b'With the first day of presentations and the opening of the MariTrends 2023 exhibit hall, Thursday found the convention in full swing. This years program, as in years past, was packed with roundtables, education FOGHORN FOCUS sessions, and lunch and learns to inform members on how to enhance the customer experience, help them discover new ways to market their operations, offer opportunities to share their solutions to continuing supply chain challenges, and much more. Industry experts discussed their learnings from various fields, and audience members contributed insight into their experiences or to ask questions of the group. Staffing remained one of the top issues operators have faced and dis-cussions focused on ways to attract and retain employees. Presenters and attendees alike offered notes on creative methods their businesses have taken to address this ongoing concern. Alternative fuels and elec-trification were popular topics as new technology is continuing to be developed and as regulations throughout the country are considered or enacted. Teams discussed what theyve learned from a few years of working with a fleet of zero-emission vessels, while others looked at safe-ty considerations with new fuel sources. Safety is paramount to every operation and many sessions focused on ways to keep your crew, passen-gers, and business protected. From mass rescue drills to cyber security to implementing safety management systems, attendees were able to learn steps they can take to better safeguard their teams and fleets. When not in a session, attendees could visit the MariTrends 2023 exhib-it floor to connect in person with existing colleagues or meet potential business partners. PVA associate members discussed the latest develop-ments from their companies, shared information on current projects, and offered ways to help vessel members enhance their operations. TwoawardsaregivenannuallytorecognizeemployeesofPVA member who have gone above and beyond in the area of safety. This yearsRogerMurphyNationalMarineSafetyAwardwasgivento Tony Ceruille of Boston Duck Tours, and Christian Nunez of Island Queen Cruises was recognized with the Captain Elizabeth GedneyPassenger Vessel Safety Award.The opening keynote was given by Vice Admiral Peter Gautier who addressed the crowd on Thursday. He spoke about areas of focus for the U.S. Coast Guard in the year ahead, as well as how PVA and the Coast Guards relationship has strengthened over the years, benefiting both organizations. See page 18 to read more from VADM Gautier on the points he discussed. Steve Goodling and Samantha Mehlinger of the Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau gave Fridays keynote, speaking to attendees on the future of travel and tourism and how their team has harnessed the power of social media to reach more people than ever. They share more details and insights with us on page 22.FOGHORN 12'