Joe Theismann, former NFL quarterback and MVP, to deliver keynote address

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 24, 2015

WHAT
One of the "50 Fastest Growing Shows of 2014" as ranked by Trade Show Executive, returns to the Crescent City for the 36th year. The International WorkBoat Show, the premier event for the commercial marine industry, will convene in New Orleans from Tuesday, December 1 through Thursday, December 3, with a projected 14,000 attendees. The annual show will feature more than 1,100 exhibitors showcasing their latest product and services, as well as five educational program tracks.

Former NFL star quarterback, Joe Theismann, will kick-off the conference with a keynote address Tuesday, December 1. Theismann, winner of the NFL's Most Valuable Player Award in 1983, will share personal stories and insight on succeeding under pressure, adapting quickly to unexpected situations, setting goals and correcting errors during each step on the way to success. Additional featured speakers will include oil and gas industry expert, Dr. Kent Moors and Chris Fischer, well-known personality in outdoor television and conservation. New to this year's program is the Workforce Day maritime career fair that will take place Thursday, December 3 and feature companies and training organizations for attendees to connect with.

The International WorkBoat Show and Annual Conference provides crucial information on the most current regulations, technology and issues facing the commercial marine industry today. It is part of the Diversified Communications portfolio of commercial marine events, publications and e-media products. The marine trade show continues to be the premier marketplace for businesses working on the coastal, inland and offshore waters, and has become a place where new ideas meet reliable solutions for the marine industry.

The WorkBoat Show and Annual Conference has been held in New Orleans for 36 years. This year's conference is projected to have an economic impact of $16.5 million. In April, the inaugural WorkBoat Maintenance & Repair Conference and Expo also took place in New Orleans, welcoming more than 5,000 maritime industry attendees. The 2016 Maintenance and Repair Conference and Expo will be held from April 12-14.

WHERE
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (MCCNO), Great Hall, Halls B-E

WHEN
Tuesday, December 1-Thursday, December 3, 2015

MAJOR EVENTS
      • Tuesday, December 1: 1 p.m.; Joe Theismann Keynote Address; MCCNO, The Presentation Theater, sponsored by Donna Lacour, agent for New York Life Insurance Company, Hall A
      • Wednesday, December 2: 1 p.m.; Featured Speaker: Dr. Kent Moors; MCCNO, The Presentation Theater, sponsored by Donna Lacour, agent for New York Life Insurance Company, Hall A
      • Thursday, December 3: Workforce Day
            o 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Maritime Workforce Career Fair; MCCNO, Outside of Hall A
            o 10:30-11:15 a.m.; Building a Better Workforce; MCCNO, Rivergate Room
            o 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Millennials, the Next Generation of Mariners; MCCNO, Rivergate Room
            o 1-1:45 p.m.; Hiring Veterans, Today's Heroes are Tomorrow's Workforce; MCCNO, Rivergate Room
      • Thursday, December 3: 11:30 a.m.; Featured Speaker: Chris Fischer; MCCNO, The Presentation Theater, sponsored by Donna Lacour, agent for New York Life Insurance Company, Hall A

SOCIAL MEDIA
WEBSITE: www.workboatshow.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/WorkBoat
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/WorkBoat
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/user/diversifiedbusiness

EXHIBIT FLOOR, Halls B-E
HOURS:

Tuesday, December 1-Wednesday, December 2: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 3: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

PRESS ROOM
Pick up your press credentials at the Show Office, which is located outside of Hall A. Qualified members of the media are invited to attend the conference at no charge. Please visit www.workboatshow.com/attend-as-press to register.
The Press Room is located adjacent to the Show Office, which is located outside of Hall A.

CONTACTS
WorkBoat: Ken Saunderson, Ken@SaundersonMarketingGroup.com, 206.714.6804 (mobile)
NOCVB: Kristian Sonnier, ksonnier@neworleanscvb.com; Tara Letort, tletort@neworleanscvb.com, 504.566.5019
MCCNO: Rosalie Mortillaro, rmortillaro@mccno.com, 504.582.3027

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