October 10, 2024

Written by ShoreMaster Marketing

The Docks Expo is Just Around the Corner - Here's Everything You Need to Know

The Docks Expo Coming in 2024  

The Docks Expo & Marina Conference has established itself as a premier event in the boating and marina industry, gathering professionals from across the globe to discuss the latest industry standards, trends, and innovations. Now in its 10th year, the annual gathering promises to be bigger and better than ever. The three-day event will feature 20 education sessions from industry experts, over 150 exhibitors showcasing the best products and services in one room, and invaluable networking opportunities for all attendees. 

The Docks Expo happens on December 10-12, 2024, at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee. The event is produced by Marina Dock Age, a trusted publication dedicated to marina and boatyard management for over 25 years. For more information, visit www.docksexpo.com or check out Marina Dock Age Magazine on Facebook for event updates. 

Waterfront Brand Products Showcased at the Docks Expo  

For HydroHoist and its parent company, Waterfront Brands, the Docks Expo & Marina Conference presents a prime opportunity to showcase our latest offerings to prospective dock systems and boat hoist dealers. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the exciting products you can expect to see at our booth:

• HarborHoist H2: This free-floating aluminum boat lift system offers unmatched versatility and performance. It combines cutting-edge technology with ease of use to provide boaters with a versatile and reliable solution for storing vessels. The H2 has a lifting capacity of 5,000 to 21,000 lbs, a level-lifting frame to ensure boats are securely and evenly raised, and a sleek, low-profile design that preserves waterfront views. 
• UltraLift Series: This boat lift float system combines rotomolded polyethylene tanks with a heavy-duty hull support system capable of supporting boats ranging from 5,000 to 32,000 lbs. Rotational molding is a production process that involves heating a hollow mold filled with plastic resin and rotating it on multiple axes, resulting in a seamless product that can absorb shocks and stresses where they occur most (RotoMoldUSA, n.d.). Meanwhile, their innovative design keeps all steel parts above the waterline, preventing rust, corrosion, and anything else the elements can throw at them. 
• PWC Ports: We’ll also showcase our popular floating jet ski docks – the HP Extreme and the latest version of the HP Epic. These PWC lifts feature an exclusive bow bumper and soft rest for the keel to protect jet ski hulls while enabling quick and easy load and launch, so riders can spend more time doing the fun stuff.   

Of course, Waterfront Brands will also showcase the latest product innovations from its family of brands, including ShoreMaster, PolyDock, HyPower, RotoMold USA, Neptune Boat Lifts, Rhino Marine Systems, and Tide Tamer. Our team will be on hand to answer any questions, provide product demonstrations, and discuss how we can help your business thrive. 

Expert Speakers and Key Sessions 

The Docks Expo 2024 features a diverse lineup of expert speakers, industry leaders, and innovators eager to share their knowledge and insights with the community. Spread across the three-day event, these education sessions include:

• Post-COVID Business Strategies: This opening session, featuring Mitch Belter of R.A. Belter Insurance Agency and Daniel K. Rutherford of One80 Marine Claims, will cover the run-up to the COVID boom and the current state of affairs, including tips on how to plan for success and mitigate loss in this economically challenged environment (The Docks, n.d.). 
• Marina Regulations and Code Compliance: This session will explore some of the latest compliance issues facing marinas today and discuss cost-effective adherence strategies. Dan Williams and Marcus Rue of MSA Professional Services, Inc. will lead the discussion.  
• Profit Center Trends: On December 12, Waterfront Brands and HydroHoist Boat Lifts Director Ron Martin will lead a panel discussion on how marinas can increase top-line sales by offering added value to their customers. He will be joined by Bill Drage of East Coast House Boats and Nicholas Mastroianni of Carefree Boat Clubs.

Sessions on implementing green infrastructure at marinas, labor and employment laws, and multiple insurance-related discussions will also be held, among a host of other insightful expert-led talks. For more information, visit the Docks Expo 2024 website.  

Industry Trends and Innovations  

The Docks Expo 2024 is the perfect space to catch up on the latest trends and innovations shaping the boating and docking industry. This year's event will focus on sustainability, regulatory compliance, and innovative revenue strategies—areas that are increasingly important for marina operators and dock businesses. 

Key discussions surrounding these points of emphasis include the emergence of electric propulsion systems, which are slowly gaining traction as a sustainable alternative to traditional engines. The broader push for green infrastructure also explores several case studies from the three Great Lakes states. Meanwhile, industry experts will delve into the evolving local regulations, state mandates, and the coming 2026 National Electric Code and its implications for marina operators. 

Finally, the Docks Expo will discuss emerging revenue strategies, such as offering boat rentals, establishing boat clubs, and leasing amenities to help marinas adapt to the evolving landscape of marina operations. The Docks Expo 2024 all-inclusive attendee registration pricing covers all education sessions. 

Dealers: How to Find Us for Docks Expo  

Waterfront Brands will have the largest booth at the Docks Expo & Marina Conference 2024. You can find the latest products and services from HydroHoist, ShoreMaster, PolyDock, and HyPower at Booth 301, located by the food and beverage station just past the entrance. 

In addition to the product displays and demonstrations, Waterfront Brands will offer exclusive promotions for dealers looking to expand their product offerings. Whether you’re interested in premium boat lifts for sale, modular docking systems, or innovative marine pedestals, our booth covers all your customers’ waterfront needs. 

Why not make the trip to Nashville a family affair? With its rich music scene, world-class dining, and vibrant culture, your loved ones can enjoy the city's many attractions as you network and explore new business opportunities. Visit the Docks Expo 2024 website for special rates in their partner hotels. See you there!

References:

• The Docks Expo & Marina Conference (n.d.) Education. Retrieved from https://docksexpo.com/2024-education-sessions/ 
• RotoMoldUSA (n.d.) What is Rotational Molding? Retrieved from https://rotomoldusa.com/rotomold/#:~:text=Rotational%20molding%2C%20rotomolding%2C%20rotomold%20or,slowly%2C%20both%20vertically%20and%20horizontally.