Some good news for GPS manufacturers, boaters and millions of other users of the satellite-based navigation system that you may have missed, given that it broke on the eve of the Miami boat shows. The Federal Communications Commission last week said it would block a plan to build a new national wireless broadband network because it interferes with GPS devices. (Read More…)

The surprisingly strong January employment report last week was a welcome sign of improvement in the overall U.S. economic picture. The timing couldn’t be better, with the Miami International Boat Show and the Yacht & Brokerage Show starting next Thursday, Feb. 16. (Read More…)

With attendance down only 6 percent from last year’s record, the mood at the 2008 METS show was decidedly upbeat, despite the ominous clouds produced by global economic problems. Some exhibitors, however, did express concern about their economic future and how well their companies would weather what lies ahead. (Read More…)

Lately we’ve all been re-evaluating many aspects of this business, especially where we spend our money. Let’s face it: There isn’t as much coming in as there used to be, so we have to be a little more prudent about what flows out. (Read More…)

October will be a busy month for the marine industry, as business leaders gear up for two major events that traditionally serve as key indicators for the coming year. (Read More…)

This week Soundings Trade Only reported that attendance at the Detroit Boat Show was up 19.2 percent. The show, produced by the Michigan Boating Industries Association, ended Feb. 24.

Attendance was 85,087 compared to 71,381 in 2007.

This, in of itself, was fantastic news given Michigan’s depressed market with its auto job layoffs and high unemployment rates. (Read More…)

IBEX opened its doors today; the exhibitors look crisp and hope to sell big.

But some on the floor told me the weak market has prevented many companies
from sending their usual number of people to the show. The companies have been trying
to curb costs.
(Read More…)

I want to share a story, which really grabbed my attention.

It comes from the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers, of which the National Marine Manufacturers Association is a founding member.

I was impressed with the group’s ground-breaking initiative to create a Code of Excellence, designed to enhance the quality of boat shows. (Read More…)

I think we all need to agree that our Web site shouldn’t be looked at as just an advertising tool, but instead should be treated in the same way as a real storefront dealer.
The exception is that the online location has no property taxes, no electric bill to pay and no building to clean.  It is still, however, a storefront.  If we all agree to this premise then we need to consider how and why we operate it differently than our brick-and-mortar stores. (Read More…)

I recently got back from the Miami International Boat Show, and I’m still catching up on sleep and getting caught up on work. Still, it seemed like a good time for reflection on the event, so here are a few of my random thoughts: (Read More…)