After a two-year absence, the WorkBoat team is again thrilled to welcome attendees to the International WorkBoat Show, which opens tomorrow at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans and will run from Dec. 1-3.
The show has been a staple in the commercial marine industry for over four decades. Until last year we had never failed to hold a show except for 2005 when it was cancelled in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. In 2019 when we celebrated the WorkBoat Show’s 40th birthday, none of us expected that it would two years until the show’s 41st edition would be held. We’re ready, the industry is ready, and the city of New Orleans and the Morial Convention Center are ready to welcome you back. It’s been a long time coming.
This fall, the WorkBoat team visited New Orleans to see how the city was functioning since Hurricane Ida hit the region in late August. We experienced airport transportation, toured the newly renovated Morial Convention Center, and visited local restaurants and the surrounding area. We made sure to check out all the little things that go into making a trip to New Orleans and the WorkBoat Show pleasant and productive. We found that the Big Easy was ready to host our show and our customers.
Trade shows and conventions are once again being held successfully and safely across the U.S. As of today, 744 exhibiting companies have reserved booth space at the show, covering over 160,000 square feet of exhibit space. The companies encompass every commercial marine product category. At the show, attendees and exhibitors will once again experience face-to-face interaction that has helped their businesses grow.
Here are just a few things you can expect at the 2021 International WorkBoat Show:
- Free education sessions from industry leaders, the military, and others at the WorkBoat Think Tank.
- 744 exhibitors to meet in person and check out their products before you buy.
- Networking and sponsored events such as the Offshore Wind Breakfast and the Significant Boats Awards and Happy Hour designed to build industry relationships.
- New entertainment features such as the WorkBoat Pregame Party — a happy hour to kick off Thursday Night Saints Football throughout the show floor.
The next three days will be full of catching up with old friends, dealmaking, and adventures in the Big Easy. Thank you for your loyalty to the International WorkBoat Show and the WorkBoat brand.
We look forward to seeing you again in person.
Bob Callahan is group vice president and publisher for the International WorkBoat Show and WorkBoat Magazine.
