MARCH 2018 • FOGHORN 11 FOGHORNFOCUS: CONVENTION REVIEW travel industry has been disrupted of late and younger people want new ex- periences. He also stressed the impor- tance of attracting international tourists who are growing in large numbers. In fact, he stressed tourism “is the fastest growing industry in the world.” Fan favorite Jim Zitek, Founder/ CEO of Harbor Capital Group, Inc., returned to the PVA stage to explain the mindsets of decision-making, and urged business owners to understand why these mindsets could impact the prosperity of their companies. “This may surprise you, but you are not making decisions the way you think you are,” Zitek said after his pre- sentation. “Your mindsets are driving your decision-making process. You must address and understand your mindsets if you want to make good decisions and make them more consis- tently.” MariTrends 2018 The only trade show exclusive to the passenger vessel industry is growing at a rapid rate. More than 100 organiza- tions filled booth space at MariTrends 2018 in order to establish relation- ships with vessel operators, display new products and services, and offer solutions. In a post-show survey, more exhibitors expressed satisfaction with the trade show. One survey respondent called MariTrends “the best event of the year.” Networking Networking continues to be a major reason why PVA members attend the annual convention. A post-convention survey revealed that nearly 75 percent of conventioneers cited the networking opportunities available throughout the meeting to be the most beneficial reason for attending. A welcome reception, closing dinner, the annual Passenger Vessel Foundation region competition, the Katica Klassic Golf Tournament, re- ceptions on the MariTrends 2018 trade show floor, and conversations between members throughout the convention were important chances for vessel operators to talk to one another and to industry suppliers. Looking Ahead Another indicator of this year’s successful meeting is that when asked in the post-convention survey if they plan to attend next year’s conven- tion, the answer was a resounding yes. Get ready for gumbo, beignets and jambalaya…the next PVAAnnual Convention at MariTrends 2019 will be held January 17-20, 2019 in New Orleans! n “The networking opportunity alone is worth the cost of the convention. Add to that the products and educational aspect of it, how could you justify not going?” PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2018 Attendee