The Norman-Spencer Marine Retail University is coming to Brockton, Mass., on January 23 and joining forces with the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association's Business of Boating event. The MMTA is hosting the event and inviting all New England-based dealers and suppliers to join them at the Massasoit Conference Center for this one-day event.

The MRU event kicks off with a breakfast at 7 a.m. on Jan. 23, and then offers a full day of educational opportunities before winding down with a networking reception at 4 p.m. that day.

The MRU is a one-of-a-kind event, truly a can't-miss opportunity for dealers and all those interested in succeeding in the marine industry. The most-important thing you should know about Marine Retail University is that the educational opportunity at this regional event is tailored to your market! We will present data and statistics pulled from the surrounding market area so that attendees can set themselves apart from their competition by learning how to capitalize on the leading trends.

The MRU educational line-up will feature eight educational sessions with two general sessions and two tracks that contain three sessions each. Three morning sessions will provide attendees with a clear snapshot of what's happening in the New England marketplace, and a luncheon session and two afternoon sessions will provide insight into how to capitalize on that data.

• GE Capital, Commercial Distribution Finance will provide macro economic insight that will help dealers better understand what's going on with the economy and help them make better business decisions.
• Statistical Surveys will provide detailed views of the marine market's performance in the state of Massachusetts. They will drill down to let you know what's selling, and what's not selling, and the data will provide you a better understanding of how to approach your market.
• The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas will provide a historical perspective of where the industry has been over the last five years, and will also outline the leading trends that have moved dealers out of the downturn.
  
• Dominion Enterprises' Shane Pierce will provide you great insight into the changing demographics of the marine market and the facts you need to know about how to capture as much business as possible.
  
• Dominion Marine Media will provide its expertise to show you how to best market your business to today's consumers
• MMTA will provide two sessions pertinent to local issues: one title Regulatory Wrangling and another on the Implications of Changing Tax Laws.
  
• And we will host a lending panel where retail lenders will sit down and discuss what you and your business can do to increase the odds of getting your customers approved for financing. 
  

Registration for the Massachusetts MRU is now open.

Reduced registration fees, combined with detailed market data and insights are hard to pass up, and the good news is there's much, much more that Marine Retail University will offer you. Through this one-day educational conferences, you'll receive insight into best practices and strategies used by industry-leading dealers and taught by industry experts. Think: Data and trends and detailed information on how to capitalize on them.

The MRU and Business of Boating event will be held at the Massasoit Conference Center (One Massasoit Blvd.; Brockton, Mass). Please make plans to arrive for a continental breakfast around 7 a.m, and the opening comments, introduction and educational session will begin at 8 a.m.

If you are in need of a hotel, please make reservations at the Residence Inn Brockton (124 Liberty St.; Brockton, Mass.) under our Group Block (MTA/Association) for either the night of January 22 or January 23rd. Our group rate is $119 per night per night, and you can make reservations online by clicking here or by calling 508-583-3600.

Read: Norman-Spencer signs on as title sponsor

Read: MRAA, Dominion Launch Marine Retail University