Big Week Ahead For Boat Industry

Although most of us would think November is a pretty quiet time of year in the boat industry, it is anything but. The week of November 16 through 20 is actually the busiest of the year for boat builders and dealers.

Hundreds of boat dealers from across the United States, Canada and Mexico will converge in Orlando, Florida, next week for the Marine Dealer Conference and Expo (MDCE), hosted at the Orange County Convention center from November 15 to 18. This annual educational conference presents a range of informative workshops and presentations where boat dealers can learn about new business and shop technologies, as well as industry best practices in sales, service, leadership and marketing. A large on-site trade show provides an opportunity for the dealers to see new products and speak with factory representatives on a number of different subjects. The event will culminate with a gala dinner recognizing the Top 100 boat dealers in North America.

Coincident with MDCE, the Advisory Council of Marina Associations meets next week in Orlando to review current legislative and regulatory issues of interest to the boat industry, prioritize key issues, and provide recommendations for follow-up. Two days of National Marine Trades Council meetings follow, where members will discuss everything from developing skilled marine technicians to operating local boat shows.

Thousands of boat equipment manufacturers will converge on Amsterdam next week for the Marine Equipment Trade Show, the world’s largest.

While boat dealers will meet in Orlando, boat manufacturers will gather in Amsterdam, the Netherlands for the annual Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS), hosted from November 17 to 18 at the massive Amsterdam RAI convention complex. The world’s largest boating industry trade show, METS is where boat builders, parts and accessory manufacturers, distributors, sales reps and other industry figures from over 100 countries see the latest new products and learn about cutting-edge technologies.

Organizers note that last year’s METS was the largest on record, and this year’s show is shaping up to be even bigger. It will definitely feature a record number of exhibitors from the United States and Canada, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, which operates US and Canada pavilions at the event. Boat.com will be reporting live from METS all week.