b'LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORPVA Continues to Offer Successful Passenger De-EscalationValuable Services to MembersTechniques During COVIDDuring COVID-19 COVID Mask-Wearing ExperiencesAnnouncing the Virtual PVA Emerging Practices that Ensure WorkplaceAnnual Convention at MariTrends 2021 SafetyFebruary 16-18, 2021 Roundtable: Creative Ways VesselLets face it, we all would prefer participatingOperators are Attracting Customers in in-person meetings and conventions. For our association, the PVA Annual ConventionJohn Groundwater How to Conduct Effective Crew Securityat MariTrends has always been a placeRefresher Trainingwhere valuable information is exchanged, long-lastingWhat Does the Future Look Like for Travel and relationships are built, and deals get done. There is anDestination Marketing?unmistakable energy that is generated when PVA membersAt the close of each day of the virtual MariTrends 2021 get together. They enjoy their industry and they thoroughlyconvention, attendees can participate in a Happy Hour enjoy each others company. roundtable session for one or two of the five PVA Regions. While the lingering coronavirus pandemic has robbedWe expect lively discussions and a healthy exchange of us of the ability to meet face-to-face, at least for now, it hasideas specific to each of the PVA regions. Attendees are not taken away our desire to exchange ideas and to sharealso encouraged participate in as many of these region lessons learned. Like other organizations, the PVA Board ofmeetings as they would like as their participation will Directors has decided the best and safest course of actionundoubtedly contribute to a rich information-sharing for 2021 is to plan and hold our convention virtually.experience for all. New Dates for PVAs Virtual Convention Reimagined MariTrends 2021 Exhibit FloorWe are pleased to announce new dates for the VirtualThe MariTrends exhibit floor has always been an PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2021Februaryimportant part of PVAs annual convention, and this year 16-18, 2021.is no different. The MariTrends exhibit hall has always Thought-Provoking Sessions and Opportunities been viewed as a place to build relationships, showcase to Share Knowledge products and services and, ultimately, make sales. PVA A great deal of thought has been given to how toAssociate member exhibitors, and the MariTrends 2021 reimagine our traditional PVA convention to present itexhibit hall, will be prominently featured during this in a virtual format that is both thought-provoking andvirtual convention. engaging. Accordingly, we believe that we are creatingFor 2021, each PVA member exhibitor will receive an event that will live up to our traditional conventiona virtual exhibit booth and the following features and standards, albeit in a shortened virtual format. benefits:Each day of the MariTrends 2021 virtual convention willProminently featured Company Logobegin at 1:00 p.m. EST. This start time is intended to makeContact Information for Company Sales it convenient for convention participants and speakersRepresentativein all U.S. time zones. Convention sessions will highlightLink to the Companys Website roundtables where attendees can share lessons learned asCompany Video or other Promotional Itemswell as their experiences in coping with the coronavirus pandemic, and their thoughts about the future. Topics thatDescription of Exhibiting Companyemphasize how to effectively plan for the 2021 operatingComplete Access to Convention Attendee Lists,season will be featured throughout the convention.with Contact InformationThe following are just a few of the session topics thatWe are enthusiastic about the prospects for the Virtual you can expect during the virtual MariTrends 2021: PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2021 and hope Panel Discussion: Lessons in Rebuilding andthat you will also. Please keep an eye out for emerging Reimagining Your BusinessStrategies for Successcommunications as plans unfold.Social Media: Pivoting Content Strategy Throughout COVID Proposed Development of a PVA DigitalLegal Session: Managing Your Risk During and Marketing ProgramAfter a Pandemic This month, the PVA Board of Directors approved the Brand Marketing: Its More than Just a Boat Ride distribution of a Request for Proposals (RFP) to qualified Roundtable: COVID-19 Lessons Learned Letter from the Executive Director, continued on page 48OCTOBER 2020FOGHORN 5'