b'TheMariTrends2025exhibitfloornotonlyshowcases associate member companies but hosts events throughout FOGHORN FOCUS the convention week. PVA welcomed U.S. Coast Guard ViceAdmiral(Ret.)WilliamDeanLeeasthisyears keynote speaker. He addressed the crowd on Monday and Wednesdayinatwo-partpresentationonleadershipin an ever-changing world. Sharing stories both funny and heart-wrenching from his three-plus decade career, Lees passionate talk inspired attendees with a look at ways to be a better leader and creating trust and a sense of responsibility within any company. Before his first session, Lee congratulated the winners of thetwoSafetyandSecurityCommitteeAwards.Cap-tainEricSirbaughwiththeGatewayClipperFleetin Pittsburgh, Pa., was honored with the Captain Elizabeth GedneyPassengerVesselSafetyAward.ChiefEngineer and Master Captain Nicholas Williams with Chattanoo-ga Riverboat Company in Chattanooga, Tenn., was this yearsrecipientoftheRogerMurphyNationalMarine SafetyAward.Theawardsrecognizenoteworthyacts performed by crew of PVA vessel members that result in a safer maritime transportation system. WhiletheMariTrendsexhibitfloorishometoasso-ciate members booths, its also the home of fun events throughout the convention from lunch to happy hour re-ceptions. By far the most lively of all events is the annual Passenger Vessel Foundation (PVF) Region Competition. Tug-of-war was the name of the game this year, and it was a rowdy, but good-natured battle to raise money for PVF. Congratulations to the team fromOriginal Colonies who triumphed as this years champions.FOGHORN 14'