// INDUSTRY NEWS
Lauderdale , Miami and Islamorada , this acquisition adds to Freedom ’ s growing corporate presence in Southeast Florida providing , an opportunity to realize operational efficiencies .
“ The acquisition of the South Florida franchise business and territory presents a tremendous opportunity to accelerate growth in a year-round boating community passionate about the on-water lifestyle , as well as leverage synergies from the Brunswick family of brands ,” said Cecil Cohn , Freedom Boat Club Network ’ s president . “ This acquisition represents one of our largest clubs spanning Broward , Palm Beach and Martin counties , and we look forward to building on the strong foundation set in place by the former franchise owner and continuing to deliver remarkable experiences to our members .”
The South Florida operation was established in 2014 under its previous owner Dan Lund . Under Lund ’ s leadership , the Club was consistently recognized for its “ Top Franchise New Member Growth ” and won The Best of Palm Beach County award for the past five years . As a long-time partner to Freedom , Lund successfully scaled the business , established talented teams and a loyal membership base passionate about the boating lifestyle .
“ Freedom Boat Club has been a fantastic partner to us over the years supporting our growth and success ,” said Dan Lund . “ Over the past 10 years , we have placed a premium on delivering exceptional member experiences , and we know our members will be in great hands under Freedom ’ s leadership and look forward to supporting their continued success in the market .”
AMI opens registration for 2025 conference and expo
Registration for the Association of Marina Industries ( AMI ) Conference & Expo is now open at marinaassociation . org / conferenceandexpo .
Entering its 23rd year , the conference will be held January 28 – 30 , 2025 , at the Broward County Convention Center , Fort Lauderdale , Fla . The Conference & Expo is owned by AMI , a notfor-profit , member-based organization . The net proceeds from the association and the Conference & Expo are reinvested in the industry through its top-notch training and educational programming , networking and advocacy .
Conference fees begin at $ 424 for AMI members and include unlimited access to all educational seminars , regional round tables , workshops , food and beverages , and entry into the exhibit hall and admission to all networking and social events . It also includes entry to the AMI member and first-time attendee reception and the opening night Exhibit Hall Party .
The five educational tracks for this year ’ s conference include : Building Your Dream Team ; Leading Your Team to Excellence ; Marina and Boatyard Management and Operations ; Everything But The …; and Marina Design and Engineering . The tracks ’ sessions will offer training on hiring top performers and developing industry leaders , preparing leaders for corporate change , artificial intelligence ( AI ) and its impact on recreational boating , preparing your marina for electric boats and vehicles , resilient design and creating a culture of safety ― to name just a few . The conference begins with pre-conference workshops ― a Marina 101 session presenting entry-level education and Rising Waters : Coping with Extreme Weather session focusing on understanding and managing the threats to both inland lakes and coastal infrastructure as a result of more severe storms and flooding . Both pre-conference sessions require pre-registration and have an added fee . The dozens of conference keynotes , breakout sessions and workshops offer a broad selection of training opportunities , targeting all levels of an organization ’ s team ― from entry-level to top-level management . Each day of intense learning closes with receptions and socials , providing the opportunity for continued industry networking .
“ It felt great to be back in Fort Lauderdale last year ," said Rick Chapman , CMM , AMI Chairman . “ We are excited to build upon our experience there and continue to harness the energy our industry has because of the significant growth it has experienced in the last five years . Our talented and experienced content committee has developed a very dynamic line-up of speakers and
topics ready to go ! We are extremely proud of the work AMI does and the immeasurable positive impact it has had on our industry for the last 20 years . The AMI Conference & Expo continues to be the place where marina and boatyard professionals come for personal and professional growth and networking that can build life-long relationships ; it is the annual event for our industry ,” continues AMI Chair Rick Chapman . “ We are ready to get down to business . The AMI Conference & Expo is the best place to get that done .”
As well as full conference passes , one-day passes and exhibit hall passes are available also . AMI members receive a discount on all passes . In addition to the benefits of full conference and oneday passes , the marina and boatyard field trip is available for an additional $ 85 for AMI members and $ 110 for non-members . Exhibit hall-only and guest passes are also available for purchase .
Pre-registration rates are available until Monday , January 27 , 2025 . Onsite registration rates are an additional $ 20 and begin on Tuesday , January 28 , 2025 .
For more information or to register , visit marinaassociation . org / conferenceandexpo .
Yamaha Marine names Bryan Seti national sales , marketing manager of G3 Boats
Yamaha U . S . Marine Business Unit announced Bryan Seti is the new National Sales and Marketing Manager for G3 Boats . Seti will also continue his current role as General Manager of Yamaha ’ s WaterCraft Division . Within both positions , Seti will leverage 25 years of proven sales and marketing expertise to propel both the G3 and Water- Craft brands .
“ Bryan brings unique perspective to this role that will support a more powerful brand position for G3 ,” said Ben Speciale , President , Yamaha U . S . Marine Business Unit . “ His experiences , along with a focus on strengthening dealer relationships , will help lay a new foundation and position the organization for future success .”
During his 25 years with Yamaha Motor Corporation , U . S . A ., Seti led the WaterCraft Group through remarkable growth and success , establishing Yamaha as the Bryan Seti
10 october 2024 www . boatingindustry . com