Largest U.S. Maritime Trade Show will bring Record Number of Exhibitors and Customers to New Orleans; 2008 WorkBoat Environmental Award to be Presented

    NEW ORLEANS, LA, October 03, 2008 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The 30th Annual International WorkBoat Show, North America's largest maritime trade show and conference, will return to Morial Convention Center in New Orleans from December 3 through December 5, 2008.

"For 30 years, the WorkBoat Show has proven to be the premier marketplace for businesses working on the coastal, inland and offshore waters," said Mike Lodato, vice president, Diversified Business Communications, which produces WorkBoat. "The 2008 Show promises to be the biggest and best ever."

More than 1,000 exhibitors and 10,000 visitors are expected to attend the 2008 WorkBoat Show. Lodato said that the 2007 Show attracted visitors from 40 states and 17 countries. Tradeshow Week ranks the International WorkBoat Show as one of the Top 200 largest U.S. trade shows.

Highlighting the 2008 Show will be the annual Shipyard Day on Wednesday, December 3, which features a keynote address by Foss Maritime President & COO Gary Faber, the presentation of the new 2008 WorkBoat Environmental Awards, and 10 Significant Boats of 2008 Awards Ceremony.

The Shipyard Day Keynote address will be presented by Gary Faber, President & COO, Foss Maritime Company, who will speak on "The Environmental Imperative - A Call to Action."

Headquartered in Seattle, Washington with offices in Oregon, California, and Massachusetts, Foss is one of the world's most innovative providers of maritime logistics and transportation services, as well as engineering and shipbuilding services in the United States. Faber will discuss the increasing importance of environmental stewardship throughout the maritime industry and Foss' commitment to incorporate environmental responsibility and continuous improvement into his strategic business decisions.

The new 2008 WorkBoat Environmental Awards will recognize those businesses and government agencies operating in the US maritime industry that have successfully incorporated environmentally sustainable practices into their operations. The Award is presented by WorkBoat magazine.

Nominations are being accepted for businesses and government agencies that exemplify innovative and effective environmental initiatives. All applications must be received by Monday, October 20. A committee comprised of industry, environmental, regulatory and media representatives will select the recipients. For an application or further information, please visit www.WorkBoatShow.com, or contact Lisa Keller at [email protected].
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Finally, Shipyard Day will honor vessel designers, builders and owners during the Third Annual WorkBoat magazine 10 Significant Boats of 2008 Awards Ceremony.

Other New and Innovative Programming for 2008

This year's WorkBoat Show will feature the most extensive Conference programming ever. Five conference programming track will be offered: Passenger Vessel; Shipyard; Safety, Security and Training; Technical; and, Legal and Regulatory.

In conjunction with the Passenger Vessel Association's River's Region Meeting, the International WorkBoat Show will return with the Passenger Vessel Track, offering sessions on security awareness and comparisons of new technology in communications.

The Shipyard Tract attendees will learn about the latest issues facing the market, including: combating rising fuel costs, being environmentally responsible and status of the world's first hybrid tug.

The Safety, Security & Training Program highlighting A TWIC Update from TSA and USCG, Reducing Rusk Exposures in Shipyards and Experienced Workers Wanted: But Where Are They. The Technical Track will enlighten attendees with the latest innovations in controlling underwater noise, what to expect from low sulfur fuels, the latest in propeller technologies and propulsion systems, the benefits of PC navigation, and much more.

New regulations are vital to understand from inspection regulations to acts of Congress, like the Jones Act. During the Legal and Regulatory Track, attendees will learn insights from a panel of experts that will save a business time and money.

"This year's WorkBoat features a very strong and comprehensive conference program that will help marine businesses keep on top of the latest industry and regulatory issues," said David Krapf, editor, WorkBoat magazine, which sponsor the International WorkBoat Show.

Based in New Orleans, Krapf said the city is thriving. "The cultural riches, sensual indulgences and unparalleled service that define the New Orleans experience continue to flourish, as they have for centuries," he said. "New Orleans is open, fully prepared and eager to welcome all of our visitors."

To attend the show, pre-register online at www.workboatshow.com or call 800-454-3007. Pre-registration for the exhibit hall is free, onsite price is $50. To exhibit call Chris Dimmerling at 207-842-5666.

The International WorkBoat show is produced by Diversified Business Communications.

Information Links:
The International WorkBoat Show website: WWW.WORKBOATSHOW.COM
Online Registration: www.workboatshow.com/register
Exhibitor List: www.workboatshow.com/exhibitorlist
Industry Sessions and Keynotes: www.workboatshow.com/sessions
New Orleans FAQ's: http://www.workboatshow.com/nofaqs
Travel Information: http://www.workboatshow.com/travelinformation

About International WorkBoat Show
The International WorkBoat Show is North America's largest maritime trade show and conference. For 30 years, the WorkBoat Show has proven to be the premier marketplace for businesses working on the coastal, inland and offshore waters. To attend the show, pre-register online at www.workboatshow.com or call 800-454-3007. Pre-registration for the exhibit hall is free, onsite price is $50. To exhibit, call Chris Dimmerling at 207-842-5666. The International WorkBoat show is produced by Diversified Business Communications.

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