2025 MMTA Annual Meeting and Conference

Please join us for our annual meeting at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath. Registration includes coffee, snacks, lunch, presentations, networking with exhibiting sponsors, a chance to win a door prize drawing, and access to the museum for the day. Thanks to our platinum sponsor Hamilton Marine, we will draw two winners for a $50 Hamilton Marine gift card.

Friday, December 5, 2024
Time: 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Maine Maritime Museum, 243 Washington Street, Bath, ME 04530

REGISTER HERE
$50 per person
Non-members $65 per person
Includes coffee, snacks, and lunch
Please register by December 1

SPONSOR FORM LINKSponsor exhibit tables are still available and includes at least 2 registrations

AGENDA OVERVIEW (session descriptions below)

8:30 am - 9:00 am Coffee, Networking

9:00 am - 9:35 am MMTA Welcome and Business Meeting

9:35 am - 9:40 am Marine Learning Project Overview - Kim Andersson, EdD, Superintendent of Wiscasset Schools

9:40 am - 10:10 am Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) - Alex Goodhile, Account Executive, United Insurance

10:10 am - 10:20 am Digital Switching - Scott McCatherin, Yarmouth Boatyard

10:20 am - 10:50 am Networking Break

10:50 am - 11:15 am Maine's New Watercraft Warranty Reimbursement Law - Ben Ford, Principal, Archipelago Law

11:15 am - 12:00 pm Keynote: Changing Times in Boat Markets; Prepare to Stay Relevant for the Next Generation of Boaters - Matt Gruhn, President of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA)

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Lunch, Networking, Door Prize Drawings (at 12:15)

Registration includes coffee, snacks, lunch, presentations, networking with exhibiting sponsors, a chance to win a door prize drawing, and access to the museum for the day. Thanks to our platinum sponsor Hamilton Marine, we will draw two winners for a $50 Hamilton Marine gift card. Please note that we go with the flow, our agenda may change slightly.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONS

Changing Times in Boat Markets; Prepare to Stay Relevant for the Next Generation of Boaters - Matt Gruhn, President of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA)

The average age of boaters was around 40 in 2000. In 2024 the average age was 60. Matt Gruhn will talk about how the boating industry is on the horizon of transformation and in need of a wake-up call. Builders, dealers, brokers, and all marine product and service providers are wise to start developing strategies to evolve with the changing markets. Matt will help Maine's boating industry start to think about ways we can prepare for this evolution. Our session with Matt will take place just days ahead of MRAA's Dealer Week in Tampa where many sessions will go into further aspects of this topic. We appreciate that Matt will be able to join us live, but virtually, and will have time for discussion with our attendees. This is an ideal session for business owners, managers, strategists, entrepreneurs, marketing team, and anyone trying to support the boating industry.

Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) - Alex Goodhile, Account Executive, United Insurance

Maine's new PFML Program has already faced various servicing struggles and confusion regarding private plan qualifications. MMTA members from United Insurance will be presenting about:

• Private Plan Design & Eligibility
• Claims Processing & Administrative/Servicing Considerations
• What Businesses Need to Know Now (Heading into 2026 Benefit Period)
• Can Businesses Still Switch to a Private Plan at This Point? Risks & Fines

Maine's New Watercraft Warranty Reimbursement Law - Ben Ford, Principal, Archipelago Law

Ben Ford, Principal at Archipelago Law, LLP and former MMTA Board Member, will present on MMTA's significant legislative victory this year. Ben will explain how dealers and service yards can legally manage their warranty work under these new regulations and provide guidance on approaching manufacturers for appropriate reimbursements, as well as how to address any pushback.

Technical 10 (minutes): Digital Switching Technology -Scott McCatherin, Yarmouth Boatyard

MMTA Board President, Scott McCatherin, will give a 10-minute presentation on digital switching technology and how it is becoming more prevalent for all types and sizes of watercraft. Digital interfacing for mechanical switches, circuits, and gauges helps boaters control and monitor everything from lights and appliances to alarms and horns -all from one screen.

Any questions can be emailed to [email protected] or call 207-773-8725.