn what makes these customers tick and how you can position your business to reach these new consumers. Sonny is president and creative director of Hamazaki Wong Marketing Group, an award-winning marketing-communications agency located in Vancouver, BC. While a multi-disciplinary marketing practice, Hamazaki Wong is best known for its expertise in multicultural marketing, with an emphasis on the Asian market. Sonny has led major campaigns for clients across many industries. |
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| Robin Johnston |
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| How to prepare your company for boat show success With the Vancouver International Boat Show just around the corner, the timing for this session couldn't be better! Joining us from Toronto will be North American consumer and trade show educator, Robin Johnston of Face-to-Face Marketing. Robin, who has more than 15 years of experience as a trainer, consultant and lecturer, will share the key elements of successful exhibiting, with a particular focus on sharpening exhibitor staffing skills and leveraging opportunities for pre-show marketing through the use of social media. How you will benefit:
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| Dan Joffre |
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| Join your industry colleagues for a "laugh" with Dan Joffre Canadian Comedy Award Winner, Dan Joffre, will join us after dinner to deliver his That's Hilarious! Live Comedy Show packed with fast-paced improv, clever sketches, hilarious characters and original songs – composed while you watch! Drawing inspiration from everyday observations, pop culture and you - the audience - Dan will create a comedy party that everyone will enjoy. In addition to being a two-time World Improv Champion (Just For Laughs Comedy Festival) who leads the way in his field, Dan Joffre is a skilled actor with an extensive career in TV and film. From Scary Movie to Tron Legacy, his credits include both dramatic and comedic roles, reflecting his energy, versatility and imagination. www.thatshilarious.ca |
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Vancouver. The facility has state of the art convention and meeting facilities, nine restaurants and bars, a deluxe fitness centre, tranquil spa, tropical swimming pool, water slide, plus a 144-berth marina. To reserve your room, call