DECEMBER 2017 • FOGHORN 5 LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR John Groundwater Featuring: • Presentation of the Roger Murphy National Marine Safety Award • Presentation of the Captain Elizabeth Gedney Passenger Vessel Safety Award Rear Admiral Nadeau leads devel- opment of national policy, standards, and programs to promote Marine Safety, Security and Environmental Stewardship. He oversees three Directorates: Inspections and Compliance, Marine Transportation Systems, and Commercial Regulations and Standards. The programs under his leadership include waterways management, navigation and boating safety, ports and facilities, merchant mariner credentialing, vessel documentation, marine casualty investigation, commercial vessel inspections, and port state control. His observation and priorities are of im- portance to all passenger vessel operators. Monday, January 29 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. 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 strate- gies and tactics used to attract travelers in the past 10 years will change dramatically in the next 10. Channels, media, technology and traveler behavior have all changed. Those destinations and operators that manage their businesses strategically will be rewarded with strong performance. Those that continue to focus on their rear-view mirrors will see decline. Highly-Focused Educational Sessions and Industry-Specific Conferences Nearly 100 sessions, seminars, and special events await you when you attend the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2018. Each is designed especially for the U.S. passenger vessel industry and will expose you to the latest industry topics and trends. These sessions and conferenc- es will explore a wide range of topics including sales and marketing, operations, technology, Coast Guard issues and business management. Special separate conferences will lend extra focus to cutting edge topics and trends: • PVA Ferry Conference • PVA Sales and Marketing Conference PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2018… Information, Contacts, Ideas! Have you registered for the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2018, scheduled January 28-31 at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center? If you have not, I encourage you to do so immediately and take advantage of all the value that awaits you. When you attend this important annual PVA event, you will come away with the very latest industry information, contacts and, best of all, ideas! Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa The headquarters hotel for the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2018 is the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa located in Savannah, GA. This luxurious hotel offers spectacular views of the Savannah River and the equally breathtaking Savannah city skyline. Convention seminars, general session keynote addresses, and social events on the MariTrends 2018 exhibit floor will all be held at the modern Savannah International Trade and Convention Center which is adjacent to the Westin. The Westin is also the site of the con- vention Welcome R e c e p t i o n . T h i s enjoyable social event will be held on Monday, January 28 from 6:00:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Westin. It will give you an opportunity to renew old acquaintances, and even make some new ones, in a relaxed and enjoyable social setting. Keynote Speakers The PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2018 will feature keynote addresses from industry leaders who will discuss important industry trends and issues that will impact your business. Sunday, January 28 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Coast Guard Prevention Priorities Rear Admiral John P. Nadeau Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy United States Coast Guard LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CONTINUED ON PAGE 38