NOVEMBER 2017 • FOGHORN 5 LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR John Groundwater Here are just a few of the comments from those who attended last year: • “The convention was packed full of moti- vating educational seminars and development opportunities that provided the occasion to gain information in the passenger vessel industry, hear from the experts, meet industry suppliers and network.” • “A wide variety of experts, innovators, and operators combined to offer an action-packed infor- mation gathering and sharing environment.” • “Continuing to create and improve relationships provides the most value. A short one-on-one conversa- tion with another member can prove to be very valuable.” “It is a great event to network and get to know key players in the industry.” Opportunities to Build Lasting Business Relationships While the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2018 will definitely feature a wide variety of educational and learning opportunities, there are also numerous social events that allow attendees to renew old acquaintances while making new ones. Recognizing that networking is clearly an important aspect of all business endeavors, this year’s convention will feature a not-to-be-missed Welcome Reception to be held on Saturday, January 27 at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa that will kick the convention off in grand style. A MariTrends 2018 Exhibit Hall Opening Reception will be held on Sunday, January 28. This event will allow you to meet and mingle with PVA’s loyal Associate members who are exhibiting their products and services just for you. You won’t want to miss the President’s Closing Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, January 31 to be held aboard the spectacular Georgia Queen, which is owned and operated by PVA Member River Street Riverboat Company. Specific Industry Conferences and Roundtables Recognizing that the U.S. passenger vessel industry is indeed diverse with a variety of differing issues and interests, the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2018 will feature several industry-specific conferences that will let convention attendees drill down into the issues of most PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2018 — A Convention to be Remembered Each PVA Convention develops a personality all its own as attendees, important industry issues of the day and the destination city all come together in unison. A sense of camara- derie abounds and one can actually feel the energy that is formed when PVA members gather together for this important annual event. PVA members travel from every corner of our nation to attend the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2018 a n d t h e y re p re s e n t small, medium and large companies from virtually every sector of the passenger vessel industry. These diverse companies, interests and activities come together to form what has become a powerful event for PVA members. Exciting Program Providing Valuable Business Information, Tips and Tactics A sense of excitement is already building for the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2018, scheduled January 28-31 at the Savannah Trade and Convention Center in beautiful Savannah, GA. PVA members and others have overwhelmingly stepped up to suggest a variety of presentation topics for seminars, sessions, keynote addresses and roundtable sessions. Many of these individuals are experts in their areas and have also volun- teered to make seminar presentations. While the passenger vessel industry will have excellent representation on the convention program, leaders in government will also play a key role in presenting as well. For example, key represen- tatives from the Coast Guard will be featured in speaking roles throughout the convention and will be on-hand to answer your most pressing questions. The PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2018 will offer nearly 80 seminars, sessions, roundtables, and special events that are jam-packed with information tailored spe- cifically for your business needs. What Attendees Are Saying Each year convention attendees are surveyed—both PVA Vessel and Associate members—to get their opinions about the event. They are very candid in their assessments and their comments are used to shape future conventions. LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CONTINUED ON PAGE 38 PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2018 January 28-31, 2018 Savannah, GA