Keynote Sessions:
 

How AI Changes the Boat Buying Experience

​- Chris Kanaley, MarineSource

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Hear from Chris Kanaley CEO of MarineSource on how to use AI tools before your customers choose your 
competitors who do.
In this seminar, we’ll explore how AI is enhancing the customer journey, empowering their access to knowledge, 
and unlocking new efficiencies across the boating and yachting industry.

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​Leadership That Builds Champions

​- Carol Hutchins (Hutch), University of Michigan Athletic Department Special Advisor to the Athletic Director

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Drawing from her legendary career as the award-winning University of Michigan Softball Coach, Carol Hutchins delivers a powerful keynote on what it takes to build high-performing teams and lasting success. Hutchins explores the principles of leadership, culture, empowerment, and ownership, sharing lessons from decades of leading athletes to excellence on and off the field. Her message challenges leaders to create a culture where people feel valued, empowered to lead, and accountable for the success of the team.

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Breakout Sessions:

More to come, Stay tuned as more are announced!
 

Navigating Legal Challenges in the Marine Industry

​- Deb Lapin , Maddin Hauser

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​Stay ahead of the legal issues impacting today’s marine industry. This timely session will explore key legal topics affecting marine businesses, including contracts, liability, employment, regulatory compliance, risk management, and emerging industry concerns. Attendees will gain practical insights to help identify potential risks, protect their businesses, and make informed decisions in an evolving legal landscape.

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Don’t Let Taxes Rock Your Boat! 

A smattering of business and personal tax information you can use!

- Jeff Mason, Maner Costerisan
 

Set sail with the latest tax updates and practical information designed to help marine industry professionals navigate the changing tax landscape. This session will highlight key provisions of HR-1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including depreciation changes, Qualified Production Property, and overtime pay reporting requirements. We’ll also cover other important 2026 business tax law changes you need to know, with a focus on what these updates could mean for your business and your personal finances. Come prepared to learn, plan, and make the most of the opportunities ahead!

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How AI Can Help, Not Hinder Your Work

- Brian Matson, Twosix Digital
 

Walk through the basics of what you can do with AI tools to open up bandwidth and enhance your marketing efforts. We'll discuss the benefits of using AI for research, content generation, and more while leveraging some of the latest AI tools available today. You'll leave this webinar with a whole new view of the potential of how AI can play a major role in your business or organization.

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MarineSource: The Future of Boat Sales

- Chris Kanaley, MarineSource
 

Discover the next generation of boat sales technology with a live demo of the MarineSource. This innovative software is designed to provide multiple solutions that streamline the sales process, improve efficiency, and transform the way you sell more boats. Attendees will get a firsthand look at the platform’s innovative features and how these tools can be applied to real-world dealership needs.

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Preconference Add-On Session:
 

Sales Department Training

Building a High-Performing Sales Team

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- Jordan Schoolmeester, Garage Composites

Take your sales department to the next level with Garage Composites as they share proven strategies used by top-performing marine sales teams. This session will explore the psychology of selling in a relationship-driven, want-based industry, with a focus on building trust, managing leads, and creating long-term customer relationships. Attendees will learn practical strategies for responding to and converting digital leads, leveraging video communication, maximizing CRM tools, structuring deals around payments, and increasing finance and backend product opportunities. Walk away with actionable techniques to improve engagement, close more deals, and build lasting customer loyalty.
 

You can elect to join this special session during registration, it is a complimentary add on to the conference, but limited to 48 seats first come, first serve.​
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Awards Presentation 

Each year the MBIA awards their highest honors during RBEC to deserving leaders in the industry. Stay tuned as recipients are announced for:

 

MBIA Hall of Fame

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Ray L. Underwood Lifetime Achievement Awards

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Lighthouse Awards

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Marine Technician Awards
 

Outstanding Marine Technician

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Marine Technician New Achiever Award

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