WEST PALM BEACH, FL (April 10, 2017) – The U.S. Superyacht Association conducted the 4th Annual Superyacht Summit on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at the West Palm Beach Marriott for a gathering of more than 100 regional, national and international superyacht industry partners. “Hosting an annual Summit for the superyacht industry is a critical part of our mission,” said USSA Chairman Rick Gladych of Raven Offshore Yacht Shipping. “This is our one opportunity each year to get together as an industry and discuss our issues as well as provide a critical educational platform for our member businesses.”
In addition to five general sessions focused on timely issues and industry trends, attendees were able to customize their agenda from a selection of smaller breakout tracks designed to improve their bottom line and promote personal development. “We worked hard to create programming that focused on providing compelling and relevant content to engage, educate and empower our attendees, as well as balance the event with opportunities to network with fellow business leaders in the superyacht industry,” explained USSA President, Kitty McGowan.
During the annual “State of the Industry” presentation, the overwhelming consensus was: “The American Superyacht industry is vibrant, and currently benefiting from a strong economy and stable government. With the clarification and streamlining of entry regulations, improved networking and teamwork between our state-of-the-art refit facilities, and the proper promotion of our nation’s diverse and unique cruising grounds, we are poised to become one of the finest superyacht destinations in the world.”
Other highlights of the Summit included, “The First Hundred Days: The Good…The Bad…and the Ugly of the New Administration and its Impact the Superyacht Industry;” “Cybercrime: Are You At Risk?” and Training & Retaining Good Employees –How to Keep the Good Ones from Jumping Ship.” Afternoon break-out sessions included presentations on business-building, legal, ethics, creative funding options, and social media marketing experts. In one general session, Marc Gadbois of Tradesmen International, told the crowd, “If this is your first USSA event, hold on tight as this organization will help you grow your business in the superyacht industry.”
Networking events continue to be a critical element of the Summit. “I look forward to attending the Summit every year because I get the opportunity to build strong relationships with fellow members from around the world,” said Eyre Baldwin, Cape Charles Yacht Center. “These relationships have absolutely helped me build my business.”
Attendees included representatives from many different market sectors including marinas and shipyards, media, electronics, designers and engineers, yacht managers, manufacturers, captains, brokers, professional services, and service providers from more than 13 U.S. states and several foreign countries including Canada, Bermuda, United Kingdom, and the Marshall Islands.
The 2017 USSA Superyacht Summit was sponsored by IGY Marinas, Falvey Yacht Insurance, AWLGrip, Zeidel & Co Yachting Essentials, Bellingham Marine, Bluewater, MHG Insurance Brokers, Tradesmen International, MegaYacht News, Robert Allen Law, Safe Harbor Marinas, Cox & Company, Sunbrella, ALEXSEAL, Cover Guard, GeoBlue, MyTaskit, and Newport Shipyard.
The U.S. Superyacht Association (USSA) is a non-profit trade association incorporated in 2006, with the mission “To promote and support the U.S. Superyacht industry and its members worldwide through advocacy, marketing and education.” For more information on the USSA and the 2017 Superyacht Summit visit ussuperyacht.com, call 800-208-5801 or email info@ussuperyacht.com. Like the USSA on Facebook at /USSuperyacht.
