A New Orleans welcome

Registration is now open for the WorkBoat Show, which will be held at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in Halls B, C, D, E and F from Wednesday, December 3, to Friday, December 5. Registration for the WorkBoat Show and Annual Conference is available at www.workboatshow.com.

“The WorkBoat Show and Annual Conference continue to be the premier marketplace for businesses working on the coastal, inland and offshore waters,” said Bob Callahan, Show Director, Diversified Communications. “It’s the place where new ideas meet reliable solutions for the marine industry.”

Callahan noted that last year’s WorkBoat Show was a record setter, attracting 1,100 exhibitors and more than 14,500 visitors from 45 states and 27 countries. “Tradeshow Week” ranks the WorkBoat Show as one of the Top 200 largest U.S. trade shows.

“We are very excited to have the participation of Capt. Richard Phillips, Vigor Industrial’s Frank Foti and Paul Jaenichen, MARAD Administrator, at this year’s WorkBoat Show,” said Bob Callahan, Show Director. “This is a tremendous opportunity for participants to hear from three outstanding leaders in the maritime industry.”

Capt. Richard Phillips will speak at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 3. For five days in April 2009, the world was glued to their TV screens as Capt. Richard Phillips became the centre of an extraordinary international drama when he was captured by Somali pirates who hijacked his ship, the first hijacking of a U.S. ship in more than 200 years. The keynote is sponsored by RSCBiosolutions.

Frank Foti, President and CEO, Vigor Industrial, will speak at 11:30 a.m., on Thursday, December 4. With eight locations in Washington, Oregon and Alaska, Vigor Industrial is the leading provider of shipbuilding, ship repair, and other industrial services in the Pacific Northwest. Foti is the President and CEO of the privately held company and is also serving his second term as Chairman of the Shipbuilders Council of America, which represents 41 companies that own and operate over 120 shipyard facilities.

Paul Jaenichen, the Maritime Administrator, U.S. Department of Transportation, will speak at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 4. The Maritime Administration works in many areas involving ships and shipping, shipbuilding, port operations, vessel operations, national security, environment, and safety. The Maritime Administration is also charged with maintaining the health of the merchant marine.

The less official networking opportunities are also significant at the event. Ron Wolkens of Big Easy Easy Wire said: “This is our industry’s show. I’ve been coming here for the past 20 years and wouldn’t miss it. It’s about meeting new contacts and seeing old friends. WorkBoat is always a good show.”

Over 1,000 marine product and service suppliers exhibited at last year’s show, and 85% have already said they’ll be back. When face-to-face negotiation is critical such events are the best place to get the job done; meet and troubleshoot with product experts, negotiate directly with multiple suppliers, discuss the latest advancements in vessel technology, and find the solutions that are right for your business.

TARGET AUDIENCE
According to show organisers, Diversified Communications, The International Workboat show is for owners and operators of:
-Offshore service vessels, crewboats and supply boats
-Coastal, harbour and oceangoing tugs
-Towboats, pushboats and barges
-Military, patrol, police and fire boats
-Research and education vessels
-Passenger and vehicle ferries
-Excursion and dinner boats
-Diving and salvage vessels

Additionally, Diversified also suggests that companies form the following sub divisions of the industry will find plenty of relevant information and valuable networking opportunities at the event:
-Shipyards and commercial boatbuilders
-Marine engineers and architects
-Commercial marine equipment manufacturers and distributors
-Port authorities and port engineers
-Marine surveyors
-Military buyers and government officials
-Oil exploration and production

Jeremy White of JW Marine Services said of the 2013 show: “Everyone who is in the marine business is here. This show is the place to come to see what’s new in the marketplace.”

SIGNIFICANT BOATS
Each year, WorkBoat magazine recognises new boats with coverage in the December WorkBoat Show issue. Editors review the boats that have appeared in the pages of WorkBoat during the previous twelve months and choose 10 that deserve special recognition. New in 2014, WorkBoat is announcing the ten winning boats in advance and, for the first time ever, will select just one of these ten as the 2014 Boat of the Year. The owner, builder and designer of each vessel will be recognised at the awards ceremony Thursday, December 4, 2014 at 9:00am.

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
The WorkBoat Annual Conference provides crucial information on the most current regulations, technology and issues facing the commercial marine industry today. The Annual Conference will feature tiered programming that focuses on business management, legal and regulatory issues, marine safety and security, and technical issues/advancements.

“By successfully bringing together thousands of people who want to buy, with thousands of businesses selling the latest products and technologies, and by offering strong conference programs, the WorkBoat Show has become the premier event for the commercial marine industry,” added Bob Callahan, Show Director.

There is no cost to attend the keynote addresses and to view the exhibit hall if attendees register before December 3. Registration after that date is $50 per person.

By Jake Frith