b'2024 Region MeetingsE very fall, PVA members gather across the country for the PVA Region Meetings, a chance to reconnect with colleagues and discuss issues facing the passenger vessel industry. This year saw strong attendance at each meeting with informative presen-tations, open forums, and sunset receptions. The U.S. Coast Guard and PVA have a long-standing partnership which was evident at many of the meetings with Coast Guard mem-bers attending and presenting. PVA Region Meetings are always a great opportunity to connect with local Coast Guard personnel and to hear them review their priorities in each region and nationally. Every meeting also included presentations by both vessel and associ-ate members who led interactive roundtables on the industrys most pressingtopics.Membersweighedin,sharingtheirexperiences and suggestions, to learn from each other and to possibly discov-er new solutions to common challenges. Topics this year included the current state of marine insurance, legal cannabis updates and workforceimpacts,minimizingmerchantmarinercredentialde-lays, understanding the current security threat environment and the importance of crew training, and overcoming the challenges of passenger vessel decarbonization. Many topics, such as fire safety and a TSA First Observer workshop, were part of every meeting. Local vessel operators welcomed fellow members to their cities by hosting meetings and receptions. Thank you to the vessel and asso-ciate members who sponsored this years meetings. An unexpected twist in a successful series of meetings was the need to postpone the Southeast Region meeting due to Hurricane He-lene. Details about a new meeting date will be shared as plans are finalized in the months ahead. Clockwise from top left opposite page: the Original Colonies opening reception was held aboard Casco Bay Lines M/V BayWith high attendance, coverage of the most pressing issues, backing Mist; Andrew Sargis from Wendella Sightseeing Boats addressedfrom numerous sponsors, and the chance to reconnect, the PVA Re-attendees; the Western Region Meeting was a full house; attendees filled the room at the Great Lkes Region Meeting;gion Meetings can be counted as a huge success. We look forward to a reception was held aboard the Lake Coeur dAlene Cruisesseeing everyone next at the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends Shadow and Spirit; attendees gathered for a reception and meetings at New Orleans for this years Rivers Region Meeting. 2025 in Savannah, Ga., Jan. 2730.39 DECEMBER 2024'