Back in Cleveland but dreaming of New Orleans, I am still on the high that comes from three days jam packed with industry talk, jazz music, Cajun food, craft beer, and, since I am being honest… bourbon. As much as I wish I could still be there, the momentum of this year’s International WorkBoat Show remains!
A sniper could not hit a date on the calendar any better. The event is held during the perfect time of year, at the end of a season and the beginning of the next. Conversations reflect back on the year’s performance, the highs and lows while also looking ahead at slated work in orderbooks, new technologies, and strategic plans.
My overall perception of the week was promising. The industry tone feels quite upbeat. While most wanted and expected a busier 2018, a hopeful 2019 is right around the corner. Buzzwords covered Subchapter M, Jones Act, EPA tiers, hybrid systems, Trump, blockchain, and everything in between.
As this was my fourth WorkBoat Show, I have had the opportunity to attend in a few different capacities and am always working on an ever changing approach to get the most out the show every year.
This year, I decided to fly down a day early. New Orleans is such a unique city, so I have made it a point to explore different areas every time I come visit. I stayed in an amazing Airbnb and wanted to explore a little bit of the Lower Garden District my own. Staying in the city Tuesday night definitely helps hit the ground running on Wednesday, the first day of the show. Walking into the convention center on Wednesday morning, I caught a whiff of the freshly laid showroom carpet… or was that the smell of the gigantic spool of poly line? It only kept getting better from there!
One full day, usually Thursday, is dedicated to starting at one end and working my way aisle by aisle all the way to the other. I, at the very least, set my eyes on every booth. This year, that proved difficult to do! I found myself stopping at booths more often and engaging in lengthier and more meaningful conversations. All good things, of course!
A skill I have acquired over the years has been not hesitating to hand out my business cards. First of all, vendors, customers, and potential employers abound when everyone is a connection. The industry is small, and the degrees of separation are more like two instead of Kevin Bacon’s six. Also, I have been to quite a few tradeshows and conferences; this is the least email bombarding of any. Keep in mind that you can always unsubscribe.
Breakout sessions were never a focus of mine in the past. I have always had enough value by just doing my own thing. I will admit that almost all of the topics are relevant. The new format with the Think Tank and some of the free content mixed in with the paid sessions peaks my interest. One of my goals for next year is to attend a couple of sessions.
On a fun and final note, Cochon Butcher had just opened up my first WorkBoat Show and it has been growing steadily ever since. The place, casual but on point, never ceases to impress me. Every year since, I take some colleagues to lunch at Butcher to share the gem that is not-so-hidden-anymore.
For these reasons and many more, the WorkBoat Show is the event I look forward to most each year, both personally and professionally. This one was no exception. 2019 will be another GEAUX for me! I look forward to seeing many of you next year in the Big Easy!
Airbnb in the Lower Garden District 
French Trunk Coffee 
A great book, courtesy of the Airbnb library 
Checking in at the WorkBoat Show! 
All maritime publications on full display show 
Met with Damen, discussing projects. 
Wartsila introducing their new hybrid system 
Lankhorst Ropes, a new connection 
THE Preservation Hall 
Industry party 
REAL bourbon on Bourbon St 
Butcher lunch