2025 Accelerate Conference agenda

(Agenda Subject to Change)

5:30 PM
 

Stop by our registration desk at the reception to pickup your conference badge! NASCAR Hall of Fame is located approximately 4 blocks north of the Charlotte Sheraton at 400 E M.L.K. Jr Blvd. 

Just down the street from the conference hotel – literally – is the NASCAR Hall of Fame. For the opening night reception of Boating Industry Elevate, Powersports Business Accelerate and Outdoor Power Equipment Power Forum we will all be together to take over the third and fourth floors of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, known as Inside NASCAR and Heritage Speedway. You can explore NASCAR history while engaging with interactive content. All of the attendees will have access to exhibits, including the Pit Crew Challenge. And you can also put yourself in the driver’s seat with the NASCAR Racing Simulators. And don’t worry, you don't need to be a hardcore NASCAR fan to enjoy it. To embrace the reception style event, we set the space with high top tables and soft seating. You can eat, drink, play and repeat at your own pace. Sure to be a high-octane way to ignite your conference experience and connect with others from the outdoor recreation space.

 
7:30 AM
Carolina Foyer
 
 
8:30 AM
Carolina Ballroom CDE

International bestselling author Jay Samit is a dynamic entrepreneur and speaker who is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading experts on disruption and innovation.  Chairman of a transformative Artificial Intelligence company, Samit was once described by Wired magazine as “having the coolest job in the industry.”  

He is the former Vice Chairman of Deloitte Digital and a NASDAQ company CEO who helped grow pre-IPO companies such as LinkedIn. Samit has also held senior management roles at EMI, Sony and Universal Studios, and pioneered breakthrough advancements in mobile video, internet advertising, ecommerce, social networks, digital music and augmented reality that are used by millions of consumers every day.  He can accurately predict the future because he is working with those who create it.

Samit gets people passionate about innovation, overcoming obstacles, and teaches them how to think bigger. Designed to be as entertaining and inspiring as it is informative, Samit delivers a speech that stays with the audience long after the conference has ended.

CLICK HERE to view a video of Jay Samit speaking about his upcoming keynote address. 

Jay Samit
10:00 AM
Carolina Ballroom AB

This session explores how dealers can build a digital bridge between their website and the in-store parts purchase experience, creating a seamless journey from initial research to final purchase. Attendees will gain insights into strategies for integrating digital catalog solutions, streamlining parts management, and implementing eCommerce capabilities to meet customer expectations. This session provides actionable steps to help dealers stay competitive in an increasingly digital world.

 
Mecklenburg 1 & 2

Many powersports owners have a passion for operating their dealerships but haven’t given much thought to what comes next. This session will cover essential dealership exit options, including selling and succession planning, and provide insights into proactive planning for a smooth transaction. Our speakers will discuss key components of a business valuation, understanding the seller’ market, and key considerations such as tax implications, retirement, and financial planning. Join us to explore how to maximize the value of your powersports dealership and ensure a successful transition to the next chapter.

Jon Couwenberg Courtney Bernhard Brad Stanek Paulina Matel
11:00 AM
Mecklenburg 1 & 2

This presentation will dive into the metrics of dealership sales data and trends to find hidden opportunities for additional sales and increased customer loyalty. Discover how many dealerships lose valuable customers early in their journey and how this affects long-term profitability. Max will outline actionable strategies to shift focus from constantly acquiring new customers to nurturing existing ones, highlighting how improving the customer experience at each lifecycle stage can drive significant growth. This session will empower dealerships to deepen customer relationships, enhance satisfaction, and achieve sustained profitability by investing in the experience and value of every customer.

Max Materne
Carolina Ballroom CDE

AI can help dealerships navigate various challenges in the marketplace. Hear how artificial intelligence is helping dealers cut costs and improve efficiency.

Josh Arredondo
12:00 PM
Governor's Ballroom
 
 
1:30 PM
Carolina Ballroom AB

We are communicating more these days, and also more poorly, as David Gee, professional keynote speaker and former editor-in-chief of Boating Industry will tell us in this interesting and informative session. And when you have excess inventory, rising costs, staffing issues, and other assorted headwinds, every interaction counts, with employees, prospects and customers. You’ll leave with tips, takeaways and new tools you can use right away to enhance listening and storytelling skills that boost productivity, employee morale, customer satisfaction, and sales!

David Gee
Mecklenburg 1 & 2

The thin line between technology and people. This seminar will discuss the importance of your people and technologies, such as AI, and how a good balance helps dealers maximize their business - as well as the pitfalls and problems - by tilting the scales of these key factors.

Rob Greenwald
2:15 PM
Carolina Ballroom AB

So many parts of the sales process are changing – from marketing and communication to payments and product delivery. Our expert in sales and the power equipment marketplace explains how to thrive in the change.

Tom Shay
Mecklenburg 1 & 2

Securing qualified industry professionals and identifying tomorrow’s rising stars is no easy feat in the current hiring climate. With countless pitfalls that can derail the process, success demands a deliberate, strategic approach.

Drawing on her 35 years of powersports experience, Jan Plessner will show you how to set the stage for recruitment success. This presentation will cover topics like reaching and attracting high performers, streamlining the process, productive interviews, creating an irresistible offer, and ensuring the right fit.

The often-overlooked distinctions can make or break your hiring efforts. Avoid costly hiring missteps that lead to excessive turnover by hearing from this professional industry recruiter who has spent the past 11 years mastering the art of talent acquisition.

Jan Plessner
3:15 PM
Carolina Ballroom CDE

For the first time ever, we will be featuring a representative from the boating industry, outdoor power equipment and powersports, to talk about successes, best practices and how we can all be stronger together. 

Jan Plessner Zach Hutcheson David Gee
5:00 PM
CJ's Restaurant
 
 
6:30 PM
CJ's Restaurant
 
 
7:30 AM
Carolina Foyer
 
 
8:30 AM
Carolina Ballroom CDE

Entertaining and economist aren't often used in the same sentence, but Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D., an internationally acclaimed economist and public speaker, specializes in making the arcana and minutia of economics fun, relevant, and educational. Dr. Eisenberg is the Chief Economist for GraphsandLaughs, LLC, a Miami-based economic consulting firm that serves a variety of clients across the United States.

He is a frequent speaker on topics including economic forecasts, interest rates, inflation, supply chains, strategic business development, and other current economic issues. He has a B.A. in economics with first-class honors from McGill University in Montreal, as well as a Master's and Ph.D. from Syracuse University.

Eisenberg, a former Senior Economist with the National Association of Home Builders in Washington, D.C., is the creator of the multifamily stock index (the first nationally recognized index to track the total return of public firms principally involved in the ownership and management of apartments), the author of more than 85 articles, and is a regular consultant to professional associations and investment advisory groups. He has spoken to thousands of business groups and associations, and authors a daily commentary on the economy that is delivered to more than 30,000 inboxes.

Elliot Eisenberg
10:00 AM
Carolina Ballroom CDE

You won’t want to miss this dynamic session presented by top women executives representing different segments of the power trades! 

Journalist, award-winning marketer and moderator Wanda Kenton Smith of Kenton Smith Marketing returns for the fourth year to lead our power-packed women’s panel featuring Hubbard Powersports GM and Partner Montana Bolin; National Marine Distributors Association (NMDA) and the Outdoor Power Equipment and Engine Service Association (OPEESA) Executive Director Nancy Cueroni; and Digital Throttle Marine Group President and Motorsports Sales Director Captain Vicki Norman.

Be prepared for a lively, fast-paced and forward-facing session featuring timely and relevant topics, expert insights and proven tactics you can apply to your career and business…and take to the bank.
 

Montana Bolin Vicki Norman Nancy Cueroni Wanda Kenton Smith
11:15 AM
Mecklenburg 1 & 2

Rob Greenwald and PSB Editor Brendan Baker will moderate a Dealership Evolution and Generational Transfer Panel. This  discussion will attack the differences between old-school and modern mentalities and the hurdles stores face today. We will address the passing of the torch from the older generation to their younger counterparts. A power-packed panel of guests and audience interaction will discuss these pressing topics to help your business reach the next level.

Montana Bolin Rob Greenwald
12:00 PM
Governor's Ballroom