News & Press https://www.mbia.org/news/default.asp Wed, 22 Jul 2026 06:31:03 GMT Wed, 28 Jan 2026 15:40:00 GMT Copyright © 2026 Michigan Boating Industries Association 2025 RBEC A great Success! https://www.mbia.org/news/news.asp?id=719079 https://www.mbia.org/news/news.asp?id=719079

2025 RBEC A great Success!

More than 100 MBIA members registered for this year's Recreational Boating Educational Conference in Grand Rapids. Attendees experienced great keynote speakers, quality breakout sessions, a mini trade show with excellent vendors, and lots of networking fun. A special full-day session with Garage Composites was added to the already full agenda, bringing an abundance of educational value to members at very little costs. See full schedule here. Mark your calendar for next year's RBEC, December 2 & 3, 2026.

 

Thank you RBEC Sponsors:




]]> Wed, 28 Jan 2026 16:40:00 GMT LEARN, NETWORK, AND GROW WITH US! https://www.mbia.org/news/news.asp?id=680292 https://www.mbia.org/news/news.asp?id=680292

 

 

LEARN, NETWORK, AND GROW WITH US!

 

We are excited to announce our upcoming Recreational Boating Educational Conference will be held December 4-5 at the beautiful Embassy Suites in Grand Rapids!

 

This is a must-attend event for anyone who wants to stay up-to-date on the latest from the Michigan recreational boating industry, expand their professional network, and gain valuable insights from experts dedicated to your success. Join us for inspiring talks, informative workshops, and engaging discussions.

 

Save the date to bring you and your entire crew, and get ready to learn, network, and grow with us!

 

Your MBIA Crew,

Nicki, Amanda, Bethany, Kelly, Tim and Skylar

 

KEYNOTE WORKSHOP ANNOUNCED

 

International best-selling author and world-famous founder of the Complaint Free Movement, Will Bowen will be joining the Conference for a Keynote address and workshop on Wednesday, December 4. Bowen has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, NBC's Today Show, People, Forbes, Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal and more. Don't miss your opportunity for you and your staff to improve employee retention, workplace culture, customer relationships, sales, and profitability!

 

Profiting From A Complaint Free Workplace

 

Complaints & Complainers Lead to...

  • Negative Workplace Culture
  • Lower Profits
  • Leadership Problems
  • Mental Health Issues
  • Lack of Future Focus
  • Decreased Sales

 

The Complaint Free Solution!

People complain for only one of five reasons remembered by the acronym G.R.I.P.E. -- Get attention, Remove Responsibility, Inspire envy, gain Power, and to Excuse their poor performance.

 

Also from Will Bowen in his day 1 workshop...

Drop Stress & Increase Focus

A team that is focused and engaged (rather than haggard and stressed) collaborates better, is more loyal, has less absenteeism, and is FAR more successful.

Learn:

  • The "Focus Secret" used by Google, Apple, and other top companies and how you can use it starting right away
  • Practical tips to decrease stress leading to a happier, healthier, more successful life
  • Techniques to increase mental clarity fast - whenever and wherever you need it
  • Proven methods to relax and focus your mind that take no time out of your day
  • Powerful ways to re-frame negative problems into positive opportunities

 

HAPPY HOUR|AWARDS DINNER|NETWORKING

 

Work hard, play hard! Don't miss out on the fun with Happy Hour and invaluable networking built in to the conference. Plus, the annual awards presentations you don't want to miss for MBIA's Hall of Fame Induction, Lifetime Achievement Awards, and Lighthouse Awards!

 

REGISTRATION IS COMING SOON!

 

Interested in Exhibiting at RBEC?

Click here for the Sponsorship Agreement or Contact Amanda Wendecker for more information.

awendecker@mbia.org or call 734.261.0123, ext. 3.

 

 
]]> Wed, 21 Aug 2024 13:42:00 GMT RBEC wraps up with nearly 100 attending https://www.mbia.org/news/news.asp?id=661389 https://www.mbia.org/news/news.asp?id=661389

RBEC wraps up with nearly 100 attending

The 41st Annual Recreational Boating Educational Conference (RBEC) was a great success with nearly 100 MBIA members, staff and speakers coming together in East Lansing to learn, network and have fun. The conference theme was "Wave of Opportunity" and despite our current headwinds, we can move forward by focusing on the abundant opportunities we have and pursuing them with relentless optimism and energy.

 

Congratulations to Eric Foster, MBIA Honorary Member and former owner of Belle Maer Harbor for winning the $500 PAC raffle. Even in retirement, Eric recognizes the importance of the annual contribution to support candidates who support our industry. Mark your calendars for December 4 & 5, 2024 when we head back to Grand Rapids for the 42nd annual RBEC. ]]> Tue, 2 Jan 2024 14:16:00 GMT