On October 21-22, St. Augustine, FL, hosted “The Port,” a premier event that brought together boat rental and tour operators from across the industry. Led by WaveRez CEO Greg Fisher and Take My Boat Test CEO Kevin O’Neil, co-hosts of the Awkward Watersports Guys Podcast, the event offered a unique opportunity for industry professionals to connect, network, and explore the latest trends and innovations.
Bringing Together the Best in the Industry
With 180 operators and vendors in attendance, “The Port” provided a platform for sharing insights, building connections, and discovering new solutions. The event kicked off with a series of exciting activities, including a catamaran tour hosted by Fury Water Adventures and ended with electric boat rides courtesy of Electrified Marina. These hands-on experiences set the stage for a weekend full of learning and collaboration.
Highlights from the Panels and Presentations
A central theme of the event was innovation and collaboration, as demonstrated by the insurance panel, where experts discussed upcoming opportunities in the market. Operators learned about creative solutions and new markets opening up, providing hope for a future with more tailored options.
During the session on tour and boat charter trends, Brittany Miller of Destin Pontoon Charters captivated the audience by revealing how she generated 40% of her business from TikTok. She shared actionable tips on how to harness social media for growth, highlighting how these platforms can serve as powerful marketing tools.
Another emerging trend discussed was the rise of themed tours and captained boat rentals. Greg Fisher noted a staggering 300% increase in searches for these experiences since 2019, underscoring the growing interest in unique and customizable adventures on the water.
A Moment to Remember
One of the most memorable moments of the event was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Kevin Nobis of Bonita Jet Ski & Parasail. Greg and Kevin honored Nobis for his invaluable contributions to the industry, marking a high point of the conference that resonated deeply with all who attended.
A Special Thank You to The Sponsors
The success of “The Port” would not have been possible without the generous support of the sponsors. We extend a heartfelt thanks to Take My Boat Test, WaveRez, TripShock, Vquip, Propellic, Granite Insurance, Gateway Payments, TourScale, Get Up & Go Kayaking, Von Mack Agency, OtoTrak, Souvenir Photos, and Electrified Marina. Your contributions helped make this event a resounding success.
Looking Forward
As the only event of its kind, “The Port” continues to serve as a vital touchpoint for the boat rental and tour industry, bringing together passionate operators and industry experts. With new trends, solutions, and opportunities on the horizon, we can’t wait to see how the industry grows and evolves in the coming year.
Thank you to everyone who attended, and we look forward to seeing you again at the next “The Port” event in 2025!
About the Author
Greg Fisher
