WorkBoat Show back in New Orleans

The 32nd International WorkBoat Show, North America's largest commercial marine trade show and conference, will be held at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center from 30 November through 2 December 2011.

A record number of exhibitors and customers are expected for the Show, which features more than 1,000 exhibitors, the Third Annual WorkBoat Executive Summit, WorkBoat Professional Series and the Sixth Annual Shipyard Day. Also included is the 10 Significant Boats of 2011 Awards Ceremony and the WorkBoat Environmental Awards.

"The 2010 show brought more than 10,000 visitors and exhibitors from 45 states and 27 countries", said show director Bob Callahan. "The WorkBoat Show continues to be the premier marketplace for businesses working on the coastal, inland and offshore waters."

Callahan added that visitors to the Show represent more than $2.3bn in buying power. Last year, 88% of the visitors found new products or companies at the Show and 65% planned to purchase as a result of attending.

The third annual WorkBoat Executive Summit takes place on Tuesday 29 November.

Maritime industry leaders attending face a number of critical business issues, including high fuel prices, tight credit, an aging workforce and impending shortage of skilled workers, budget cuts and deficit reduction.

"The Summit will provide maritime executives the right resources to keep their companies competitive and profitable", said David Krapf, editor in chief of WorkBoat magazine and WorkBoat.com.

Krapf said the Summit is designed exclusively for senior managers from every sector of the commercial marine industry including fleet owners, builders and finance executives.

The Summit will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and features a finance panel, keynote address by Charles Gasparino, senior correspondent for the Fox Business Network, luncheon, roundtable session, reception and five networking opportunities.

The 6th Annual Shipyard Day on Wednesday 30 November is where the International WorkBoat Show and WorkBoat magazine celebrate the boatbuilding industry with a series of special events recognizing shipyards and the new vessels built for workboat owners and operators. This year's Shipyard Day features a keynote address, the WorkBoat Environmental Awards and WorkBoat Magazine's 10 Significant Boats of 2011.

The WorkBoat Environmental Awards recognize businesses and government agencies,= operating in the US maritime industry which exemplify innovative and effective environmental process initiatives in daily operations.

For its 10 Significant Boats of 2011 awards, WorkBoat's editorial staff reviews scores of boats that appeared in the magazine during the previous 12 months (December 2010 to November 2011). Of these, the editors choose 10 that deserve special recognition.

The WorkBoat Professional Series takes place throughout the duration of the show. "Through keynote addresses and panel discussions, this year's Show features a very strong and comprehensive professional series that will help marine businesses keep on top of the latest industry and regulatory issues", said Krapf.

Pre-registration for the exhibit hall is free, the onsite price is $50. To register or for further information, visit www.WorkBoatShow.com.