Some of the boating industry’s most innovative thinkers will share their insights on “How to Make Recreational Boating More Affordable and Attractive” during a panel discussion hosted by Boating Writers International (BWI) at the Miami International Boat Show on Friday, February 14. Panel participants will include Brunswick Chairman and CEO Dusty McCoy, SunTrust Bank SVP Don Parkhurst, Legendary Marine Managing Partner Fred Pace and Freedom Boat Club CEO John Giglio.
A lively and productive discussion is expected as the event will be moderated by Soundings Editor-in-Chief William Sisson and BWI Board Member Michael Sciulla who is producing the program.
“While there has been much talk within the industry about what needs to be done to grow boating, this event should enable us to drill down and get some answers,” said Sciulla.
The panel discussion will be held during the second half of BWI’s annual meeting which runs from 8 to 10 a.m. in rooms B 118-119 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Newly-elected Chairman of the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA), Johnny Lindstrom, a design engineer at Westport Shipyard, will introduce his group’s new portal to help consumers choose the right electronic equipment and offer guidance on proper installation. NMEA is the breakfast sponsor for the morning.
BWI’s Annual Writing Awards amounting to $17,000 and judged as being the best in 2013 will also be presented to writers of over 50 boating and fishing focused stories, reports, how-tos, travelogues and blogs in print and on line.
The entire event is open to the marine community and requires no ticket for admission.