b'LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORPVA Region Meetings Off AT THE HELMto a Great Start this MonthJOHN GROUNDWATER // EXECUTIVE DIRECTORO ctober is an exciting month as two PVA Region Meetings are happening back-to-back on both East and West Coasts. The PVA Western Region Meet-ing is being held in Monterey, Calif., and the combined PVA Great Lakes and Original Colonies Region Meeting is being held in Buffalo, N.Y. PVA members are gathering together regionally to share information, successes, and to simply re-connect after busy seasons. The programs for each meeting are impressive and cover a variety of timely topics such as:Marketing Strategies That Build Brands andCapture Customers MARITRENDS 2026The Pulse of ProgressBest Practices in Fire SafetyExercise Planning It is not too early to begin thinking about the PVA Annual and Execution Convention at MariTrends 2026. A variety of exciting new features are already being planned, fine-tuned, and rolledU.S. Coast Guard Reconsideration and Appealsout for this much anticipated annual event that is sched- Recent Case Studies uledFeb.22-25attheNorthernKentuckyConvention Center in Covington, Ky.I ndustry RoundtableOpen Discussions AboutPressing Issues Attending MariTrends 2026 is a strategic investment in your future that brings together a dynamic mix of industryManaging a Crisis leaders,governmentofficials,innovators,andmaritimeprofessionalsforanunbelievablevarietyofimmersive Food and Beverage Trends Operators Need to Know learning, networking, and collaborative opportunities. RIVERS REGION MEETING MariTrends 2026 isnt just any convention. It is a facilitator Nov. 16-18, Chattanooga, Tenn. for personal growth and leadership for all who are involved There is still time to register for the PVA Rivers Region Meet- in the U.S. passenger vessel industry. It gives attendees access ing scheduled Nov. 16-18. If you are not located in the Riversto pioneering insights tailored specifically to the operational Region and your schedule prevented you from attending anand business needs of passenger vessel operators at all levels earlier region meeting, I encourage you to consider attendingof their organizations. Through a series of seminars, work-the PVA Rivers Region Meeting. Whatever your regionalshops, and roundtable discussions, attendees gain firsthand location, you will not only enjoy experiencing Chattanooga,knowledge of emerging technologies, regulatory updates, the hospitality of our PVA member host Chattanooga Riv- safety protocols, and marketing strategies that directly im-erboats, and networking with your fellow PVA member at- pact their companies. These sessions are designed not just to tendees, but will find that these combine with an exceptionalinform, but to spark innovation and problem-solving.program to make an event that is not to be missed.MariTrends2026offersunequalednetworkingoppor-tunities,andtheconventionpromotesmeaningfulcon-REGISTER TODAYContinued on page 607 OCTOBER 2025'