Tuesday, December 10

 

12:30 – 1:30 PM    Opening Session: Post Covid Economics – Lessons Learned from a Prior Boom and Bust
Mitch Belter, R. A. Belter Insurance Agency
Daniel K. Rutherford, Director, One80 Marine Claims

Session Description: In the late 1980s,  there was a run-up to an incredible economic boom.  Then… the bottom fell out.  Dealers, marinas, and boatyards who went through that time seem better prepared for this post-COVID environment.  This session will cover the run-up to the COVID boom and the current state of affairs,  how to plan for success, and mitigate loss in this economically challenged environment. Topics will include inventory, labor, sales, employee training and retention, and more.

 

1:45 – 2:45 PM    Electric Money: Emerging Business Models in Electric Propulsion
Moderator: James Whitman, Coastal Communities
Trevor Burgess, Co-Founder & CEO, VoltSafe
Erick Pinzon, Co-Owner, Electrified Marina
Scott Canning, Aqua SuperPower

Panel Description: Amidst the hype, the hoopla and the haters, there is a group of entrepreneurs doing the hard work of building businesses to serve boaters with electric propulsion. Three business people who are creating profitable businesses, will cut through the static and focus on what is real and where they see money being made.  While some industry veterans remain resistant to the technology, this group is capitalizing on it to attract new boaters who appreciate the quiet operation and dramatically simpler maintenance of this new way of being on the water. The discussion will include use cases, ways of exposing consumers to the technology and profit opportunities in the space.

 

1:45 – 2:45 PM    Keeping Afloat with Marina Regulations and Codes
Dan Williams, PLA, ASLA, AHLP, MSA Professional Services, Inc.
Marcus Rue, PE – Senior Project Engineer, MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Session Description: Marinas are a complex matrix of materials, utilities and operational components that are up against ever-evolving local regulations, state mandates, or codes that could necessitate a full overhaul or replacement. This session will explore some of the latest compliance issues challenging marinas today, including rulings on non-encapsulated floats, anchoring systems, utility systems, microplastics and more — with a discussion about why compliance matters and how marinas can achieve it in the most cost-effective manner.

 

3:00 – 4:00 PM    Implementing Green Infrastructure at Marinas
Gregory Weykamp, ASLA, LEED AP BD+C, President, Edgewater Resources, LLC 
Sarah Orlando, Manager, Ohio Clean Marinas Program

Session Description:  This session will explore several case studies where concepts such as soft, planted shorelines replaced vertical hardened walls, resulting in a calmer wave climate, a better-looking edge, cleaner water in the basin, a faster permitting process and lower costs. The session will also focus on green infrastructure being implemented at marinas in three Great Lakes states. Learn about best practices, innovative tools to combat stormwater and lessons learned for increasing adoption of green infrastructure.

 

3:00 – 4:00 PM  Storm Damage: How to Protect Your Marina’s Electrical System
Gary D. Loftis, PE, Maffett Loftis Engineering, LLC.

Session Description: This educational program will provide you with the opportunity to learn more about what is required to protect your marina’s electrical system from damage caused by storm surges, flooding, high water, heavy rains/snow, etc. It will explain the practical aspects of the regulatory requirements of the NEC, NEMA and FEMA. Also, if equipment was flooded during a storm, what options do you have? Can you repair the equipment or are you required to replace the equipment? Real-world examples will be provided to explain the process of when you can repair equipment and when it is required to replace the equipment. The recent hurricane Helene caused massive flooding, affecting much of the southeast. This storm caused record saltwater storm surges and freshwater flooding with over 30 inches of rain reported in 24 hours. Your electrical system is a huge investment and protecting this investment is essential to the operations and future of your marina.

 

4:15 – 5:15 PM    2025 Workplace Law Update- 10 Essential Items That Must Be on Your To-Do List
Robert Smith, Safety Consultant, Fisher Phillips LLP
Travis Vance, Regional Managing Partner, Fisher Phillips LLP 

Session Description: As labor and employment laws evolve at a rapid pace, it’s hard to keep up with all the recent changes. This session will provide a review of some critical developments and a checklist of the essential items you should consider addressing in 2025 and beyond. Learn how to stay on top of the latest changes and create an action plan for compliance. Topics will include new OSHA programs, child labor issues and wage/hour topics.

 

4:15 – 5:15 PM    Havasu Riviera Marina Case Study
Christopher Goshow, Owner and Principal,  International Waterfront Consultants LLC
Mychal Gorden, RLA, Owner, Desert Land Group/ Havasu Riviera Marina
Luke Still, MAI, Owner, Desert Land Group/ Havasu Riviera Marina

Session Description: The recently constructed Havasu Riviera Marina is a state-of-the-art facility along the shoreline of Lake Havasu, in Lake Havasu City, AZ. The project was a result of a multi-agency public-private partnership between Arizona State Parks and Trails, Lake Havasu City, Bureau of Land Management and the private concessionaire. The vision, planning and entitlements for this monumental project were over 20 years in the making. The presentation will first provide an overview of the project from inception through to operation and then will go into a detailed discussion on some of the unique design and construction features of the project.

 

Wednesday, December 11

 

9:30 – 10:30 AM    Lithium Ion – An Electrifying Topic
Moderator: Daniel K. Rutherford, Director, One80 Marine Claims
Kerry Gonzalez, CEO, AMG Insurance International
Jonathan K. Klopman, Marine Surveyor, NAMS-CMS IAMI
Maciej Rynkiewicz, Standards Developer, ABYC

Session Description: Toys, tools, boats, batteries… Are they safe?  Are they insurable?  Are there differences in product and application?  Is the marine industry really ready to embrace the all-electric vessel?  At what cost? This panel discussion will bring a variety of viewpoints from the development of standards, to safety and insurance, to real world experience in the field.

 

9:30 – 10:30 AM    Insurance Bootcamp – Is Your Marine Facility Properly Insured?
Lori J. Sousa, President, Sea Land Insurance Corp 

Session Description: This workshop will educate the owners/managers on the coverages that are required to protect their facilities, along with some hidden dangers that most facilities do not think about.  The goal is to provide the audience with a clear understanding of the insurance they purchase and what may be missing. We will cover not only the marine liabilities, but also Employment Practices Liability, Crime, Auto, Equipment Coverages, Cyber and the difference between Excess Liability and an Umbrella (Bumbershoot). With a glance at property and dock coverage.

 

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM    Valuing a Marina: Real-World Factors that Impact Insurance Claims and Investment Opportunities
Dan Grovatt, Senior Vice President, Colliers | Leisure Property Advisors
DJ Tyler, Vice President & Co-owner, Marine Specialties Limited

Session Description: What are the real-world factors that investors and insurance providers consider when valuing a marina? Experts in the real estate and insurance industries will answer this question discussing the importance of correct valuation for potential investors and insurance. The panel will provide perspective from representatives across the spectrum of marina investment.

 

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM    What’s coming for the 2026 National Electric Code
Gary D. Loftis, PE, Maffett Loftis Engineering, LLC.

Session Description: NFPA is completing the new edition of the National Electric Code (NEC) for the 2026 code cycle. Gary D. Loftis, PE of Maffett Loftis Engineering, sits on Code Making Panel 07 which regulates the electrical codes for the marina industry. He will provide insight into the new regulations that will affect the electrical equipment and wiring requirements for marinas. For background, the 2023 Edition will also be reviewed because many states will be (or already have) adopted the 2023 edition.  Reviewing these requirements will be something the attendees will need and want to know so they can plan on what is coming. There are some very interesting changes to both the 2023 and 2026 Editions of the NEC.

 

1:00 – 2:00 PM    Revenue Generating Ideas Marinas Might Not Think Of
Moderator: Kyle Bostwick, Marina Manager, Ferry Dock Marinas
Roxanne Rockvam, Pontoon Girl©️
J Jeremy Parks, President, Trident Marine Group
Kenneth Robinson, Regional Director – Southeast, Suntex Marinas
Sam Claitor, Founder, Hammer & Nail Marketing

Session Description: Thinking outside the box can lead to unexpected success. Increasing revenue through innovative practices can seem overwhelming and out of reach to many marinas. This panel will bring together a group of successful marina owners and operators as they discuss and share revenue-generating ideas that might not be known to the industry. Attendees are encouraged to join the discussion and share insights, ideas and lessons learned.

 

1:00 – 2:00 PM    Your MGL (Marine General Liability) Policy – How to Navigate Safely in a Legally Tumultuous Sea
Daniel K. Rutherford, Director, One80 Marine Claims
Kerry Gonzalez, CEO, AMG Insurance International

Session Description: This course will discuss legal strategies to help limit your liability, mitigate loss, learn what to do in the event of an accident or loss, and how to both avoid risk and transfer risk.  The session will cover litigation strategies and recent nuclear verdicts that marinas need to be concerned with, as well as the current state of marine general liability claims and investigations.

 

2:30 – 3:30 PM    Inspections, Condition Assessments, and Rehabilitation Plans for Your Marina
Jack Cox, PE, Sr. Principal & Director of Engineering, Edgewater Resources
Nick Cortes, EIT, CRMP,  Staff Engineer and Project Manager, Edgewater Resources
Nick Stefani, PE, Coastal and Geotechnical Engineer, Edgewater Resources

Session Description: Regular inspection of marina infrastructure often gets set aside but can help you identify issues before they become critical safety concerns. Catching weak links proactively will aid in long-term maintenance planning for any marina. This presentation will focus on common issues observed in marinas, when to contact engineering and design professionals, the recommended frequency of professional inspections, various types and levels of inspections and standard reference manuals used throughout the port and marina industries (such as the American Society of Engineers’ Manual No. 130). Repair, rehabilitation and reconstruction methods and strategies will also be a focus.

 

2:30 – 3:30 PM  Navigating Your Marina’s Path to Success
J Jeremy Parks, President, Trident Marine Group
Gina Carbone, VP of Operations and Marketing, Trident Marine Group

Marina operations often face challenges like high labor costs, low customer satisfaction, and declining profitability. In this interactive workshop, we’ll use Trident Marina as a case study to explore strategies for solving these issues. We’ll also cover marketing tactics to attract and retain customers, helping boost visibility and drive growth. Attendees will learn how to reduce costs, improve satisfaction, increase profitability, and develop effective marketing plans. With input from participants shaping the discussion, this session offers practical, tailored solutions. Join us for expert guidance, real-life examples, and actionable steps to enhance your marina’s operations and marketing!

 

 

Thursday, December 12

 

9:30 – 10:30 AM    Profit Center Trends: Boosting the Bottom Line
Macy Jones, Marketing Manager, Ocean Havens, LLC.
Ron Martin, Director, Waterfront Brands/HydroHoist Boat Lifts
Bill Drage, Principal owner, East Coast Houseboats
Nicholas Mastroianni, Chief Strategy Officer, Carefree Boat Clubs

Session Description: Marinas can increase top line sales by offering added value to their customers through the installation of boat lifts and PWC (Personal Watercraft) ports, and leasing to, or opening their own, boat clubs and boat rental operations. This panel discussion will outline the potential benefits and financial impact of incorporating these amenities into marina facilities. Learn from industry veterans how to increase occupancy, enhance customer experience and generate new income.

 

9:30 – 10:30 AM    Cyber Insurance: How To Protect Your Small Business
Lori J. Sousa, President, Sea Land Insurance Corp
Joe Revier, Cofounder, Slipify 

Session Description: Small businesses have a heightened risk when it comes to cyber criminals due to a lack of security infrastructure. As technology continues to advance the methods used by cybercriminals have transformed such as Man-in-the-Middle Attacks (MITM), phishing, malware and data breaches. Learn the threats, and how to protect the personal information of customers, employees, and the business itself.

 

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM    Dock Anchors: What Really Is Their Holding Capacity?
Christopher Goshow, Owner and Principal,  International Waterfront Consultants LLC

Session Description: The anchoring of floating docks is one of the most critical elements to the safety and security of any marina, however, marinas may know little about the capacity and holding power of dock anchors.  This presentation will provide an overview of the various types of dock anchors commonly used including guide piles, spud piles, deadweight block and cable/chain/rope/elastic moorings, and helical screw and cable/chain/rope/elastic moorings.  Issues, concerns and recent advances with various anchoring options will be shared, along with recommendations on testing and validating the capacity of dock anchors.

 

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM    The Future of Dry Stack Marinas
Moderator: Ronald E. Schults, PE, Principal & Chairman, Edgewater Group, LLC
Brock Petrak, Project Manager, Edgewater Group, LLC
David Brown, Director of Business Development at GCM
David Coyle, Mack David Buildings
Nabil Fattal, Mechanical Engineer Director of Latin America and Caribbean, Edgewater Resources

Description: The future of dry stack marinas is undergoing an exciting and long-awaited transformation. This panel session will address the options available to marinas from traditional forklift operations and fixed and cable crane systems to new wind-resistant storage building designs and automated storage and retrieval technologies. Experts will provide information on how marinas can create space-saving and financially advantageous solutions for boat storage.