Trade Show Scheduling

Nashville is the place to be to see and buy boats, gear, and accessories. The 23^rd Nashville Boat & Sportshow has everything you need for a summer full of boating and fishing fun. Exhibitors will showcase the latest in marine gear, motors, electronics, tackle and accessories. Charter companies and resorts representatives will be on hand so you can book your next vacation. The area’s best selection of new boats will be available. Compare makes and models, find insurance and financing, and buy the accessories you need.

Joey Monteleone, professional angler and host of “Inside the Outdoors” radio show, will offer daily fishing seminars. Included will be hands-on demonstrations in casting, baiting, and fishing technique to help you gain new skills and fish like a pro. Keith Milby will have dog training seminars where you can learn the secrets of dog training.

One of the world’s fastest offshore racing boats will be available for viewing. The Miss GEICO is capable of reaching speeds of more than 185 miles per hour. This 40 foot boat has set two world records and participated in more than 15 races around the world in 2007.

The catch-and-release fishing pond will offer trout fishing for kids 12 and younger. It’s a great way to introduce them to the sport of fishing. A special appearance will also be made by SpongeBob Squarepants. Young mariners will find hands-on activities, games and more at the Kids Adventure Trail. Knot tying, animal track/compass reading, water safety, and more will be offered.

Nashville Boat & Sportshow will be held January 6-10, 2010 at the Nashville Convention Center, 601 Commerce St., Nashville, TN 37203. For more information you can visit their web site at http://www.nashvilleboatshow.com or contact them at 143-A Arnold Dr., Shepherdsville, KY 40165. Telephone: (502) 957-1666. Fax: (502) 957-1690.

New Orleans will host the International WorkBoat Show this December. This is the largest commercial marine tradeshow in North America serving people and businesses working on the coastal, inland and offshore waters. 1,000 companies will display products and services for commercial vessels and the companies that build, service and operate them. This is the place to be to meet and troubleshoot with product experts, negotiate directly with multiple suppliers, discuss the latest advancements in vessel technology, and find solutions for your business. Those who should attend include owners and operators of: offshore service vessels, crew boats, supply boats, towboats, tugs, barges, patrol boats, police boats, fireboats, military vessels, ferries, and other marine vessels; commercial boat builders; marine engineers and architects; equipment manufacturers and distributors; marine surveyors; and any others affiliated with the marine industry.

Featured will be Shipyard Day where the International WorkBoat Show and WorkBoat magazine celebrate the boat building industry with a series of special events recognizing shipyards and the new vessels built for workboat owners and operators. WorkBoat Editor David Krapf, Senior Editor Ken Hocke, and Technical Editor Bruce Buls will present awards to the builders, designers and owners of the 10 most significant boats of 2009.

The conference will provide training and information on a number of important topics concerning the marine industry including:

• Can Traditional Damage Stability Criteria Be Met?
• Towing Vessel Inspection Program: What You Need to Know
• Handling Regulatory Investigations & Hearing of a Marine Incident
• Vessel & Facility Security Awareness Training Course
• The Hybrid Propulsion Evolution
• A Guide towards Higher Energy Efficiency in Ships

The International WorkBoat Show will be held December 2-4, 2009, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70130. For registration and more information you can call Attendee Registration. Telephone: (972) 620-3027. Toll Free: (800) 454-307. You can also visit their web site at http://www.workboatshow.com/09/public/enter.aspx.

Pacific Marine Expo is the largest commercial marine trade show on the West Coast serving commercial vessel owners, commercial fishermen, boat builders, and seafood processors. This is the show for anyone who makes their living on the water or provides services for those who do. Those who should attend include charter boat owners/operators, commercial fishermen, commercial vessel owners/operators, passenger vessel owners/operators, engineers and architects, captains, operators, and owners of large charter and pleasure yachts, seafood processors, port officials and engineers, harbormasters, marina operators, marine surveyors, and all others affiliated with the marine industry.

This expo will allow attendees to meet and troubleshoot with product experts, negotiate directly with multiple suppliers, discuss the latest advancements in vessel technology, and locate the yard that will work on their schedule. The conference will have information available for everyone. A few of the many conference topics being presented are:

• Optimum Yield: New Processing Equipment – Little Waste
• Pros & Cons of Telecommunication Technologies
• Illegal, Unregulated, Unreported Fishing: How it Impacts You
• Alaska’s Regional Seafood Development Associations: Report from the Frontlines
• Centralized Merchant Marine Licensing Process: What You Need to Know
• Bristol Bay Processing: Next Steps
• Safety Implications of Fisheries Management
• Identifying the Areas Your Crew Needs Training

Special events at this year’s show include the return of Ron Burchett and his fleet of model size working vessels and demonstration pool. You will be able to test your skills at towing a barge, operating a fire boat, or running your favorite remote control model vessel. There will also be cash prizes offered to the winners of a series of fishing skill tests. Finalists will vie for Fisherman of the Year.

Pacific Marine Expo will be held November 19-21, 2009 at the Qwest Field and Event Center, 1000 Occidental Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98134. For registration and more information you can visit their web site at http://www.fishexposeattle.com/09/public/enter.aspx. You can also contact Bob Callahan, Show Director at (207) 842-5592. Email: bcallahan@divcom.com.