Charles Datlen attends The International WorkBoat Show in December 2009. Here's his report.
After the excitement of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, it seemed like a long time to wait for Miami to roll around so I decided to attend The International WorkBoat Show, the massive show of commercial marine technology and resources, on December 3rd. Over 900 exhibitors representing all aspects of construction, design, maintenance, services and components were on display and it was fascinating. It was most convenient for me to fly up in the morning and return that same night to Fort Lauderdale. When I got on the plane my seatmate turned out to be a long-time industry friend, Becky Gunter. Our office neighbor, Craig Johnson, president of FastStream Recruitment was on also the same flight and headed WorkBoat so we shared a taxi.
Check-in at the show was painless and the scope of the show was overwhelming. A Starbucks coffee outlet situated in the foyer of the center did a roaring trade. The extraordinary range of exhibitors included commercial shipyards, global marine companies, engine manufacturers, and small specialized supply companies. Some of the people I met with included Jonathon Hale of Gulf Copper, Shelley Kerr of Titan salvage, Luke Fredrickson of Fairbanks Morse Engines, Skylar Allen of Willard Marine composite and aluminum boat builders, Renzo Rivolta-Barberi of Rivolta, Joseph P. Stark, Jr. of Great Lakes Shipyard, Scott Mulligan Sales Engineer for Head Hunter, and Barry Kallander of Sea Kits. The Derecktor’s booth was manned by Kathy Kennedy, Director of Marketing.
Peter Florence of Quantum Stabilizers was very pleased with the interest being displayed at the show. Another Fort Lauderdale-based stabilizer company, Naiad was visible with Sales Engineer, Sando Nicolia keeping very busy answering questions from attendees. Benjamin Beal of Spurs line and net cutters had a great display. Robert Pelletier, Vice President of Blount Boats Inc., gave me background on his Rhode island-based company that makes cargo vessels, tugs, and ferries for clients world wide.
The show came to our attention via Kevin Wilson of Atlantic Marine, Jacksonville who had a display at the show. Atlantic Marine had a full complement at their booth and they thought the show was a great success. The WorkBoat Show ran from December 2-4, 2009 in the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans and is scheduled for December 1-3 in 2010. The show has a lot to offer and I’d recommend it for companies with an interest in marine construction, components, and support.
Post by Charles Datlen
Read more boat show posts:
- Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show report 2010
- New York City 2010 video
- Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show videos 2009
- Laser Advertising's YouTube channel
- Stidd display at FLIBS 2009
- Antigua Charter Show 2009 with Martha
- Tour Eagle's Nest at Antigua Show 2009
- Workboat New Orleans 2009 by Charles Datlen
- Newport Spring Boat Show 2009
- Bay Harbor, Michigan in-water boat show 2009
- Newport International Boat Show 2009
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