Happy hours, a DJ spinning beats, and tons of educational content helped the event stand out from a sea of virtual events.
Complacency will kill businesses, especially when times are challenging.
MRAA’s Dealer Week, which will take place virtually Dec. 8-11, will focus on challenges that marine retailers face today.
The MRAA event had a strong first year, with a field trip to the country’s largest RV dealership, new educational pathways, 100 OEM and service provider exhibitors, and Ted-style “10 x 10” talks.
Our live-streamed interviews from the final day of the show included MRAA president Matt Gruhn and vice president Liz Walz, Eric Smith of Colorado Boat Center, and Lou Cecchini of Off Shore Marine.
The unconventional closing by Clint Pulver, motivational speaker and drummer, reflected the new approach MRAA took toward its event.
Anghel, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association Canada, began her marine industry career in 2008.
Yesterday’s live-streamed interviews included Malibu CEO Jack Springer; Ron Huibers, president of Volvo Penta of the Americas; and a virtual reality demo with Chaparral/Robalo.
Texting is a hot topic at Dealer Week, judging from a standing-room only session on messaging etiquette.
First-time boat buyers are in decline, and retention rates are shrinking, according to research presented at MRAA’s Dealer Week in Tampa, Fla.
Yesterday’s live-streamed interviews included Correct Craft CEO Bill Yeargin, who discussed market conditions; Stephanie Vatalaro, who talked about RBFF’s effort to get 60 million Americans boating and fishing; and Regal’s Duane Kuck, who with his sons described being part of a multigenerational boatbuilding business.