Day 2 Breakout Sessions

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
 
Be the Exception: Seven Steps to Becoming Your Boldest, Truest Self               
What would your life and leadership look like if you stopped comparing, stopped labelling, and started owning your story? Too often, self-doubt and negative inner dialogue keep us stuck in a cycle that robs us of confidence and authenticity. In this powerful follow-up session, internationally recognized speaker Annie Meehan shares her story of resilience and how she broke free from limitations to create a life of influence, courage and purpose.
Through seven transformational lessons, Annie challenges you to be honest about your truth, open to mentorship, intentional about self-care, and flexible in the face of change. She’ll show you how to rise above disruptions, embrace risks with courage, and celebrate your authentic self — including the messy, silly parts that make you one of a kind.
This session isn’t about fitting in; it’s about standing out. Annie will inspire you to step forward with confidence, lead with authenticity, and ultimately Be the Exception. Speaker: Annie Meehan, MC Consulting, Keynote
 
The Hidden Cost of Changing Nothing: Innovation, Data, and Strategies Driving Marina Success   
Standing still in today’s marina industry isn’t just playing it safe—it’s costing you money, efficiency and growth. In this fast-paced panel, experts will share how technology, data, and modern strategies are reshaping marina operations.
From expanding profit centers and streamlining operations to mitigating risks and slashing hidden costs, this session delivers real-world insights you can apply immediately. Discover how the smartest marinas are leveraging innovation to not only keep up with change but to thrive because of it.
If you’re ready to uncover the true price of inaction — and the opportunities that come with embracing progress — this conversation is one you can’t afford to miss.
Speakers: Todd Wagner, Speedy Dock; Bill Young, Morningstar Marinas; Daniel High, Rose Marina; and Brian Baker, Reynolds Lake Oconee
  
ASCE Manual 50 Planning and Design Guidelines for Small Craft Harbors Update
ASCE Manual 50, Planning and Design Guidelines for Small Craft Harbors, has been one of the most useful tools in helping marina designers, engineers, agencies, and owners for decades. Over the last few years, a team of highly experienced marina design professionals have been preparing the next edition of this design resource. Covering all aspects of marina design and planning, this team has updated the content of the manual to reflect the evolution of boating trends, environmental conditions, and regulatory requirements. As well, the manual now addresses new topics not covered in previous manuals. This class will host the authors of the revised manual as they provide an in-depth review of the next edition. Presenters will include engineers and designers from Edgewater Resources, Moffat & Nichol, Maffett Loftis Engineering, Marina Electrical Equipment, and Bellingham Marine. Speaker: Jack Cox, Edgewater Resources, LLC
 
Futureproofing the Waterfront: Marina Development in a Changing World
Sponsored by DenHartog
Step into the future of the marina industry while reflecting on its remarkable past. This session explores the evolution of marinas — from their historical growth and demand drivers to today’s cutting-edge trends shaping the waterfront. Through a visually engaging review that features data, insights, and infographics from leading sources such as CBRE, brokers, and SVN, participants will gain a clear picture of where the industry has been and where it’s headed.
Key topics include the growing challenges of U.S. waterfront supply and demand, case studies on drystack conversions such as Gulf Star and Arches Bayfront, and strategies for optimizing valuable waterfront space. The discussion also highlights the rise of mixed-use marina-centric resorts; the integration of condos, restaurants, and boat showrooms; and the evolution of marinas into next-level lifestyle destinations.
Attendees will walk away with insights on designing resilient, future-proof marinas built to withstand major storms, as well as methods to increase sustainability and environmental consciousness across operations. The session concludes with a Q&A, offering participants the opportunity to connect directly with experts and apply these insights to their own marina projects. Speaker: Robert Brown, ASAR, Inc.
 
Due Diligence Done Right: Risk Management for Marina Acquisition Success   
Sponsored by SVN Marinas
Buying a marina is more than a financial transaction—it’s a leap into complex operations, unseen risks, and high-stakes decision-making. In this fast-paced, practical session, risk management expert Sabrina Brigance equips buyers with the tools and insights they need to approach acquisitions with confidence. From uncovering hidden environmental liabilities to spotting infrastructure gaps and structuring insurance the right way, you’ll learn what too many buyers miss—and what it costs them.
Through real-world case studies and a proven risk framework, Sabrina will show you how to avoid costly pitfalls, negotiate from a position of strength, and set your marina up for long-term operational success. Attendees will also receive an exclusive take-home resource — Your Risk Readiness Score Before You Buy — a practical, due diligence tool designed to minimize surprises and maximize ROI.
Whether you’re adding to a growing portfolio or stepping into marina ownership for the first time, this session will give you the strategies to protect your investment and ensure success from day one. Speaker: Sabrina Brigance, Hylant
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2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
 
Navigating Your Marina Exit: Optimize for Sale or Succession         
Exiting your marina is your chance to secure your payday and your legacy. This session explores optimizing the sales or succession process—from choosing the right advisors to negotiating deals, minimizing taxes, and planning finances post-exit. Discover strategies to maximize value, whether selling, transferring to family, or empowering employees. Gain a roadmap to navigate challenges and ensure a profitable, purposeful transition for your marina and future. Speaker: AJ Shoemaker and Charles Goldblum, Hurley Capital
  
More Than a Dock: Turning Your Marina into a Destination                
We all know what it takes to provide safe and secure mooring and docking facilities for boaters, which of course includes great dock systems; calm waters with sufficient navigable depths; and reliable electrical and water utilities, fuel, and pump-out systems. This session will focus on the boater amenities that set your marina apart from the competition, covering boater amenities such as lounges, showers and restrooms, tiki bars and restaurants, pools, entertainment, and gathering spaces. This presentation will help you brainstorm ideas drawn from marinas across the country and around the world that you can implement in your marina. We will explore some of the best boater amenity buildings built in recent years and discuss special services you can offer your boaters to provide concierge-level service for the best boating experience possible. Presenters will include architects and designers, as well as marina operators. Speaker: Mike Morphey and Michelle Rumsa, Edgewater Resources, LLC
 
National Electric Code (NEC) 2026 Editon — What's New                        
Sponsored by Leisure Investment Properties Group (LIPG)                                        
The National Electric Code (NEC) Edition 2026 is here! Join us for an in-depth seminar focused on the new edition and its critical updates impacting marina and boatyard electrical systems. The presenter, Gary Loftis, is one of the world’s leading experts in marina electrical systems and a member of the NEC code-making panel. Gary will explain the background history of the new standards.
This session is designed for electrical contractors, marina operators, and facility owners who are responsible for the safe and code-compliant design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems in waterfront environments.
Participants will explore the latest revisions specific to NEC Article 555, including enhanced requirements for ground-fault protection, wiring methods, dockside power pedestals, and the evolving safety standards introduced to mitigate electrical hazards in the unique conditions of marinas and boatyards. The seminar will also address coordination with utility services, inspection practices, and lessons learned from past incidents that shaped the new code changes. Speaker: Gary Loftis, Maffett Loftis Engineering, LLC
 
Successfully Build Resilience in Your Marina with a 360° approach    
No two marinas are alike—and that’s what makes planning or reimagining them both exciting and challenging. This session dives into the essential pillars every marina project needs to succeed, blending the technical foundations with the often-overlooked elements that transform infrastructure into vibrant destinations.
Attendees will explore how to design marinas that are not only resilient and future-proof but also authentic, sustainable, and seamlessly integrated into their natural surroundings. From engineering considerations to cultural and environmental harmony, this discussion reveals what it truly takes to create marinas that stand strong against challenges while offering unforgettable experiences for boaters, guests, and communities alike. Speaker: Stephen Fischer, Poralu Marine
 
Docks and Data: Advocacy and Economic Trends Shaping the Marina Industry                 
The marina industry is navigating powerful currents of change—shifting economic realities, evolving boater demographics, and a growing wave of advocacy efforts that impact the future of waterfront businesses. This session will unpack the data behind today’s trends and highlight the policies, regulations, and economic forces shaping tomorrow’s marinas. In 2025, AMI, in partnership with Storable and Marina Dock Age, completed an industry survey to better understand marina businesses, operations, infrastructure, and expenses. Attendees will gain insight into how the industry is changing and be provided with metrics to help them position their business effectively. Whether you’re a marina owner, operator, developer, or supplier, you’ll leave with actionable insights to help you anticipate change, position your business for resilience, and strengthen your voice in shaping the future of the marine industry.
Speaker: Eric Kretsch, AMI and Brent Wierson, Storable