Drones & Contest Winners Fly in Miami

The traditional Friday morning gathering of writers, media supporters and wellwishers coupled to a newsy presentation and update from the marine electronics world is on tap for February 13, 2015 from 8 to 10 a.m. in rooms A 204-205 of the Convention Center.

Boating Media’s Dawn of Drones will include a panel of expert fliers from Miami Aerial Drones to demonstrate the newest drones, lessons learned and from the membership, and efforts to develop a code of conduct and ethics that drone users are developing in concert with the FAA.

For several years, friends at the National Marine Electronics Association have fed the ranks of hungry scribes as the breakfast sponsor and offered inside information on what’s going on in the world of marine electronics. This year will be no exception.

$17,000 will be presented to writers of over 50 boating and fishing focused stories, reports, how-tos, travelogues and blogs in print and on line judged by their peers as being the best in 2014. Another 60 journalists will be cited for Merit recognition for their creative efforts.

BWI’s annual meeting, awards ceremony and panel is open to all in the marine community and requires no ticket for admission.

IBEX Adds Media Events

Opportunities to experience industry innovations, engage in seminars presenting boatbuilding methods and consumer issues, and network with both journalists and industry personnel are on tap for BWI members at this year’s International Boatbuilders Exposition & Conference in Tampa, FL September 30 to October 2, 2014. BWI has coordinated with show management to bring these offerings to members, most scheduled for the opening day.

To launch the conference, legendary basketball coach Bob Knight will present a motivational speech on “Winning” at the annual Industry Breakfast on Tuesday September 30. Thom Dammrich, NMMA president, will deliver the State of the Industry address followed by the presentation of four important industry awards including, The IBEX Innovation Awards judged by BWI members, the NMMA Hall of Fame Award, the Exhibitor Video Awards, and the Boating Industry Movers & Shakers Award.

“Pitch the Press” is a unique opportunity for media to meet with about a dozen exhibitors who have been chosen to briefly present a new product or service considered unique or innovative. During the one hour event, selected firms will be given 2 minutes to present their new product, or their company, followed by a 1 minute Q & A. All attending will be given a list of the presenting exhibitors plus a complete list of the Innovation Award entries for later reference and contact information. This takes place from 2 to 3 p.m. in Room 10 in the Convention Hall.

Members interested in craft improvement can utilize the IBEX seminar format. There is a wide offering of presentations that should be of interest to boating consumers (and publications that would likely want to report them). There are many potential topics ranging from boat surveys and valuation to avoiding onboard hazards, improving air and water quality aboard to adapting new land- and water-based electronics for water-based use. Educational offering are detailed at www.ibexshow.com/education-conference.php.

To wrap up the day, IBEX is staging a “Party for a Purpose” from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sail Pavilion outside the Tampa Convention Center. The event will give media a chance to network and learn about advocacy work for the boating industry while enjoying food, drinks, and entertainment. All exhibitors and attendees are invited. Anne Dunbar, IBEX Show Director, describes the function as, “The most social event of the show and an opportunity to learn about and get active in our industry’s critical advocacy work in Washington, DC.”

IBEX will have a working Press Room open throughout the show in Room 1 on the first floor. For those who may need lodging or other travel help, the show maintains a weblink at http://www.ibexshow.com/hotelinfo.php.

BWI members are asked to request a breakfast invitation, register for Pitch the Press and arrange seminar participation details prior to the show opening. To do so, or for questions and other media Inquiries, contact Amy Riemer, amy@riemercommunications.com, 978/502-4895.

Future of Marine Journalism

With so many changes sweeping through the boating and publishing industries this past decade, BWI has assembled a roundtable of senior publishing executives to discuss what the future holds in store for the boating media and for journalists – working both on and offline – during the Miami International Boat Show.

BWI will present, “The Future of Marine Journalism,” during its bi-annual meeting beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, February 18, at the Miami Beach Convention Center, room A 204-205. Read more