The Sailing Industry Conference offers a range of topics designed to help companies in the business of sailing adapt and prosper in today’s economy. Learn from keynote speaker, John Spence, about running and sustaining a highly successful organization, participate in the Grow Sailing workshop, get the latest news about the America’s Cup, and discover what’s new in digital marketing.

Choose from a wide selection of high-level general sessions and practical breakout sessions:.

GENERAL SESSIONS
BUSINESS EXCELLENCE—RUNNING AND SUSTAINING A
HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL ORGANIZATION
JOHN SPENCE – WORLD RENOWNED PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER AND AUTHOR

PROMOTING SAILING WITH DISCOVER BOATING
CARL BLACKWELL–DISCOVER BOATING AND NMMA

THE AUSTRALIAN PERSPECTIVES ON SAILING
ROSS KILBORN–YACHTING AUSTRALIA

REINVENTING YOUR ORGANIZATION: HOW TO CHANGE CULTURE
DEAN M. BRENNER–THE LATIMER GROUP

THE BUSINESS OF SAILING – AND HOW THE AMERICA'S CUP WILL
HELP THE SAILING INDUSTRY
BOB BILLINGHAM – AMERICA’S CUP EVENT AUTHORITY (ACEA)

BREAKOUT SESSIONS
GROW SAILING WORKSHOP
MARK AMARAL–LIGHTHOUSE CONSULTING GROUP, CARL BLACKWELL– DISCOVER BOATING AND NMMA, JACK GIERHART–US SAILIING, AND ROSS KILBORN–YACHTING AUSTRALIA

TURNING IDEAS INTO ACTION
JOHN SPENCE–AUTHOR AND PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER

HANDS ON TRAINING AND EDUCATION
TOM KNIGHTEN–RECREATIONAL POWERBOATING ASSOCIATION

FEEDBACK: THE FUEL FOR THE FUTURE
NANCY ANSHELES–CATALYST & CO

DIGITAL MARKETING—UNDERSTANDING THE OPPORTUNITIES AND TAKING ACTION
JOHN BURNHAM–DOMINION MARINE MEDIA

REMARKABLE TIME MANAGEMENT: 7 STEPS TO MORE TIME FOR YOU!
GAIL LOWNEY ALOFSIN–AUTHENTIC MEASURABLE PERFORMANCE

WHY BRANDING MATTERS
JIM WEBB–THE AVALA MARKETING GROUP
 

JOHN SPENCE
A world renowned professional speaker and author, John Spence has presented workshops, speeches, and executive coaching to more than 300 organizations worldwide, including major corporations, private companies, government offices, colleges and universities, and not-for-profits. John is the author of Excellence by Design – the six key characteristics of outstanding leaders, and Awesomely Simple – essential business strategies for turning ideas into action. John was recognized by Inc. magazine’s “Zinc Online” as one of America’s up-and-coming young business leaders and, in 2011, was named one of the Top 100 Business Thought Leaders.




CARL BLACKWELL
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER, DISCOVER BOATING AND THE
NATIONAL MARINE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION
Carl Blackwell is the Chief Marketing Officer at the National Marine Manufacturers Association where he oversees all marketing and communication efforts for boat shows, trade, and the Discover Boating campaign. Prior to joining NMMA, Blackwell spent eight years as Executive Director of Marketing for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, best known for their “Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner.” campaign. He has worked in various marketing and public relations capacities for General Mills, Little Caesars, Dean Foods, Bentley Barnes, and Lynn Advertising.



ROSS KILBORN
SPORTS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, YACHTING AUSTRALIA
Ross Kilborn is the Sports Development Director for Yachting Australia, where his goal is to get more people sailing safely at member clubs. Prior to joining Yachting Australia, Ross was CEO of Yachting Victoria where he gained a deep understanding of the diversity and needs of member clubs and a strong appreciation of the sports business market. Ross was a finalist for the Yachting Australia Sports Professional of the Year Award in 2010, and a finalist in the Victorian CEO Awards for Significant Innovation in 2008. Ross is a qualified Club Race Officer and Instructor and has been involved in regatta management and club training.



DEAN M. BRENNER
PRESIDENT, THE LATIMER GROUP, AND CHAIR OF THE US OLYMPIC SAILING PROGRAM
Dean Brenner is a recognized expert in team and leadership communication and is an accomplished public speaker and experienced executive coach. He is the author of Move the World: Persuade Your Audience, Change Minds and Achieve Your Goals and his second book, Sharing the Sandbox: Building and Leading World-Class Teams in the 21st Century, will be published in June 2012. Dean is currently serving his second four-year term as the Chair of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Sailing Program and served as Team Leader for the US Olympic Sailing Team at both the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games.

 

The Sailing Industry Conference will take place at the Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina located at 49 America's Cup Avenue, Newport, RI 02840. A room block with a discounted rate of $209 per night has been reserved for conference participants. To make a reservation, call 401-847-9000 or visit www.newporthotel.com. Mention or enter the group code SAILAMER1206 to receive your discount. This discounted rate is available through May 25, 2012, or until the block is sold out. Sail America recommends making your reservation as soon as possible as all hotels in Newport are expected to sell out during this week.

DEADLINE FOR HOTEL GROUP RATE IS MAY 25, 2012