7 reasons to attend MDCE 2014

We’re only a few days away from the 2014 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, but there’s still time to make plans to attend.

MDCE 2014 is November 16-19 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. MDCE is produced by Boating Industry and the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. To register and see a detailed schedule, go to MRAA.com/event/MDCE.

There are plenty of good reasons to travel to Orlando this year, but here are seven of the best:

1. Chester Elton

This year’s opening keynote will be delivered by the world-renowned expert on creating a positive company culture. The author of “The Carrot Principle,” “All In” and a wealth of other bestselling books has been one of the most requested MDCE speakers over the years. You can read a Q&A with Elton here. Elton kicks off MDCE at 5 p.m. Monday.

2. Best Ideas Panel

This is a great opportunity to hear some of the best ideas dealers have implemented for improving their businesses over the last year. These are real, proven ideas that have actually worked — not just theory. Attendees will then get to vote on the Best Idea of the Year, to be awarded at the Wednesday awards breakfast. The panel will be at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday in the Service Plus classroom. Get a jumpstart with last year’s Best Ideas White Paper.

3. Expanded expo hall

More than 100 exhibitors and sponsors are on hand to showcase their latest products and services. From boat builders to engine manufacturers to service providers and more, it’s a great opportunity to look for new lines to carry or find out about products. And because you told us you wanted it, we’ve increased the amount of time available to see the exhibitors.

4. Pre-conference workshops

Launched in 2013, the pre-conference workshops are a unique opportunity to take a deep dive into topics. The workshops feature longer sessions and attendance is capped, so there’s more time for small group, hands-on interaction with the speakers. This year’s workshops include sessions on shooting video, protecting your family business, building a service dream team and more.

5. The best are back

Every year after MDCE, we ask attendees which speakers they want to see back. Only the highest-rated speakers get invited back to speak again. We’ve brought back some of the most popular ones from past years for 2014, including Don Cooper, Sam Dantzler, Valerie Ziebron and more,

6. The top dealers are there

The best dealers in North America make MDCE a priority. More than 90 percent of the Boating Industry Top 100 and other industry leaders attend MDCE because they know there is not a better investment in their business. Attending MDCE gives you a competitive advantage, plus a generous offering of receptions and meals gives you an opportunity to network with other great dealers.

7. The closing keynote

That’s right At this year’s MDCE, you get two keynotes for the price of one. For the first time, MDCE will feature a closing keynote, delivered by sales expert Ryan Estis. His talk will get you pumped up and ready to go back and implement everything you’ve learned at MDCE. Read a Q&A with Estis here.

And bonus reason No. 8, especially if you live in same part of the country as most of the Boating Industry and MRAA teams:

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