Register Today
for the Event of the Year!

What's New?!

VALUE BASED SALES EXCELLENCE TRAINING

More sales means a bigger bottom line. And yet, many salespeople acknowledge that selling is harder or much harder today than it was during the last few years. 

This Sales Training program equips you with more effective and efficient sales techniques, and it will help you understand which techniques are right for you.

The Value-Based Selling Excellence training program has been developed exclusively for Boating Ontario to improve sales for identifying and delivering value to your customers.  Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity and register for Monday's Sales Training seminar.

The Boating Ontario Annual Conference is constantly evolving to ensure it encompasses all aspects of our ever-changing industry. We're very excited to present this year's Conference & Christmas Awards Gala! 

What Can You Expect?

Meaningful Networking and Content that counts

We are excited to present leaders in their field who will share educational opportunities that are sure to provide insights on best practices that can be applied across your business, to attract and retain employees, help take your digital marketing to the next level, and to help you achieve a work/life balance.

There will also be countless networking opportunities, starting with the Welcome Reception & BOATS (Boating Ontario Annual Trade Show) on opening night where you can explore new products or services offered by industry. 

Register here for the conference and call to book your room soon to guarantee your delegate pricing and availability as space is limited. All delegates can take advantage of discounted room rates for up to 3 days before, and after the conference. 

LIMITED special hotel room rates starting at $129 per night. 

Please contact Deerhurst Reservations 1-800-461-4393 to book and ask for the “Boating Ontario” group rate.

BOATS - Boating Ontario Annual Trade Show 
BOATS kicks off the conference Monday evening. Enjoy dinner and drinks while you network with trade partners and fellow delegates. 

Members who are looking to purchase tickets for their spouse/guest to attend conference events please use member pricing when booking.

Please be advised that completion of online registration requires a credit card; if this is not possible for you or your business, please call the Boating Ontario office at (888) 547-6662 so that a member of our team may assist you.

There is also the option to donate to the MarineWorx Development Fund at checkout. If you are interested in donating, please click the blue wording above or check "yes" and a member of the Boating Ontario team will be in touch.

About Boating Ontario & Our Annual Conference!

The Boating Ontario Association represents over 500 marina operators, boat dealers, brokers, and suppliers in Ontario's diverse recreational boating industry. Our annual conference provides you with endless opportunities to network, share ideas, further your knowledge and learn from industry experts.  The conference program focuses on boating industry priorities identified by the members of the Boating Ontario Association and attracts industry leaders and key decision-makers from across the province.

We look forward to welcoming you to Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, ON with some exciting events that you do not want to miss!

JOIN US AS WE STAND STRONG TOGETHER!

#BOC2023

Colleen Francis

Today’s Marina and Boating customer represents both a new challenge and a new opportunity. More first-time buyers and new demographics with new priorities, all mean we need to adapt our sales approach to help customers make the best decision, based on their needs. And in delivering that value, we can reap the sales rewards.

Value-Based Selling Excellence have been developed exclusively for Boating Ontario Members to improve sales for identifying and deliver value to your customers.

Value Based Sales Excellence

• Ensuring new customers feel welcome
• Addressing phone and online inquires with ease
• The best questions to engage your customer and uncover value
• Guiding a customer to a buying decision more quickly
• Handling objections professionally
• Professional and effective follow up to build a customer for life

Allan Kehler

Graham Sherman

Why Collaboration Beats Competition

Since Graham Sherman and his business partner opened Tool Shed Brewing Company, they knew they wanted to do business differently. They didn’t want to just sell their beer, they wanted to elevate the craft beer industry in Alberta.

Today, not only do they have a 22,000 square foot headquarters in Calgary, sell their products in more than 1000 locations across Canada, and compete with giants like Labatt and Molson, they’ve also helped create a budding, competitive, AND collaborative environment for craft beer to thrive in Alberta.

It was this same collaborative working model that saved Sherman’s business during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw him transform his brewery into a storage facility for a local food delivery service,

In this high-energy presentation, Sherman shares why adopting a collaborative approach, even with your competitors, can actually be a healthier way to do business, and lead to exponential growth and a loyal customer base.

Rob Wozny

A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats: How Telling Your Stories Can Lift Your Industry
to New Heights

A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats: How Telling Your Stories Can Lift Your Industry to New Heights is an exclusive Boating Ontario Conference Keynote Session delivered by Rob Wozny — an experienced business storyteller and communicator, and an avid angler and passionate boater. With a proven track record in working with businesses, Rob teaches leaders and their teams how to tell their stories and to amplify them with the media, and he will do the same for participants in his Boating Ontario Keynote Session.

Drawing from his recently released book Storytelling for Business – The Art and Science of Creating Connection in the Digital Age, Rob has crafted an interactive business storytelling keynote session where you will:

• Learn why telling your stories supports the entire boating industry in Ontario and beyond!
• Learn how to maximize your know-how to create content that connects
• Learn what the most effective strategies are to share your stories
• Learn how to identify what storytelling tools work best for you and how to get started
• Learn how to amplify the story of your business by proactively engaging with the media
• Learn how to identify and empower the right people at the right time to tell your stories
• Learn why storytelling is scientifically proven to connect with people essential to your success

• And more!

Greg Loerts 
Blue Sky Strategy Group

Greg Loerts from Blue Sky Strategy Group will be on hand for a presentation filled with updated information and current status on the Federal Governments Luxury Tax on boats over $250,000. Greg has extensive experience in Ottawa and will share his expertise on where we stand today and what our future looks like tomorrow.

Daniel Lewis

The B.O.A.T Mindset - [Building Opportunities Achieving Together]

Prepare to set sail with International Speaker and Award-Winning Entrepreneur, Daniel Lewis, as he unveils the power of the B.O.A.T. Mindset: Building Opportunities, Achieving Together.

In this captivating presentation, we'll embark on a journey through the waves of the rapid-changing business landscape. Discover how to navigate any business challenge, drawing inspiration from the collaborative B.O.A.T. Mindset. We'll set sail on a voyage to harness the art of rocket-launching your customer experience, leaving ripples of delight in your wake. You'll also dive into the depths of creating unforgettable sales interactions that are so beautiful, they'll make waves in your industry. And by waves, we mean in both sails and sales! (Corny, but Daniel insisted.. Don't worry it gets better.)

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace challenges with the B.O.A.T. Mindset, and learn how collaboration creates a better kind of success.

• Master the secrets to creating unforgettable customer experiences and the "Art of Wow!"

• Learn the "Slingshot Theory" and how to overcome obstacles and setbacks turning them into opportunities for growth & success.

Christmas Gala & Awards. 

This years Gala theme is Vintage/Retro

Don your favourite vintage/retro attire for this semi-formal / formal event.

Book today to avoid disappointment!

BOC 2023 delegates receive a discounted rate for rooms at Deerhurst Resort. 

Embracing Peninsula Lake, Deerhurst Resort is your year-round retreat for a Muskoka vacation or getaway to Ontario’s famous “cottage country”. Ideal for fun-filled family vacations, year-round getaways and group meetings.

Deerhurst has undergone a 10-year, $500 million master planned community with hotel, residential and mixed-use buildings received municipal approval, ensuring Deerhurst’s continued growth as top Canadian tourism and lifestyle destination. 

Support your association by staying at Deerhurst. 

Book soon to guarantee your delegate pricing and availability as space is limited.  All delegates can take advantage of discounted room rates for up to 3 days pre- and post- event at the Deerhurst.

Overnight guests will enjoy complimentary parking.

Deerhurst Number: 1-800-461-4393

Promo Code - Boating Ontario

Not a member of Boating Ontario yet but are attending the conference?  Please contact Lesley Hough at lhough@boatingontario.ca or 1-888-547-6662 ext. 222 to receive non-member promo code

2023 Awards Gala

The Boating Ontario Awards of Excellence are a celebration of success and an opportunity to recognize those who have made or continue to make significant contributions to Ontario’s recreational boating industry. These prestigious awards are presented to organizations, businesses and individuals that demonstrate outstanding contributions to recreational boating in Ontario.

Have you dealt with a 2023 superstar who is deserving of the recognition?

SUBMIT NOMINATION

We've made it easier than ever to nominate someone, with a quicker more streamlined nomination process!

There are four distinct Boating Ontario Awards of Excellence:

W. J. Robertson Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of and appreciation for the Boating Ontario Association.   

Gord Blake Visionary Award recognizes an individual or business who have made a significant contribution in the field of innovation or successfully leveraged an opportunity for visionary leadership within the boating industry.

Robert Eaton Environmental Award celebrates individuals and businesses who are dedicated to environmental responsibility and stewardship while contributing their time and resources to advancing their efforts in the Boating Ontario Clean Marine program.

President’s Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated an individual who strives for excellence and whose passion creates a positive long-term impact on the boating industry.

Do you know a business or individual that deserves to be recognized?  We invite you to submit your nomination.  You may nominate as many businesses/individuals as you like.

SUBMIT NOMINATION

The MarineWorx Development Fund is an industry-funded, education-focused program for members of all sizes, markets, and segments of recreational boating. The focus of MarineWorx is to assist all employees or prospective employees in the Ontario marine workforce with expenses incurred as they further their career. The goal is to create a sustainable long-term funding model that will lead the recreational marine sector to addressing our workforce challenge in all areas of businesses including service, parts, sales, and operations.

If you wish to make a donation to the MarineWorx Development Fund, please click the blue wording or check "yes" during the registration checkout process; a team member from Boating Ontario will be in touch.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Do you want to meet new clients or connect with your current clients in a fun and engaging setting? Do you want to be recognized within the boating community and grow your brand? New business contacts and opportunities await!

We know the power of networking and how it can impact the growth of a business and brand.  We are excited to present a variety of "NEW" and unique opportunities for our sponsors to increase their exposure at the Boating Ontario Conference! 

*** Look for the "NEW" flag in our Sponsorship Opportunities Brochure.  

Why Sponsor the Boating Ontario Conference?

Taking exhibits to a whole new level, the Boating Ontario Annual Trade Show will take place in the Legacy Hall at Deerhurst. Enjoy food, drink and friendly conversations as guests make their way around the room to get to YOUR booth. 

We encourage you to create an engaging and interactive presentation to draw conference delegates in. The floor plan is designed to give your brand optimal exposure & provides endless moments for networking with industry leaders and potential customers.  Booths are in the Legacy Hall, where the main conference presentations are being held throughout the event.

BENEFITS

• Opportunity to actively participate in the many learning and educational opportunities during the conference
• Endless networking with delegates while promoting your brand
• On-site exposure during BOATS through displays, signage, verbal recognition, sponsor identification on badges, and promotional material
• Potential to capitalize on the conference’s gathering of key industry players and develop new business relationships
• Pre-event exposure on the website, conference event mobile app & post-conference communications
• Raise the profile of your organization within the recreational boating industry

Download Sponsorship Package

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, or to book your BOATS (Boating Ontario Annual Trade Show) space please contact Lesley Hough at lhough@boatingontario.ca or call 1-888-547-6662