LAS VEGAS — Tuesday's Marine Dealer Conference & Expo featured plenty of advice on surviving in the current economy, best practices for a dealership and its service department, a snapshot of the economic landscape, and awards for those who provided exceptional service to the industry.

More than a dozen builders plan to equip boats with Volvo Penta’s new, more powerful pod-drive system with joystick steering — the IPS800 and IPS900, or “IPS 2,” according to the engine manufacturer.

Here’s yet another reminder that, regardless of how bad your day is going, someone is always having a worse time.

Regal Marine of Valdosta, Ga., recently won a Manufacturer of the Year award from the Valdosta-Lowndes County (Ga.) Chamber of Commerce.

The Environmental Protection Agency received accolades recently from the National Biodiesel Board for reminding the petroleum industry about requirements mandated by the 2009 Renewable Fuel Standards.

International bluewater sailor and author Hal Roth died this fall after a long illness. He was 81.

Industry professionals planning to attend the 2009 International Marina & Boatyard Conference have until Nov. 30 to take advantage of the early registration discount.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released an electronic version of its Compliance Guide for the Right Whale Ship Strike Reduction Rule.

Neptune Group Yachting of Fort Lauderdale opened a new Latin American division in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is offering grants up to $4,000 each for community groups to develop projects that address environmental problems on local waterways.