The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas and Dominion Marine Media announced today that the Boating Trades Association of Texas has become the first regional or state trade association to sign on to host a Norman-­‐Spencer Marine Retail University event.

The event, scheduled for October 21-­‐22, 2012, will be held at the beautiful Omni La Mansion Del Rio in San Antonio. Located on the banks of the Paseo del Rio in the heart of downtown San Antonio, the Omni La Mansion Del Rio is an historic, four-­‐diamond luxury hotel that blends Spanish colonial architecture and European style and is within easy walking distance of the Alamo, El Mercado and many other well-­‐known landmarks.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing an MRU event to our state and our members,” says Rick Smith, president of BTAT and Marine Outlet. “This is a great opportunity for us to provide a one-­‐of-­‐a-­‐kind educational opportunity, and we’re particularly excited about the market-­‐specific content that the MRU offers our members. “

This Norman-­‐Spencer Marine Retail University event will feature four targeted educational sessions, an expo hall, and a series of networking sessions, including a riverboat cruise on October 21st. The educational sessions will feature market-­‐specific sales and dealer-­‐performance data that will offer attendees market insights that can help them make better business decisions. GE Commercial Distribution Finance will provide a session on economic trends and dealer performance; Statistical Surveys will provide detailed insights into sales trends and market performance; and Dominion Marine Media will present best practices and expert advice on how to develop your market in today’s economy. Another educational session will be added soon.

“We are excited to recognize BTAT as the first association to plan a Marine Retail University in 2012,” says Courtney Chalmers, director of marketing for Dominion Marine Media, “and we look forward to launching a successful and informative event for the Texas boat dealers.”

“The attendees of this event will walk away with an in-­‐depth understanding of what’s making their market tick and how they can capitalize on it,” says Matt Gruhn, president of the MRAA, which co-­‐produces the MRU events with Dominion Marine Media. “We’re extremely excited to be able to partner with BTAT to create such opportunity for its members because the data and information the MRU provides will set them up for great success as they begin selling their 2013 product lines.”