ABYC Foundation seeks nominations for 2024 Educator of the Year

The ABYC Foundation is accepting nominations for its 2024 Educator of the Year Award , which recognizes an outstanding instructor in marine service technology . Eligible candidates include those teaching in high schools , postsecondary institutions , or corporate settings .

International bestselling author Jay Samit will be the opening keynote speaker at Boating Industry ‘ s Elevate Summit in January . He is a dynamic entrepreneur and speaker who is widely recognized as one of the world ’ s leading experts on disruption and innovation .

Chairman of a transformative Artificial Intelligence company , Samit was once described by Wired magazine as “ having the coolest job in the industry .” He is the former vice chairman of Deloitte Digital and a CEO of NASDAQ , who helped grow pre-IPO companies such as LinkedIn .

Samit has also held senior management roles at EMI , Sony , and Universal Studios and pioneered breakthrough advancements in mobile video , internet advertising , e-commerce , social networks , digital music and augmented reality , which millions of consumers use every day . He can accurately predict the future because he

works with those who create it .

Samit ignites people ’ s passion for innovation and overcoming obstacles by teaching them how to think bigger . Designed to be as entertaining and inspiring as it is informative , Samit ’ s speech will stay with the audience long after the conference has ended .

Registration for the 2025 Elevate Summit , held at the Sheraton Charlotte in downtown Charlotte , N . C ., from January 20-22 , 2025 , is now open on the Boating Industry Elevate Summit website .

Interested in reaching an audience of the most prominent leaders across all segments of the recreational boating industry ? Sponsorship opportunities for the 2025 Elevate Summit are still available . Contact Boating Industry marketing & engagement sales executive Roberto Almenar via email at RAlmenar @ epgacceleration . com or phone at 763-383-4494 .

“ I ’ ve been visiting schools and talking to educators around the country ,” said Sarah Devlin , ABYC accreditation director . “ These folks deserve recognition for their dedication , passion , and pride in what they do . I am honored to acknowledge those preparing future marine service technicians for jobs in our industry .”

Nominations for the 2024 award are open until Dec . 13 , 2024 . To nominate , visit www . teachboats . org / educator-of-year .

The winner will be announced at the ABYC Foundation ’ s Educator Forum on Jan . 22 . The forum is a series of meetings for high school and postsecondary educators to connect , share challenges , and explore available resources . The kickoff date is Oct . 24 , and industry leaders are encouraged to get involved to share their perspectives with educators .

For more information about the Educator Forum or to submit a nomination , visit www . teachboats . org .

Freedom Boat Club acquires South Florida franchise operation and territory

Freedom Boat Club announced its acquisition of the South Florida franchise operations and territory . Through this acquisition , Freedom Boat Club adds 13 corporate locations from Pompano Beach to Stuart , Florida , with the rights to expand throughout the Southeast Florida coastline .

Located directly adjacent to Freedom ’ s already established corporate locations in Fort

8 october 2024 www . boatingindustry . com