(SEVERNA PARK, Md.) — If you're in the marine electronics business, mark your calendar for Sept. 20-22, 2016. That's when the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) will stage its annual International Marine Electronics Conference & Expo, this time at the Naples Grande Beach Resort in Naples, Fla.
The 2016 event will build on the success and productivity of the most recent Conference & Expo, held in Baltimore, Md., which drew more than 420 attendees. A full roster of events included technical training and education sessions, on-water product demonstrations, an expo that ran two afternoons, a Q&A session with three industry CEOs, and plenty of networking time. Highlighting the event was the presentation of the NMEA Product of Excellence Awards and NMEA Technology Award.
"A big thank you to our partners at ABYC (American Boat & Yacht Council) as they hosted their Electrical Certification Fast Trac the day before the NMEA conference," said NMEA Chairman Johnny Lindstrom. "This partnership has brought in many new faces to the NMEA, especially ABYC marine electricians who are looking to expand into marine electronics. Nearly all conference education tracks were very well attended-many were standing room only. In some training sessions, the attendance was a threefold increase over previous years. Clearly, our members are looking for information on how to successfully grow and improve their businesses.
"I have heard from many of the exhibiting manufacturers that they had the opportunity to see dealers and customers they would not normally see; several said it was the best conference they had attended in a number of years. There were a couple of first-time exhibitors that were excited and confirmed their attendance in the future."
"We've got some great ideas for making an already high-energy Conference & Expo even better next year in Naples," said Mark Reedenauer, president and executive director of NMEA. "The Conference Committee has already met and evaluated the exhibitor and attendee conference surveys. We have a list of action items that will make the 2016 conference even better than 2015. Any member can provide feedback and ideas as we invite members to get involved and share their visions."
For more information on the 2016 NMEA Conference & Expo, keep an eye on www.expo.nmea.org in the upcoming months. You can also call or email the NMEA office at 410-975-9425, info@nmea.org.
