Dealer Week Kicks Off In Orlando
The annual MRAA Conference in Orlando focuses on dealership growth with keynote presentations and strategic partners including leading digital marketplaces and tools.
December 9, 2024
Dealer Week, the annual conference and expo organized by the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), commenced on December 8 and will run through December 11, 2024, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. This premier marine industry event is dedicated exclusively to fostering growth among boat dealers, offering a comprehensive platform for education, networking and industry insights.
Above: The Boats Group booth at the MRAA Dealer Week 2024 annual conference. Photo by John Manly for boats.com.
A Singular Focus on Dealer Growth
In an industry where market dynamics are continually evolving, Dealer Week stands out as the sole event tailored specifically to the advancement of boat dealerships across the country. The 2024 theme, "OUTPERFORM: Vision. Execution. Results." underscores the event's commitment to equipping boat dealers with the strategies and tools necessary to navigate current economic challenges and surpass market expectations. Boats Group, the parent company of boats.com, YachtWorld and Boat Trader, plays a pivotal role in this ecosystem and is a strategic partner of the MRAA Dealer Week event.
2024 Topics & Sessions: Comprehensive Educational Pathways
Dealer Week 2024 introduces four distinct educational pathways—Leadership, Sales & F&I, Marketing, and Service & Parts—each designed to address critical facets of dealership operations:
- Leadership Pathway: Focuses on uniting teams around common goals and steering dealerships toward financial health amid changing market conditions.
- Sales & F&I Pathway: Provides strategies to enhance the sales process, understand buyer behavior, and effectively manage inventory to boost sales and financing outcomes.
- Marketing Pathway: Offers insights into leveraging modern marketing techniques, including artificial intelligence and community-based strategies, to expand reach and drive sales.
- Service & Parts Pathway: Guides dealers in optimizing service and parts operations to maximize profitability and elevate customer satisfaction.
These sessions are led by industry experts and are crafted to provide actionable insights that dealers can implement immediately to enhance their operations.
Keynote Presentations and Industry Celebrations
The event features keynote presentations from prominent figures in the marine industry, offering perspectives on attracting customers and building resilient workplace cultures. Additionally, the MRAA Industry Celebration, themed "Get Ready to Rock" and sponsored by KICKER Marine Audio, provides attendees with opportunities to network and engage in a vibrant, community-focused environment.
Expo Hall: A Hub of Innovation
The Expo Hall at Dealer Week 2024 is the largest in the event's history, hosting over 140 exhibitors, including 50 first-time participants. Manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers showcase the latest products and services designed to enhance dealership profitability and customer satisfaction.
MRAA
Digital Tools, Platforms & Boat Marketplaces
A significant highlight of Dealer Week is the emphasis on digital tools and leading platforms that facilitate dealer growth. Through platforms like Boat Wizard, boat dealers can manage listings across multiple marketplaces, including YachtWorld and Boat Trader, ensuring maximum visibility to potential buyers. The Advantage Packages offered by Boats Group provide access to digital business solutions and proprietary web-based management tools, empowering dealers to convert browsers into buyers effectively.
Offering Boat Loans & Documentation Services
Understanding the importance of streamlined financial processes for boat dealers, Dealer Week offers insights into providing competitive financing options. By partnering with networks such as Boats Group, dealers can offer boat loans in-house, thereby facilitating smoother transactions and increasing sales. Additionally, services like YachtCloser provide web-based contract management solutions, simplifying documentation and closing processes for both dealers and customers.
Insurance and Ancillary Services
The event also addresses the significance of offering comprehensive services, including insurance and parts sales. By collaborating with insurance companies, dealers can provide tailored packages to customers, enhancing the overall value proposition. Integrating parts and marine equipment sales into dealership offerings not only meets customer needs but also contributes to revenue diversification.
Networking and Community Engagement
Beyond formal sessions, Dealer Week facilitates networking through receptions, luncheons, and informal gatherings. These interactions allow dealers to share best practices, discuss challenges, and build relationships that foster industry collaboration.
Conclusion
Dealer Week 2024 serves as a cornerstone event for marine dealers aiming to thrive in a competitive market. By providing targeted education, showcasing innovative products, and fostering strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Boats Group, the event empowers dealers to enhance their operations, engage customers effectively, and achieve sustained growth. Participation in Dealer Week is not merely an opportunity for boat dealers of all sizes, but a strategic investment in the future success of boat dealership businesses across the country.
