OCTOBER 2017 • FOGHORN 23 Complete control and steering systems for vessels of all types and sizes. +1 (604)572-3935 • Surrey, BC, Canada sales@kobelt.com • www.kobelt.com KOBELT MANUFACTURING CO.LTD. • 100% Furuno designed Linux software improves stability & reduces virus risk • Fully compliant IMO systems (19" & 23.1" LCD) or Black Box ECDIS with user supplied wide glass bridge monitors are available • Simple Ethernet connection to FAR2xx7 Radars, saving thousands over complex interface kits www.FurunoUSA.com www.Facebook.com/Furuno ECDIS Electronic Chart Display and Information System ECDIS Electronic Chart Display and Information System CONVENTIONREPORT For years it’s been said that just one good idea learned at the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends could pay for your entire trip. And, that’s been true for countless attendees. Chances are you are one of those vessel operators who has benefited from something gleaned at the convention. But have you stopped to think about where all those great ideas come from? The answer is that they come from other vessel operators who shared something they’ve experienced in their company. In other words, the ideas that have helped you came from someone a lot like you. The sharing of ideas, solutions, and best practices is one of the strengths of being a PVA member. Information sharing is also one of the reasons why the passenger vessel industry is growing in size and scope. Now, the PVA Convention Committee is looking for presentation topics, ideas and speakers for the upcoming PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2018. Do you have something to share? Some of the areas that you may want to share new ideas on are Sales and Marketing, Regulations and Operations, and Business Management. Case studies are of particular interest to attendees. Learning about how an operator handles situations—rescue op- erations, buying/installing a reserva- tion system, finding/hiring competent employees, or lowering insurance premiums—is beneficial to other vessel operators. Perhaps you have expertise or experi- ence in specific areas such ferries, IT, en- vironmental practices, reservations and ticketing, or emerging technologies such as batteries or cyber security. Or, maybe someone in your organization has that knowledge. If so, ask them to share their knowledge. If you have a proposed topic for consideration for the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2018, or if you are interested in speaking, complete the Call for Presentations at www.passen- gervessel.com/SitePages/maritrends. html or contact PVA’s Karen Rainbolt at krainbolt@passengervessel.com, or 571- 388-7752. The bottom line is, if there’s something of importance and value to you—an idea, a tip, solution, best practice—it would probably benefit others too and they would appreciate if you’d share with them. n Share Your Experiences and Expertise at the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2018 The PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2018 will be held January 28-31, 2018 in Savannah, GA www.passengervessel.com/SitePages/ maritrends.html