HARTSVILLE, S.C. — Stingray Powerboats will host the marine industry's first-ever Virtual Dealer Conference, according to a press release from the company, which a builds line of runabouts. The company's network of domestic and international dealers will be able to "tour" manufacturing facility without ever leaving home or office.

Stingray founder and president, Al Fink, is channeling the time and money the company typically spends hosting a conventional dealer conference into expanding its real-time internet capability. The new broadband technology that will introduce dealers and consumers to a new era of sophisticated knowledge-based marketing and efficient business operations.

A marine industry leader in embracing technology, Stingray uses CAD-driven CNC flat bed routers in-house, robotic lamination and multi-axis CNC equipment.

"Dealers will be able to input their orders, pick production dates and build their own truckloads online in real-time through a new interactive system," said Fink in the release. "Order history is simultaneously displayed as new orders are entered to allow dealers to take maximum advantage of current dealer incentives and program discounts.

"Our Virtual Boat Show will progressively unfold throughout the year with everything from online warranty to enhanced shopping cart ordering and virtual plant tours," he continued. "Bottom line: our dealers can run their businesses more efficiently, maximize inventory turns and focus on profit opportunities without having to leave their dealership at the height of the season."