Skip to Main Content

Educational Conference and Trade Show La Jolla

  • Karen Hall posted an article
    REGISTER NOW for the 2023 Marine Recreation Association (MRA) Annual Educational Conference & Trade see more

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    It’s NOT TOO LATE:

    Register Today for the

    51st Annual MRA Educational Conference

    and Trade Show

    REGISTER NOW for the 2023 Marine Recreation Association (MRA)

    Annual Educational Conference & Trade Show

    The perfect opportunity to meet and network with other

    marine industry professionals and discover new strategies

    to enhance your business operations and results!

    This year's Educational Conference and Trade Show themed, Acknowledgment and Appreciation, is scheduled for October 16 - 18 at the beautiful Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines Resort in La Jolla, CA, overlooking the blue Pacific Ocean just twelve miles from the classic restaurants and entertainment of the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego.

    The Conference will kick off on Monday, October 16th with two special events during the day, and a Welcome Reception for all attendees and guests that evening:

    The 28th Annual MRA Golf Tournament will play at the Morgan Run Club & Resort in Rancho Santa Fe with a shotgun start at 7:30 am, allowing participants to also take part in the afternoon Electric Boat Sea Trials.

    • Later in the day, the Electric Boat Sea Trials will be held at Safe Harbor Sunroad Marina in San Diego Bay giving participants an opportunity to experience this emerging technology first-hand and learn more about the myriad of opportunities and potential challenges facing the marine industry.

    • The Conference Welcome Reception will be held Monday evening in the Conference Trade Show pavilion at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines conference center. Trade Show exhibits will be set up and the evening is always a wonderful opportunity for attendees to meet and mingle in an informal and fun atmosphere.

    Regular Conference sessions will start early Tuesday morning with breakfast in the Trade Show pavilion, the President’s Welcome, and Keynote speaker, followed by two days of educational seminars and roundtable discussions covering a broad range of marine industry management, operations, and marketing concerns.

    The Marine Trade Show will feature the latest technology, products, and services from leading industry vendors and contractors focused on innovation, growth, and profitability as the marine industry evolves in today’s rapidly changing world.

    Registration and event information for the

    2023 MRA Educational Conference & Trade Show

    is posted now on the MRA website at www.marina.org or

    go directly to the Conference website at https://marina.swoogo.com/2023conf/begin

    Special hotel rates are also being offered at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines Resort from October 14th to the 18th, and attendees are invited to come early and stay late to enjoy the wonderful Southern California weather and amenities overlooking the white sand beaches and blue Pacific Ocean.

    The Marine Recreation Association is a professional organization that represents marina owners, operators, and industry professionals located throughout the western United States with additional members in Canada, Mexico, and Australia. Created more than 51 years ago, the MRA actively promotes and represents recreational boating interests while providing educational management and operations seminars, and information for marine industry owners, operators, and staff.

    For additional information about the MRA and all of its activities and interests, please contact Mariann Timms by phone at (209) 334-0661 or email at mra@marina.org.

    Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  LinkedIn

     August 30, 2023
  • Karen Hall posted an article
    MRA Conference Classroom Seminars Focus on: Future of Marina Operations, Electric Boat Infrastructu see more

    MRA Conference Classroom Seminars Focus on:

    Future of Marina Operations, Electric Boat Infrastructure, and Economic Impacts

    The afternoon break-out classroom seminar sessions during

    the 51st Annual MRA Educational Conference and Trade Show

    will provide attendees with a broad prospectus of industry experts and

    information covering key industry operations, management, and marketing concerns

    with a focus on optimizing customer satisfaction, business growth,

    regulatory compliance, and fiscal results.

     

    On Day-2 of the Conference, Tuesday, October 17th, at 4:00 PM, Session 3 – Topic #1; Issues Changing the Marina Landscape, will provide an open forum discussion lead by the panel of Kate Pearson, Safe Harbor Marinas, VP of Business Development / Gary Jones, LA County Beaches & Harbors Director / and Jim Hayes, Almar Marinas COO, addressing critical issues effecting current and future marina operations. All attendees will be encouraged to discuss their marina operations and approaches they have utilized to handle new challenges in todays evolving marina environment.

    At the same time, Session 3 – Topic #2; How to Embrace Electric Boating Without Spending Millions on Infrastructure, will feature a panel discussion lead by the dynamic trio of

    Paul Blank, City of Newport Beach Harbormaster / Scott Canning, Aqua superPower, VP Business Development North America / and Leonora Valvo, Vita Power, CEO North America. The City of Newport Beach is leading the way in adoption of electric boat technology at their marinas, and Vita Power and Aqua superPower are in the forefront of electric boat technology development. This should prove to be a very enlightening session.

    Session 3 – Topic #3; California Boating & Economic Impact, presented by Mark Smith, NMMA California Lobbyist, will take an in-depth look at the influence that recreational boating has had on the California economy and outdoor recreation. The presentation will also focus on current boating activity statistics and trends with forecasts of future boating activity. Mark has been working with the NMMA for five years and been a driving force in the creation of legislation favoring the boating industry.

    Don’t miss these critical presentations and more!

    Registration and event information for the 

    2023 MRA Educational Conference & Trade Show, October 16 – 18 at the

    Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines Resort,

    is posted now on the MRA website at www.marina.org or

    go directly to the Conference website at

    https://marina.swoogo.com/2023conf/begin

    Special hotel rates are also being offered at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines Resort from October 14th to the 18th, and attendees are invited to come early and stay late to enjoy the wonderful Southern California weather and amenities overlooking the white sand beaches and blue Pacific Ocean.

    The Marine Recreation Association is a professional organization that represents marina owners, operators, and industry professionals located throughout the western United States with additional members in Canada, Mexico, and Australia. Created more than 51 years ago, the MRA actively promotes and represents recreational boating interests while providing educational management and operations seminars, and information for marine industry owners, operators, and staff.

    For additional information about the MRA and all its activities and interests, please contact Mariann Timms by phone at (209) 334-0661 or email at mra@marina.org.

     

    Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  LinkedIn

     August 29, 2023
  • Karen Hall posted an article
    Day-2 General Session of MRA Conference will Highlight Legislative Report and Economic Forecast see more

    Day-2 General Session of MRA Conference will Highlight

    Legislative Report and Economic Forecast

    Tuesday, October 17th, will feature two important General Session presentations

    following the morning coffee break in the Trade Show pavilion at the

    Annual MRA Educational Conference & Trade Show,

    scheduled for October 16 - 18 in La Jolla, California.

     

    This year’s MRA Conference, themed Acknowledgment and Appreciation, will focus on the future, looking forward to new challenges and achievements in the marine industry with

    a broad prospectus of industry experts and information covering key industry operations, management, and marketing concerns.

    The Marine Trade Show will present the latest technology, products, and services from leading industry vendors and contractors focused on innovation, growth, and profitability as the marine industry evolves in today’s changing world.

    Starting at 10:15 am on the 17th, Beau Biller, Platinum Advisors, Lobbyist for the MRA and several other marine organizations, along with Jerry Desmond, Director of Government Relations for RBOC, and Mark Smith, Legislative and Regulatory Advisor for the NMMA, will provide General Session attendees with an in-depth review and analysis of new and pending state and federal legislation and regulations affecting the marine industry.

     

    Following the Legislative Update, at 11:30 am, Dr. Jon Haveman, Executive Director, National Economic Education Delegation, will present his Economic Forecast with important insight into current economic conditions affecting the marine industry and the potential impact of future economic developments.

    Dr. Haveman holds a PhD and MS in Economics from the University of Michigan and is a noted California economist with a reputation for providing audiences with edible economic information. His presentation is sure to be both timely and useful.

    >>> Don’t miss these critical presentations and more! Sign up TODAY! <<<

    Registration and event information for the

    2023 MRA Educational Conference & Trade Show,

    October 16 - 18 at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines Resort,

    is posted now on the MRA website at www.marina.org or go directly to

    the Conference website at https://marina.swoogo.com/2023conf/begin

    Special hotel rates are also being offered at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines Resort from October 14th to the 18th, and attendees are invited to come early and stay late to enjoy the wonderful Southern California weather and amenities overlooking the white sand beaches and blue Pacific Ocean.

    The Marine Recreation Association is a professional organization that represents marina owners, operators, and industry professionals located throughout the western United States with additional members in Canada, Mexico, and Australia. Created more than 51 years ago, the MRA actively promotes and represents recreational boating interests while providing educational management and operations seminars, and information for marine industry owners, operators, and staff.

    For additional information about the MRA and all its activities and interests, please contact Mariann Timms by phone at (209) 334-0661 or email at mra@marina.org.

    Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  LinkedIn

     August 22, 2023
  • Karen Hall posted an article
    2023 MRA Conference and Trade Show EARLY Registration ENDS August 18th! see more

    

    2023 MRA Conference

    and Trade Show

    EARLY Registration ENDS

    August 18th!

    Last chance to save on Conference registration . . .

    The 51st Annual Marine Recreation Association Educational Conference and Trade Show is scheduled
    for
    this October 16 - 18 at the beautiful Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines Resort in La Jolla, California 
    overlooking the blue Pacific Ocean and coast just twelve miles from
    the classic restaurants and entertainment of the 
    Gaslamp Quarter and San Diego Bay.

    EARLY Registration and event information for the 2023 MRA Educational Conference & Trade Show is posted now on the MRA website at www.marina.org or go directly to the Conference website at https://marina.swoogo.com/2023conf/begin

    This year’s MRA Conference, themed Acknowledgment and Appreciation, will focus on the future, looking forward to new challenges and achievements in the marine industry.

    The Conference will present a broad prospectus of industry experts and information covering key marine industry management, operations, and marketing concerns focused on improving guest services and operations to enhance business growth and customer satisfaction while optimizing regulatory compliance and fiscal results. The Marine Trade Show will feature the latest technology, products, and services from leading industry vendors and contractors focused on innovation, growth, and profitability as the marine industry evolves in today’s changing world.

    The three-day Conference and Trade Show offers attendees the ideal opportunity to network with other industry professionals and share effective strategies for successfully dealing with an ever-evolving business environment. 

    Special hotel rates are also being offered at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines Resort from October 14th to the 18th, and attendees are invited to come early and stay late to enjoy the wonderful Southern California weather and amenities overlooking the white sand beaches and blue Pacific Ocean.

    The Marine Recreation Association is a professional organization that represents marina owners, operators, and industry professionals located throughout the western United States with additional members in Canada, Mexico, and Australia. Created more than 51 years ago, the MRA actively promotes and represents recreational boating interests while providing educational management and operations seminars, and information for marine industry owners, operators, and staff.

    For additional information about the MRA and all its activities and interests,
    please contact Mariann Timms by phone at (209) 334-0661 or email at mra@marina.org.

    Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  LinkedIn

     August 10, 2023
  • Karen Hall posted an article
    A trio of marina operations topics will lead-off the afternoon breakout seminar sessions see more

                       

     

     

     

     

     

     

    KEY MARINA OPERATIONS 

    CHALLENGES 

    HIGHLIGHT DAY-2 SEMINAR SESSIONS AT 

    ANNUAL MRA CONFERENCE

     

    A trio of marina operations topics will lead-off the afternoon breakout seminar sessions

    after the morning Conference General Session and luncheon on Tuesday, October 17th.

    Beginning at 1:30 PM, Session 1 – Topic #1State of the Coastal Marina, will take an in-depth look at the statistics, market trends, and transformative potential within the coastal marina industry segment. Presented by Kevin Ketchum, Principal at California Yacht Marina, and Kate Pearson, Vice President of Business Development at Safe Harbor Marinas, with their extensive experience operating coastal marinas, this session will provide critical information for marina owners, developers, and investors to stay ahead of the curve and shape the future of coastal marina operations.

    At the same time, Session 1 – Topic #2Employment Challenges, will feature a round-table discussion and comprehensive review of a recent marine industry Wage Survey focused on both public and private marine operations. This session, lead by Jim Hayes, Almar Marinas COO, and Jeremy Grewal, Safe Harbor Marinas West Coast Regional VP, will provide a detailed analysis of wage levels across various roles ranging from maintenance to administrative positions, and explore effective strategies aimed at minimizing staff turnover. This promises to be a highly engaging interactive session with a dedicated Q & A segment at the end.

    Session 1 – Topic #3Design & Cost Considerations for Marina Dredging, presented by Dr. Joshua Burnam, Partner & Principal at Anchor QEA, will focus on design, cost considerations, project bidding, and project management for marina dredging. Josh has extensive experience with west coast dredging projects, including serving as a Senior Regulatory Project Manager and Regional SME for Dredging with the US Armer Corps of Engineers Regulatory Program. Specific topics will include planning and budgeting; permitting and compliance; sediment testing; and project design, bid, and construction management to help marina owners and operators better understand the many challenges associated with marina dredging projects

    This year’s MRA Conference theme, Acknowledgment and Appreciation, will focus on the future, looking forward to new challenges and achievements in the marine industry. The Conference will feature a broad prospectus of industry experts and information covering key industry operations, management, and marketing concerns. The Marine Trade Show will present the latest technology, products, and services from leading industry vendors and contractors focused on innovation, growth, and profitability as the marine industry evolves in today’s changing world.

    Registration and event information for the

    2023 MRA Educational Conference & Trade Showscheduled for October 16 – 18 at the

    Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines Resort, is posted now on the MRA website at www.marina.org or

    go directly to the Conference website at https://marina.swoogo.com/2023conf/begin

    Special hotel rates are also being offered at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines Resort from October 14th to the 18th, and attendees are invited to come early and stay late to enjoy the wonderful Southern California weather and amenities overlooking the white sand beaches and blue Pacific Ocean.

    The Marine Recreation Association is a professional organization that represents marina owners, operators, and industry professionals located throughout the western United States with additional members in Canada, Mexico, and Australia. Created more than 51 years ago, the MRA actively promotes and represents recreational boating interests while providing educational management and operations seminars, and information for marine industry owners, operators, and staff.

    For additional information about the MRA and all its activities and interests, please contact Mariann Timms by phone at (209) 334-0661 or email at mra@marina.org.

    Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  LinkedIn

  • Karen Hall posted an article
    The 51st Annual Marine Recreation Association Educational Conference & Trade Show, is set for... see more

     

    President's Welcome & Keynote Speaker

    Highlight Day-2 of:

    MRA Educational Conference and Trade Show

     The 51st Annual Marine Recreation Association

    (MRA) Educational Conference & Trade Show,

    is set for October 16th through the 18th at the

    Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines in beautiful La Jolla, California.

     

    The 2023 Educational Conference & Trade Show will kick-off on Monday, October 16th with the annual MRA Golf Tournament in the morning followed by special Electric Boat Sea-Trials at the Safe Harbor Sunroad Marina in the afternoon, and the Conference Welcome Reception that evening.

    Kate Pearson, MRA President, will formally open the 2023 Conference and welcome all attendees on Tuesday, October 17th at 8:30 AM following the early morning breakfast in the Trade Show pavilion. Kate will also present the Darryl McConnell Leadership Award and MRA Innovation Award to the well-deserved recipients and announce the results of the MRA Board elections and new Officers for the coming year.

    This year’s Keynote Speaker will be Katheryn Burchett, Executive Vice President, Western Operations, Safe Harbor Marinas, who will present her philosophy and practice of The Art and Science of Operational Excellence dedicated to providing exceptional service and memorable experiences to the global boating community.

    Prior to joining Safe Harbor, Katheryn held leadership roles at JC Penny in both strategy and operations and has successfully transitioned that experience to the marine industry working with her exceptional team to care for boaters, develop professional careers, and steward the environment through an ever-evolving industry.

    The 2023 Conference theme, Acknowledgment and Appreciation, will focus on the future, looking forward to new challenges and achievements in the marine industry. The Conference will feature a broad prospectus of industry experts and information covering key industry operations, management, and marketing concerns. The Marine Trade Show will present the latest technology, products, and services from leading industry vendors and contractors focused on innovation, growth, and profitability as the marine industry evolves in today’s changing world.

    Special hotel rates are also being offered at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines Resort from October 14th to the 18th, and attendees are invited to come early and stay late to enjoy the wonderful Southern California weather and amenities overlooking the white sand beaches and blue Pacific Ocean.

    Registration and event information for the

    2023 MRA Educational Conference & Trade Show is

    posted now on the MRA website at 

    www.marina.org or

    go directly to the Conference website at

    https://marina.swoogo.com/2023conf/begin

    The Marine Recreation Association is a professional organization that represents marina owners, operators, and industry professionals located throughout the western United States with additional members in Canada, Mexico, and Australia. Created more than 50 years ago, the MRA actively promotes and represents recreational boating interests while providing educational management and operations seminars, and information for marine industry owners, operators, and staff.

    For additional information about the MRA and all of its activities and interests,

    please contact Mariann Timms by phone at (209) 334-0661 or email at mra@marina.org.

    Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  LinkedIn