2023 Program
*subject to change
#IBWSS23 will be held April 16-19, 2023. Keynotes will explore leadership, community outreach, and emerging trends. Breakouts will equip attendees with tips and resources to implement in their boating and water safety outreach efforts.
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Rock Island 1 & 2
NASBLA Education & Outreach / Paddlesports Committees
Members of the NASBLA Education & Outreach / Paddlesports Committees will meet in person at IBWSS to discuss current charges. All welcome.
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Atrium
Evening Networking
Enjoy light refreshments with attendees and sponsors.
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Rock Island 1 & 2
NASBLA Education & Outreach / Paddlesports Committees
Members of the NASBLA Education & Outreach / Paddlesports Committees will meet in person at IBWSS to discuss current charges. All welcome.
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Murray
Private Meeting
Waves of Hope families and coalition members only.
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Foyer
Registration
Pick up your name badge, registration packet, and ask questions at the registration table. Name badge required for IBWSS sessions.
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Foyer
Complimentary Professional Headshots
Stop by the Foyer near Registration to get your complimentary photo taken by Ken Waldron, producer at the National Safe Boating Council. Images will be emailed 3-4 weeks following the conference.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Junction 1 & 2
New Attendee Networking
First and second time attendees are welcome to stop by and meet a Conference Mentor and learn more about how to make the most of your IBWSS experience.
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Ballroom
Welcome to the International Boating and Water Safety Summit
The 2023 opening ceremony of the International Boating and Water Safety Summit, including Presentation of Colors, singing of the U.S. National Anthem, remarks from the U.S. Coast Guard and other dignitaries, NSBC Boating Safety Hall of Fame award presentation, and more.
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Foyer
Evening Reception
Network with speakers and attendees in a reception. Visit with leaders in recreational boating and water safety at tabletop exhibits. Registration includes refreshments.
Brought to You By
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Junction 1 & 2
Hospitality Room
Stop by the Hospitality Room to network with IBWSS attendees, sponsored by the BoatU.S. Foundation.
Registration desk open from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm in the Foyer
7:00 AM – 8:25 AM
Atrium
Breakfast + Networking
Start the morning with a cup of coffee and great conversation with other attendees and sponsors.
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Ballroom
State of the Industry
Americans demonstrate an ongoing prioritization of a life well-lived, spent enjoying outdoor experiences with family and friends, and marine manufacturers continue strategically managing production and inventory pipelines following two years of supply chain bottlenecks. Segments driving growth in 2022 included entry-level boats such as personal watercraft, freshwater aluminum and fiberglass fishing boats, as well as pontoon boats that are less than 26 feet. Looking ahead to 2023, indications point to continued healthy demand with new retail unit sales expected to remain on par with 2022.
Speaker
Robert Newsome
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Ballroom
To Be Announced
Coming Soon
Speaker
Coming Soon
9:30 AM – 9:45 AM
Ballroom
IBWSS Communication Awards
Celebrate IBWSS Communication Award recipients, showcasing outstanding outreach efforts of organizations, agencies, and groups who advocate for boating and water safety. Categories: Community Impact and Digital
Speaker
Yvonne Pentz
9:45 AM – 10:00 AM
Ballroom
Emcee Remarks
Fun Q&A with #IBWSS23 Emcee John Trierweiler, public information officer, with the Arizona Game & Fish Department, along with sponsors.
Speakers
John Trierweiler
Coming Soon
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Ballroom
IBWSS Communication Awards
Celebrate IBWSS Communication Award recipients, showcasing outstanding outreach efforts of organizations, agencies, and groups who advocate for boating and water safety. Categories: Giveaways, Research
Speaker
Yvonne Pentz
10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Ballroom
America’s Boating Channel
America’s Boating Channel is the first full-time TV destination for all things boating. Whether viewers are new to boating and water sports or seasoned boat operators, they’ll find an appealing mix of boating related videos on America’s Boating Channel’s new smart TV offerings. America’s Boating Channel is the Premier Sponsor of the 2023 International Boating and Water Safety Summit.
11:15 AM – 11:50 AM
Ballroom
Waterways Management and Access
What do we mean by “shared waterways” or “waterways management?” These terms have diverse definitions depending on the situation and user. Today’s waterway manager may not have that title on a business card. Instead, this role may be a local trustee, a state boating law administrator, a site manager for the federal government, or a regional watershed planning association. This session explores the vast diversity of expectations and desired outcomes facing water managers today.
Speaker
Pam Dillon
11:50 AM – 12:00 PM
Ballroom
Emcee Remarks
Fun Q&A with an IBWSS sponsor and guidance for lunch and afternoon breakout sessions.
Speakers
John Trierweiler
Coming Soon
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
Rock Island 1 & 2
Virtual Delivery Methods for Classroom Courses
Alaska and Connecticut have many differences, but one similarity is that they both have successful virtual classroom courses. Learn about their successes and lessons learned to set up their virtual classroom and leave the session with tips to get your program started.
Speakers
Wendy Flynn
Annie Grenier
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
Rock Island 5 & 6
State of Recreational Boating in Tasmania
Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) is a semi-government organization and is responsible for all recreational boating issues in Tasmania including boating safety, infrastructure, swing moorings, and most importantly, boating education. mast.tas.gov.au
Speaker
Peter Hopkins
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM
Rock Island 1 & 2
How to Start a Paddling Course in Your State
As the popularity of paddlesports increases so does the need to educate paddlers on safety–how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe while on the water. But where do you start? We’d like to help you figure that out–a starting point at least. In this breakout session, we will discuss topics from how to host an outreach event targeting paddlers, presenting children’s programs, all the way to starting a hands-on paddlesports program of your own. Come on in, the water’s great!
Speaker
Kim Jackson
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM
Rock Island 5 & 6
Enhanced Recreational Boating Certificate (Powerboat)
Join a roundtable discussion on the potential for recreational boaters to obtain an enhanced certificate upon successful completion of a state specific boater safety course and on-water powerboat skills training. Whether you are a course provider, instructor, or law enforcement, you can provide valuable knowledge and input on this NASBLA committee charge.
Speaker
Amanda Perez
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM
Junction 1 & 2
Inflatable Life Jacket Training
Inflatable life jackets rely on CO2 cylinders that provide buoyancy when inflated vs. inherently buoyant life jackets that use foam or other buoyant materials to stay afloat. Receive hands-on inflatable life jacket maintenance training directly from life jacket manufacturers.
Presenters
Virgil Chambers
Lili Colby
Ryan Dilkey
Gabriel Doring
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM
Rock Island 1 & 2
Paddle Patrol Officer Training
The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Law Enforcement Division is committed to safety by providing the necessary skills, abilities, and knowledge to prevent personal injuries and damage or loss of state property. In 2021, we implemented mandatory training for officers using paddlecraft for patrol purposes. The course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to patrol using a human powered vessel including paddle strokes and maneuvers, technical gear knowledge, environment, patrol considerations and rescues.
Speaker
Kim Sorensen
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM
Rock Island 5 & 6
Community Outreach Marketing 101
In this Marketing 101 breakout session, you will learn how to promote a community outreach event. We’ll cover tips on defining your audience and how to create messaging for that audience, as well as how to deliver that messaging to your community. If you want to take your community event to the next level, this session is for you!
Speaker
Lauren Weston
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM
Junction 1 & 2
Inflatable Life Jacket Training
Inflatable life jackets rely on CO2 cylinders that provide buoyancy when inflated vs. inherently buoyant life jackets that use foam or other buoyant materials to stay afloat. Receive hands-on inflatable life jacket maintenance training directly from life jacket manufacturers.
Presenters
Virgil Chambers
Lili Colby
Ryan Dilkey
Gabriel Doring
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Ballroom
National Safe Boating Council General Membership Meeting
The National Safe Boating Council’s mission is to create a safe recreational boating experience for all boaters. Learn how the NSBC and its members are saving lives. All welcome.
Speakers
NSBC Board of Directors
Peg Phillips
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Atrium
Evening Networking
Enjoy light refreshments with attendees and sponsors.
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Rock Island 1 & 2
BEAP Committee
Members of the BEAP Committee will meet in person at IBWSS to discuss current charges. State education coordinators only.
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Junction 1 & 2
Hospitality Room
Stop by the Hospitality Room to network with IBWSS attendees, sponsored by the BoatU.S. Foundation.
Registration desk open from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm in the Foyer
7:00 AM – 8:25 AM
Atrium
Breakfast + Networking
Start the morning with a cup of coffee and great conversation with other attendees and sponsors.
8:30 AM – 9:25 AM
Ballroom
How Technology Makes Boating Safer
Technology can enable more boaters to get on the water and make boating safer. But it does create new challenges. The era of autonomous technology may give more people confidence to operate a boat, but do they have the experience to safely operate the vessel when these systems fail? Are they prepared? Do they have the boating skill needed for these situations? Enjoy this lively discussion between ABYC’s Brian Goodwin and ABB Marine & Ports’ Drew Orvieto.
Speakers
Brian Goodwin
Drew Orvieto
9:45 AM – 10:00 AM
Ballroom
Emcee Remarks
Fun Q&A with #IBWSS23 Emcee John Trierweiler, public information officer, with the Arizona Game & Fish Department, along with sponsors.
Speakers
John Trierweiler
Coming Soon
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Foyer
Networking Break
Enjoy a cup of coffee and network with other attendees and sponsors.
Sponsor
Coming Soon
10:30 AM – 11:20 AM
Ballroom
Energizing Your Team’s Performance – Think Like an Improv Actor
Yes, And. Two words that form the foundation for performing good improvisational comedy. These same two words applied in the business world will sharpen teamwork and collaboration. Who knew? Using numerous stories and examples along with audience interaction exercises, this session teaches leaders how to create a team that practices open communication and energy accountability. Thinking “Yes, And” makes for great silo-busting, and builds a team culture that listens and celebrates diverse opinions and ideas. Laugh and learn and apply “Yes And” thinking to exceed your organizational goals.
Speaker
Glenn Anderson
11:20 AM – 11:30 AM
Ballroom
IBWSS Communication Awards
Celebrate IBWSS Communication Award recipients, showcasing outstanding outreach efforts of organizations, agencies, and groups who advocate for boating and water safety. Categories: Print, PSAs, Public Relations
Speaker
Yvonne Pentz
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Ballroom
Water Sports Industry Association
Water Sports Industry Association is the Silver Sponsor of the 2023 International Boating and Water Safety Summit.
Speaker
Lee Gatts
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Atrium
Networking Lunch
Enjoy a provided lunch and network with sponsors and attendees.
Sponsor
Coming Soon
1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Off-Site Activity
On-Water Training
You won’t want to miss this exclusive opportunity to learn about the latest boats, equipment, and safety in towed water sports brought to you by the Water Sports Industry Association. Depending upon your comfort level, you may participate by observing from the dock or aboard a powerboat. You can even sign-up to put on a dry suit and jump aboard an e-foil. Additional information coming soon on the educational stations available during this workshop. Thank you to the Water Sports Industry Association for bringing this boating and water safety event to IBWSS attendees in Little Rock.
*Bus transportation will be provided for attendees to/from the event
Brought to You By
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Off-Site Networking
Hospitality Night
Enjoy light refreshments at this off-site networking event sponsored by the BoatU.S. Foundation.
Brought to You By
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Junction 1 & 2
Hospitality Room
Stop by the Hospitality Room to network with IBWSS attendees, sponsored by the BoatU.S. Foundation.
Registration desk open from 8:00 am – 9:15 am in the Foyer
7:00 AM – 8:25 AM
Atrium
Breakfast + Networking
Start the morning with a cup of coffee and great conversation with other attendees and sponsors.
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Ballroom
Final Remarks
Thank you for attending the 2023 International Boating and Water Safety Summit! Gather together to learn instructions for the morning breakouts and a sneak peak at the 2024 International Boating and Water Safety Summit.
Speakers
Yvonne Pentz
Peg Phillips
Coming Soon
9:15 AM – 10:00 AM
Rock Island 1 & 2
Let An Improv Actor Fix Your Next Meeting – Part 1
Another &$*!@# meeting! If meetings are the bane of your existence, transform them to a boon instead. Learn from the wisdom of an improvisational actor through this interactive workshop. In this workshop, learn to create a meeting culture where everyone contributes effectively using strong communication skills AND learn to stimulate fun and effective brainstorming. Discover the secrets of being a strong spontaneous speaker. Go beyond having your team listen to simply respond and have them listen to understand. Overcome the obstacles of virtual and hybrid meetings. Let’s fix your next meeting! *Attendees may attend both back-to-back sessions, or only Part 1 and/or Part 2.
Speaker
Glenn Anderson
9:15 AM – 10:00 AM
Rock Island 5 & 6
Community Impact of Waves of Hope
Hear from Waves of Hope families how they are sharing about recreational boating and water safety in their local communities and saving lives. wavesofhopeboating.org
10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
Rock Island 1 & 2
Let An Improv Actor Fix Your Next Meeting – Part 2
Another &$*!@# meeting! If meetings are the bane of your existence, transform them to a boon instead. Learn from the wisdom of an improvisational actor through this interactive workshop. In this workshop, learn to create a meeting culture where everyone contributes effectively using strong communication skills AND learn to stimulate fun and effective brainstorming. Discover the secrets of being a strong spontaneous speaker. Go beyond having your team listen to simply respond and have them listen to understand. Overcome the obstacles of virtual and hybrid meetings. Let’s fix your next meeting! *Attendees may attend both back-to-back sessions, or only Part 1 and/or Part 2.
Speaker
Glenn Anderson
10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
Rock Island 5 & 6
Search & Rescue
Hear from Ryan Dilkey, the associate director of the waterfront program at Eckerd College Search and Rescue (EC-SAR) team. He oversees a community service program of full-time enrolled Eckerd students, who respond to over five hundred calls for maritime assistance each year. eckerd.edu/waterfront/ecsar/
Speaker
Ryan Dilkey
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
Junction 1 & 2
Lesson Plans for Outreach Events & Schools
Do you attend shows, schools, events, or other safety outreach programs? Come and learn a few hands-on activities and have some fun!! There will be stations set up so you can experience doing the activity on your own or with other participants. We will have hand-outs of each curriculum to take home.
Speakers
Annie Grenier
MariAnn McKenzie
Kim Sorensen
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
Rock Island 1 & 2
National Safe Boating Council On-Water Training
NSBC Instructors have undergone rigorous training to teach recreational boaters in accordance with the American National Standard for on-water skills. They help cultivate a safer recreational boating experience by training responsible boaters. Whether you are a NSBC Instructor, or interested in learning more, in this session you’ll learn about the opportunities and resources available for NSBC Instructors.
Speakers
Chris Day
Peg Phillips