WorkBoat Show returns to New Orleans

More than 1,000 marine product and service suppliers are expected at the largest commercial marine trade show in North America, which is also popular with European visitors and exhibitors. Some 77% of buyers at the show are involved in purchasing decisions and represent $2.3bn in buying power. Defying the wider economic climate, the 2011 event was the largest in the show’s history and 88% of those in attendance found new products or companies in which to take an interest.

International exhibitors run the gamut from Austal Shipyards to ZF Marine, with Damen Shipyards of the Netherlands among the European exhibitors. Martin Meissner of ZF Marine spoke for many when he said, “The WorkBoat Show is really where the industry comes together. This really is the key show for this market.”

Tied to America’s WorkBoat magazine, the WorkBoat Professional Series New Orleans runs concurrently with the International WorkBoat Show, providing an educational conference focussed on business management, legal and regulatory issues, marine safety and security, vessel construction and repair, and owner/operator issues. The event also encompasses the 7th Annual WorkBoat Environmental Awards & Shipyard Day Awards.