WorkBoat Annual Conference
Each year The International WorkBoat Show presents the WorkBoat Annual Conference curated by the editors of WorkBoat.com, WorkBoat Magazine, and the WorkBoat Content Team. This year’s Conference will be broken out across three days and will focus on five sectors: “Maintenance & Repair”, “Tugs & Coastal Towing” “Shipyards”, “Inland Waterways & Passenger Vessel” and “Offshore”. Each program is custom designed to provide high level education and networking opportunities in a comprehensive format.
The Conference is built upon intensive half-day programs that allows participants to dive deeper into the challenges and opportunities facing commercial mariners today. Led by industry experts, the program is designed to expose attendees to new information and encourage critical thinking and engaging discussions.
MAINTENANCE & REPAIR PROGRAM
Focused on all things maintenance and repair, this portion of the WorkBoat Annual Conference will deliver extensive programming that supports and identifies the key challenges and opportunities for M& R professionals. Discover new means of reliability and asset management, discover emerging technologies and future trends, understand the importance of everyday maintenance (whether predicted/scheduled or emergency), and engage in thoughtful conversations with peers through networking opportunities.
OFFSHORE PROGRAM
With a growing demand for renewables, there is much optimism in the offshore market with the emergence of the Offshore Wind Industry on the East Coast. Market predictions in the Gulf continue to forecast a more cautiously optimistic attitude with a possibility of more consolidation and mergers.
This year’s offshore program will provide insight into the opportunities of the growing Offshore Wind Market and the what lies ahead for Offshore Oil and the vessels that support both.
TUGS & COASTAL TOWING PROGRAM
SHIPYARD PROGRAM
Shipyards are continually seeking innovative techniques to increase efficiency, safety and profitability. From design and construction trends to technological advancements and regulatory compliance, the importance of relevant, up-to-date information is crucial in today’s competitive environment.
Undoubtedly, the emergence of the Domestic Offshore Wind industry and the 70 Billion in Capex spending signals significant opportunity for US shipyards. There is an imminent need for new vessels to survey, build, crew, and service this new market. Come hear from industry insiders and learn about what is needed in the Offshore Wind Industry supply chain.
INLAND WATERWAYS & PASSENGER VESSEL PROGRAM
A strong economy and the booming ferry and inland overnight cruise markets have helped boost passenger vessel industry growth and stability. This sector is seeing new designs, green technologies including hybrid and electric, improved fleet management and other technologies.
In the inland waterways sector, increased freight opportunities from U.S. chemical manufacturers and the improving economy should bring additional opportunities for barge companies while continuing to reduce the oversupply of equipment. Infrastructure improvements are needed as commercial and recreational transportation crowd the rivers. This program will address the strategic concepts in maintaining what is working and reversing what is not along the inland waterways and discuss what’s on the horizon.