Inaugural WorkBoat Executive Summit to kickoff the 2009 International WorkBoat Show; Registration Now Open for Largest U.S. Maritime Trade Show

    NEW ORLEANS, LA, September 23, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Registration is now open for the 30th International WorkBoat Show, North America's largest maritime trade show and conference, which will be held at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, Dec. 2-4, 2009.

"With a record number of exhibitors and the addition of the new WorkBoat Executive Summit, the 2009 WorkBoat Show promises to be the biggest and best ever," said Mike Lodato, vice president, Diversified Business Communications, which produces the show. "The WorkBoat Show is the premier marketplace for businesses working on the coastal, inland and offshore waters."

More than 1,000 exhibitors and 10,000 visitors are expected to attend the 2009 WorkBoat Show. Lodato said that the 2008 show attracted visitors from 40 states and 17 countries. Tradeshow Week ranks the event as one of the Top 200 largest U.S. trade shows.

Highlighting the 2009 Show will be the new WorkBoat Executive Summit on Tuesday, Dec. 1, and the Annual Shipyard Day on Wednesday, Dec. 2, which will feature the presentation of the WorkBoat Environmental Awards and the 10 Significant Boats of 2009 Awards.

WorkBoat Executive Summit: Marine Finance 2009

Designed for marine industry executives, the Summit features a financial forum and networking opportunity for vessel owners, builders and finance executives. Attendees will learn about current market metrics, capital expenditure needs and the current state of accessing capital, borrowing and credit lines. Participants will leave with a better understanding of equity markets, captive financing, government loan guarantees, international financing, loans, leases and more.

U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) and Ralph Petta, interim president of the Equipment Leasing and Financial Association, will present the keynote addresses at the Executive Summit. In addition the Summit will include panel presentations, roundtable sessions and networking opportunities.

Registration is available at www.WorkBoatSummit.com. The Summit, which will be held at the Morial Conventon Center on Tuesday, December 1, is sponsored by WorkBoat magazine.

10 Significant Boats of 2009 Awards

Shipyard Day honors vessel designers, builders and owners during the WorkBoat magazine 10 Significant Boats of 2009 Awards ceremony. WorkBoat's editorial staff reviews scores of boats that appeared in the magazine during the previous 12 months (December 2008 to November 2009). Of these, the editors choose 10 that deserve special recognition - with some chosen for design or technological advances, while others are selected for speed, style, and uniqueness.

WorkBoat Environmental Awards

Businesses and government agencies operating in the U.S. maritime industry will participate in the WorkBoat Environmental Awards, which recognizes outstanding innovation, leadership and commitment in environmental stewardship. The awards are presented by WorkBoat magazine and sponsored by Interstate-McBee.

In 2009, awards will be presented in two categories:

Comprehensive Environmental Management Plan - designed to showcase a wide-ranging, all inclusive environmental program that goes well beyond State and Federal mandates.

Outstanding Environmental Initiative - designed to showcase a specific project.

One winner and honorable mentions will be awarded in each category. A committee comprised of industry, environmental, regulatory and media representatives will select the recipients.

Extensive Conference Program Planned

The 2009 WorkBoat Show will feature the most extensive Conference programming ever.
"This year's show features a very strong and comprehensive conference program that will help marine businesses keep on top of the latest industry and regulatory issues," said David Krapf, editor, WorkBoat magazine, which sponsors the International WorkBoat Show.

To attend Conference sessions or the International WorkBoat show, pre-register online at www.workboatshow.com or call 800-454-3007. Pre-registration for the exhibit hall is free, onsite price is $50. To exhibit call Chris Dimmerling at 207-842-5666.

The International WorkBoat show is produced by Diversified Business Communications.

Information Links:
The International WorkBoat Show Web site: www.workboatshow.com
Online Registration: www.workboatshow.com/register
Exhibitor List: www.workboatshow.com/exhibitorlist
WorkBoat Executive Summit: http://www.workboatsummit.com/
Industry Sessions and Keynotes: www.workboatshow.com/sessions
New Orleans FAQ's: http://www.workboatshow.com/nofaqs
Travel Information: http://www.workboatshow.com/travelinformation

The International WorkBoat Show is North America's largest maritime trade show and conference. For 30 years, the WorkBoat Show has proven to be the premier marketplace for businesses working on the coastal, inland and offshore waters. To attend the show, pre-register online at www.workboatshow.com or call 800-454-3007. Pre-registration for the exhibit hall is free, onsite price is $50. To exhibit call Chris Dimmerling at 207-842-5666. The International WorkBoat show is produced by Diversified Business Communications.

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