The 2009 Yacht Brokerage University education series began in late July in Providence, Rhode Island, and Annapolis, Maryland, as a collaborative effort between the Yacht Brokers Association of America and YachtWorld.com. Participation is free to yacht brokers and is intended to enhance professionalism within the industry through education, giving brokers the opportunity to earn credit towards Certified Professional Yacht Broker designation. At the event in Houston, in early August, the local Gulf Coast Yacht Brokers Association is making a strong push for members to become CPYBs, and some three-quarters of all area brokers turned out for the chance to learn and network. YachtWorld.com also travelled to California (Newport Beach), Vancouver (BC) and Florida (Sarasota and Fort Lauderdale) during the series. Next year’s series calendar is now being considered for dates and locations.

The YBAA/YachtWorld.com partnership has helped develop a full day of pertinent topics delivered by as many as 9 different speakers. Following breakfast, morning presentations were made by YachtWorld.com staff; afternoon presentations were offered by insurance and legal experts speaking on behalf of YBAA.

An address by YachtWorld.com division VP and General Manager Ian Atkins (live via Skype or pre-recorded on video) from the U.K. kicked off most of the events and included an international business report. Ian was able to attend both Florida Universities in December and present LIVE. Other presenters included Jessica Muffett (Publisher Emeritus), Joe Lingerfelt (Customer Service Manager), Mike Dickman (Director of Marketing) and John Burnham (Editorial Director). Subjects ranged from lessons in YachtWorld.com’s evolution to Internet marketing, how to leverage social media within your business, BoatWizard tips and tricks, plus upcoming products and services from YachtWorld.com

For more information, contact your sales representative or Customer Service at 877.336.9527.