Lighthouse Event Management

The VA marine trades industries had previously had several regional trade associations but over the years the groups disbanded or otherwise became inactive with lack of membership and no driving issues. A small group of people with marine interests saw a need for a true trade association to give the industry a voice on the state and national level, to foster networking among the various businesses, and to enhance education among marine employees.

The challenge this small group faced was how to bring others onboard to their idea that a trade association was needed, how to bring the two existing associations together, how to structure the new organization and how to fund it.

The VA Marine Trades Association was formed with support from the existing associations. A new board was put into place, new membership fee structure formed, a lobbying voice activated, and a work plan developed.

The International Marina & Boatyard Conference (IMBC) came to Lighthouse Event Management before the Association of Marina Industries contracted us to be their association management company. Our work with the conference earned us the management role for the entire association. Before we delivered the conference, it was a home grown, under staffed show that was being challenged to grow and become the industry event. Run by the staff of the trade association, who in addition to delivering the event was trying to run all facets of a trade group, there was no in-house capacity for event management, sales, marketing, etc. All of these factors had produced slow and restrained show growth.

We spent a couple of years improving the organization of the planning details and contracts, exhibit booth, sponsorship, and advertising sales, the registration process (both before and onsite), and marketing. This alone increased attendance and revenue for the conference. But we didn’t stop there! These successes and our experienced team have also driven improvement in the graphics and professional look of the show, recognition by industry press, and continued increases in the number of conference participants. In 2010, IMBC’s exhibit hall sold out and conference attendance increased by over 20% despite the tough economy. IMBC now hires professional speakers, along with industry experts and offers more educational seminars than in the past. We now allow attendees to register online, offer USB drives with presentations rather than paper copies, and include additional networking opportunities and entertainment in the evenings to enhance the value of attending and experience for all participants. Lighthouse Event Management has steadily increased the number of exhibit booths and attendees each year since we began planning the event in 2007. We’ve also increased conference revenue by over 250% in the past 3 years.

IMBC shows no sign of loosing steam with us in charge. We’re constantly up on event planning and association industry trends, brainstorming and developing new ideas, and implementing strategies that will lead to future success and secure IMBC’s position as the event not to be missed.