PVA’s MariTrends Will Be Virtual For 2021

MariTrends, The Passenger Vessel Association’s annual convention and expo, will be held virtually February 16–18.

The three-day event features a newly designed program focused on how passenger vessel operators can get their business started again in 2021. The industry was strongly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The convention agenda includes an opening general session, beginning at 1 p.m. February 16, featuring Adm. Karl Schultz, commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, discussing Coast Guard priorities for 2021 and beyond. The general session will also include presentation of the Captain Elizabeth Gedney Passenger Vessel Safety Award.

Subsequent panel sessions and roundtables on February 16 tackle such issues as lessons learned from the pandemic; social media trends; hybrid vessel design; creative ways to attract customers; and findings and recommendations from the investigation of the mv. Conception fire. At the end of that first day, PVA’s Southeast and Western regions will have happy hour roundtable discussions.

On February 17, following a PVA business meeting, there will be a general session with a panel discussing “Lessons Rebuilding and Reimagining Your Business: Strategies for Success.” That session will be followed by panel discussions on marketing strategies, advancements in marine propulsion, workplace safety, mandatory vaccinations and PVA’s new digital marketing program.

PVA’s Great Lakes and Original Colonies regions will have happy hour roundtable discussions to conclude the February 17 agenda.

On the final day, discussions will cover industry evolution, insurance, marketing and social media, recent casualties and application of the Seaman’s Manslaughter Act, crew refresher training and a legislative update. PVA’s Rivers Region will have a happy hour roundtable discussion to wrap up the convention.

Throughout the convention a virtual exhibit hall will be open, featuring industry companies and suppliers.

For information on registering for the MariTrends convention, visit www.eventsquid.com/event.cfm?id=11532.