BMEA

Garmin is proud to announce that they will be sponsoring the 2007 British Marine Electronics Association Conference which takes place on 10th October at the Novotel, Southampton. The annual event provides an opportunity for all sides of the marine industry to get together not only to discuss topics of mutual interest but also to create and build beneficial business relationships.

Reg Suter, BMEA Conference spokesman said, “We welcome Garmin’s support since the Conference provides the chance for leading professionals throughout the industry to discuss the latest developments in marine electronics as well as providing the right environment to renew old, and make new, friendships.”

Rich Thoroughgood, UK Marine Technical & OEM Sales Manager for Garmin (Europe) Ltd said, “An essential part of business today is not only keeping up to date with technology but also ‘networking’ with industry colleagues and, therefore, we are delighted to be supporting the BMEA Conference this year.”

The conference includes a number of presentations by distinguished speakers.  Among the subjects that will be covered are;  Á History of Innovation’ by Chris Merrell of Garmin; ‘The GLA’s Radionavigation Activity’ by Dr Sally Basker of Trinity House; ‘WEEE Implementation and the Perspective of a Compliance Scheme’ by Paul James of DHL; ‘The Opportunities and Challenges we Face from Increased Life Expectancy’ by David Lamb of St James’s Place Capital PLC; Today’s Communication for SAR in use by the RNLI’ by Peter Bradley, RNLI and ‘The Marine Industry – some Thoughts for the Future’ presented by Rob Stevens, BMF.

Several members of the BMEA committee will also be making presentations at the conference. Reg Suter and Julian Coleman from Boat Electronics will update the delegates regarding the progress of the BMET Certification scheme.  Ian Lockyer from Icom UK will present the audience wit details of the Associations newly developed website.

After a full day of conferencing, the day ends with a three-course buffet meal.  The culmination of the evening will see the announcement of two major awards. ‘The BMEA Waterside Dealer of the Year’ will be voted for by manufacturers/dealers and will be presented by Richard Acland of Brookes and Gatehouse Ltd. Manufacturers will also have the opportunity to showcase their flagship products to waterside dealers, who will vote on which is best.  The award for BMEA Product of the Year will be again presented by Peter Nash, Editor of Boating Business.

The Conference is open to all in the marine industry – and is free for up to 2 delegates from companies that are BMEA members; additional delegates, and non-BMEA members will be charged £35 per person – to include entrance to all the presentations, coffee, lunch and dinner.

Any interested in attending should contact Tony Johns, Secretary of the BMEA by email secretary@bmea.org.