b'LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORMariTrends 2025: ContinuedAT THE HELMGrowth, Expanding BenefitsJOHN GROUNDWATER // EXECUTIVE DIRECTORP VA members who gathered in Savannah, Ga., lasttruly impressive. I cant think of another industry event, monthforthePVAAnnualConventionatMar- gathering, or activity where this occurs with such regulari-iTrends 2025 were treated to a convention programty than at MariTrends.and exhibit floor that offered something for everyone. Mar-iTrends 2025 educational sessions, forums, and technicalINCREASING CONVENTION ATTENDANCEconferences covered a broad swath of topics of importanceWhile we have been extremely fortunate to see PVA con-tothepassengervesselindustryandtopassengervesselvention attendance steadily increase each year following operators. Convention speakers contributed extraordinaryCOVID-19, we were particularly pleased with the atten-levels of expertise to their presentations. MariTrends 2025dance numbers this year for the PVA Annual Convention exhibitors turned out in force with an exhibit floor full ofat MariTrends 2025 in Savannah. Not only was there a net products and services specifically targeting the passengerincrease in individual member attendance, there also was vessel industry. Early feedback from PVA member attend- an increase in the number of PVA vessel member compa-ees has been very positive and has underscored the value ofnies present at the convention. These solid attendance surg-this years convention program. es coupled with growth in the number of exhibitors who participated in the MariTrends 2025 exhibit floor created Frommyvantagepoint,therealstrengthofeachMar- an exciting and productive atmosphere for all involved. iTrends convention is rooted in the exceptional quality of communicationbetweenPVAmemberattendees.ThisTHE CHANGING FACE OF MARITRENDStype of interaction occurs on the MariTrends exhibit floor,Because of the collaborative nature of the PVA convention, in seminars, at lunches, in social gatherings, and literallythere appears to be growing recognition that sending em-everywhere PVA members gather during this importantployees to MariTrends is an excellent way to quickly expose industry convention. The amount of knowledge and thethem to critical industry information that is immediately willingness of PVA members to share with each other isuseful in their operations. There is recognition that em-Continued on page 58The PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2025 was the backdrop for the first U.S. stop of the demonstration tour of Artemis Technologies all-electric EF-12 Escape luxury water taxi. Convention attendees were able to experience the foil technology with rides along the Savannah River. 7 MARCH 2025'