20 DECEMBER 2017 • FOGHORN CONVENTIONREPORT 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 T heory is interesting. Hypothetical is intriguing. But, practical, hands-on solutions and best practices are what will help your operation succeed today and in the near future. That’s the premise behind the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2018. This multi-day convention is a treasure trove of learning oppor- tunities catering to the passenger vessel indus- try’s owners and operators. The event will be held January 28-31, 2018, in Savannah, GA. Education Highlights The PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2018 features dozens of sessions, each one offering something crucial to the safe, secure, success of running a passenger vessel operation. Attendees will find new ideas and solutions for making their company more effective and productive. Sessions cover sales and marketing, ferry operations, regulatory and legislative issues, new technologies, employee concerns, security, efficiency, propulsion and fuel options, customer service, environmental issues, finances, ticketing, IT and so much more. Plan to bring more than person from the office to be sure all sessions are covered to pass on new information to the rest of company. Education You Can Use Now Top Notch Industry Leaders The PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends always attracts highly influential leaders who share their expertise and experiences with PVA convention attendees. This year’s general session speakers are sure to be a draw with their perspective of key aspects of running a vessel operation. TRAVEL INDUSTRYTRENDS The Big Shift: A Blueprint for the Future of Tourism Greg Klassen, Principal,Twenty31 Consulting Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. It is also one of the most competitive. The strategies and tactics used to attract travelers in the past 10 years will vastly disrupt in the next 10. Channels, media, technology and traveller behaviour have all changed. Those destinations and operators that manage their busi- nesses strategically will be rewarded COME EARLY FOR THE PRE- CONVENTION WORKSHOP On Saturday,January 27, a mass rescue drill exercise will be held at the River Street Riverboat Company in downtown Savannah.This is an opportunity to learn by doing. Later in the convention, a “hotwash” to hash over the exercise will be presented.