Posts

8 Ways a Boat Freezer Can Be Customized: Yacht Marine Refrigeration Customization

customized-image

We all take pride in our tools and toys. Our vessels can be both.

Making them uniquely our own is part of the joy of owning them. Just as your boat is unique and customized to your liking and style, your appliances can also be tailored to your wants and needs. Your vessel’s refrigeration is not likely to be your first thought when it comes to parts of your boat that can be customized, but there are many available options and reasons to have your refrigerator or freezer customized.

At Frigibar, our marine refrigeration options are designed to be as versatile as they are dependable and stylish. Regardless of the manufacturer you decide to work with when purchasing a freezer or refrigerator for your vessel, here are eight ways you may be able to customize your unit.

1.  Sizing

Space on your boat is limited. To fit in confined spaces, marine refrigerators and freezers can be crafted to fit in nearly any space you have available, whether on the deck, in the cockpit, or underneath a cabinet.

If you need help determining the size of the unit you can fit on your boat, read “Marine Refrigeration Fit: How to Determine What Size Freezer or Refrigerator is Right for Your Boat or Yacht.Contact Frigibar and we can help you determine what’s the best fit for your boat and what customization options you should consider.

2.  Dual Control

Dual control is one of the most valuable customization options available. With dual control, you can utilize your unit as either a refrigerator or freezer, allowing you to keep your bait cold for a day-long fishing trip or your food safely frozen for a week long adventure.

Learn About Dual Control: How Dual Control for Refrigerators and Freezers Works

3.  Seating

Bench-style freezers make great seating options and are easily fitted with a cushion. Frigibar uses mildew-resistant 3-inch thick Snap-On marine cushions. They can be custom-designed and come in many different colors. They not only help you have additional seating, seat cushions can add to the look and feel of your boat.

4.  Colors and Finishes

No freezer or refrigerator should stick out like a sore thumb. Depending on the manufacturer and what you’re looking for, you can have a unit customized with a color that compliments your style and current design. At Frigibar, we offer custom gel coat colors and faux wood as customization options.

5. Alarms

Freezer alarms aren’t meant to tell you when someone is stealing your pint of ice cream, but to protect your entire freezer of food from spoiling. Defrost warning alarms work to give an audible indication when the freezer is failing, giving you the opportunity to save the contents. This is particularly helpful in marinas when no one may be on the boat.

6.  Mounting

Mounting options can set the look of your freezer or refrigerator apart from anyone else’s, and will make your unit easier to move. There are multiple options available in many different styles, materials and finishes. These mounting systems can help fasten a freezer to a boat’s deck and allow for quick release when needed to be moved. Custom mounts can also be fabricated to match the deck of a vessel.

7.  Motor Orientation

Some manufacturers give you the option for the orientation of the motor on the freezer/refrigerator unit. Say you want to have one unit on the starboard bow and the other on the port bow. Flipping the orientation of the motor on one of the units will ensure that the motor is not facing oncoming sea spray, and also make the units look uniform on the deck.

8.  Manufacturer-Specific Customizations

Each manufacturer offers something different. Even if a manufacturer doesn’t list the options you want, contact them to discuss. If wanting to explore Frigibar’s customization options, please call us at 305-757-7697 or email us at info@Frigibar.com.

 

 

Frigibar Marine Refrigeration Products Now Available on SailorSams.com

Established in 2003, SailorSams made a name for themselves by carving out a niche within the marine industry by specializing in selling 12v LED boat lights online. SailorSams is now a full marine retailer, carrying both common staples of the industry and exclusive partnerships and luxury products. “SailorSams has some products that everybody has, but we’re always looking for unique quality products — and Frigibar is certainly that,” says SailorSams’ Kyle Mosher.

shuly-and-sailorsams

SailorSams has partnered with Frigibar Industries to provide the manufacturer’s boat and yacht refrigerators, freezers, and boxes to their wide base of customers. The Frigibar name has been synonymous with the highest quality marine refrigeration products for boats, yachts, docks and more for nearly 45 years. Asked why SailorSams is partnering with Frigibar, Mosher said, “Because there’s nothing else like it…I like finding things that are the best. Frigibar is hands-down the best in what they do.”

Frigibar’s products will be showcased in product pages on SailorSams.com. The Frigibar Captain Cockpit Refrigerator and Freezer is currently available at a discount and comes with several customization options to allow boat owners to best accommodate their boating adventures.

While SailorSams is primarily known as an online retailer, they and Frigibar have similar philosophies on creating personal relationships with customers, which requires in-person connections. “We work on creating real relationships that expand far outside of just our online presence. We exhibit at boat and trade shows and connect with customers to find out what they need and how we can fill that need within the marine industry,” says Mosher.

Asked why he’s passionate about the industry, Mosher replied, “I love the marine industry, and I love boating. I spend most of my summers out on the water. Since getting involved with SailorSams, I’ve been able to build some great relationships, like that with Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky.” Mosher and Oletzky were recently both exhibitors at the 2016 Miami International Boat Show at Miami Marine Stadium along with hundreds of exhibitors and over 100,000 boating enthusiasts. “The marine industry feels like a family. Primarily, we’re dealing with a fun industry created by people who are passionate about having a good time,” says Mosher.

Future opportunities for the partnership include making additional Frigibar products available to SailorSams audience, including deck boxes, dock boxes, fish boxes, and other refrigerator and freezer options.

2016 Miami International Boat Show Experience Recap: Frigibar Industries

The 75th Miami International Boat Show is over, but we’ll be enjoying the experiences, connections, and memories from the show for years to come. This year’s show, which took place February 11-15, marked the 50th year Frigibar took part in the event as an exhibitor. According to the Miami Herald, over 1,200 new boats were on display and over 100,000 attendees were expected for the five-day show.

Frigibar was in Booth 554 in Tent C, right next to Brownie’s Yacht Diver. “They were great booth neighbors and brought a crowd to the area,” said Oletzky.

Brownie's Yacht Diver Booth

On the Friday of the show, the Tito’s Handmade Vodka Fishing Team stopped by the Frigibar booth to host a small reception to raise money for their charity, Southern Fishing Charities. What was planned to be an hour and a half gathering lasted over three hours and turned into a highlight of the show for many. The reception received a surprise visit from NMMA President Thom Dammrich, Outdoor Channel reality star Carter Andrews of The Obsession of Carter Andrews, and many others. The event raised $500 for the charity and was something exhibitors and attendees talked about for days afterward.

Liquid Fire Fishing Team

The Liquid Fire Fishing Team and Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky

The booth also got a visit from the red-hot Liquid Fire Fishing Team. The team was recently named the sports story of the year by the Tideland News. Read more about Liquid Fire and their great team in our interview with team captain Mark Henderson.

“This was a spectacular event, and we’re glad we were able to be a part of it. It’s hard to imagine all of the hard work that was done behind the scenes to pull this off just 16 months after it was first announced that the event would be coming to Miami Marine Stadium,” said Oletzky. The stadium was last used in 1992 and was renovated to bring the Miami Boat Show to the venue for its first event in over 20 years.

The venue did not disappoint. “My favorite aspect of this year’s show is that we were actually on the water! It felt like a real Florida boat show where everyone could enjoy the beautiful views of the beach, and the boats were in the water. It was something missing from previous shows and it added a special element to this year’s show,” said Oletzky.

There were many other firsts experienced by attendees and exhibitors at this year’s show. Organizers invested in free land and water shuttle services for attendees and there were over 10,000 available parking spaces. “There was a relaxed feel to the whole event even with it being so busy. The show was easy to navigate, there were tons of food options, and the NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association) staff was working directly with exhibitors and attendees to quickly help when any help was needed. The show got better each day,” said Oletzky.

During a pre-event interview on AM 880 The Biz, which aired Tuesday, February 9, Cathy Rick-Joule, NMMA Vice President of the Miami Boat Show said, “We believe we’ve found the future home of the boat show for many, many, many years to come at Miami Marine Stadium Park and Basin.” We’re excited to see how the show takes advantage of the great space and location Miami Marine Stadium provides.

NMMA Vice President Cathy Rick-Joule announced her retirement at the show. “Cathy means so much to me and is the reason I’m so involved in the show. She’s caring and thoughtful, and really helped in my transition to President of Frigibar and making sure our family-owned business would still be involved in the Miami Show, there are no words to express my gratitude for her guidance and friendship over the years.” said Oletzky. Rick-Joule will provide guidance in a consulting role to ensure a smooth transition going forward. Frigibar would like to thank Rick-Joule for her support and amazing work with the NMMA and Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show.

Next up, Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky will be visiting the 31st Annual Palm Beach International Boat Show (March 17-20). After exhibiting for the five-day Miami show, Shuly will be able to speak with exhibitors and attendees at the show as an attendee herself. “The Palm Beach Show is such a fun show and will be a great time. It’s always great to exhibit at a show, but this will be a refreshing opportunity to get out from behind the booth and network with all of the exhibitors and see the whole show,” said Oletzky.

“If you didn’t get a chance to come this year, come next year (to the Miami Beach International Boat Show). It’s only going to get better,” said Oletzky to end our post-event interview. Dates for the 2017 Miami International Boat Show have not yet been released. Follow the show on Facebook for updates and news.

About Frigibar Industries, Inc.

Frigibar Industries, Inc. is one of the longest established manufacturers of marine refrigeration. Frigibar was started in 1971 by Founder and President Sheldon Oletzky, a twenty-one year veteran of the United States Navy and experienced aerospace engineer. In 2011, Sheldon’s daughter Shuly Oletzky took on the role of CEO and President of Frigibar and strives to grow the company’s legacy of providing the best in marine refrigeration. These freezers have taken on a secondary meaning; on-deck fiberglass freezers are referred to by boat builders and owners worldwide as Frigibars. Frigibar provides hand-crafted, marine refrigeration systems of the highest quality.

Follow Frigibar on Twitter, Instagram, and like our Facebook page to keep updated throughout the year and see what we’re up to.

Recap of the 9th Annual Get Down to Business Lunch to Benefit Easter Seals Florida

On January 20th, the 9th Annual Get Down to Business Lunch to Benefit Easter Seals Florida took place at the Kravis Center Cohen Pavilion in West Palm Beach. The sold out crowd of over 340 business leaders, philanthropists and entrepreneurs joined together for a day to support a great cause, network, and learn from others.

The event was highlighted by bestselling author of The Fred Factor and keynote leadership speaker Mark Sanborn. “Out of all of the years I’ve done this, there was something extra special about this event. The biggest thing I took away from Mark’s (Mark Sanborn) message is that you never know the impact you can have on someone by doing your best,” says Frigibar Industries, Inc. President and Easter Seals Florida Board Member.

From CEOs to entry-level employees, each person who represents a company can make a significant impact on others by going above and beyond what is considered to be a standard level of service. Mark gave examples of this through the story of Fred, a postman who was more concerned about people’s mail than those who were receiving the mail. His passion and hard work developed into the admiration of all the people he provided services for.

Leadership is often misunderstood as forceful commands by a person in a position of power. “Management is power over people. Leadership is power with people,” said Sanborn, empowering the audience to positively influence employees and others instead of using forceful management.

The theme of working together to accomplish mutual goals was also exampled by the organizing team. “It’s a great and rewarding representation of the power of people working together for a cause greater than themselves in a community,” says Oletzky about the event. Asked what the most rewarding aspect of the event was, Oletzky replied, “seeing everything come full circle and watching how much people enjoyed and got out of what we helped to put together. This event is unlike anything else in the area.”

Over the past nine events, the Get Down to Business Lunch has raised more than $600,000 to directly support the local programs of the Igoe-Amar Child Development Center through Easter Seals Florida. Out of every dollar, 91 cents is used to directly support these programs in the West Palm Beach area.

February brings another opportunity to support Easter Seals Florida during the PGA’s The Honda Classic, which takes place February 22-28. American Honda Birdies for Children is a fundraiser that donates 110% of pledged gifts while fans of the tournament guess the total number of birdies made during the tournament. The winner will receive a brand new 2016 Honda. In the event of a tie, a blind drawing from all of the correct guesses will determine the winner. Additional prizes will be randomly drawn. Donations can be made on The Honda Classic website here.

For more information about Easter Seals Florida, please visit EasterSeals.com/Florida, or contact Heather R. Weisbrod at 561.471.1688 ext. 133 or email at hweisbrod@fl.easterseals.com.

About Frigibar Industries, Inc.

Frigibar Industries, Inc. is one of the longest established manufacturers of marine refrigeration. Frigibar was started in 1971 by Founder and President Sheldon Oletzky, a twenty-one year veteran of the United States Navy and experienced aerospace engineer. In 2011, Sheldon’s daughter Shuly Oletzky took on the role of CEO and President of Frigibar and strives to grow the company’s legacy of providing the best in marine refrigeration. These freezers have taken on a secondary meaning; on-deck fiberglass freezers are referred to by boat builders and owners worldwide as Frigibars. Frigibar provides hand-crafted, marine refrigeration systems of the highest quality.

 

Frigibar Exhibiting at Refit International 2016 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The Refit International Exhibition and Conference, taking place January 28-29 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, is a new trade event from Professional BoatBuilder Magazine. The show will start a day after the International Marina and Boatyard Conference, also held in Ft. Lauderdale.

refitlogofinal

Refitting is the process of updating a used boat or yacht to fit the wants and needs of current or future owners. Refitting can include repairing, restoring, mending, and completely renovating a vessel. The Refit International Exhibition and Conference was created to share ideas, information and resources on boat refitting.

The two-day event runs concurrently with an exhibition area, which will include marine refrigeration manufacturer Frigibar Industries, Inc. and is free to attend. The exhibitors will give attendees, including boat builders and enthusiasts, an opportunity to meet with many companies that can help them with projects and restoration. “We want to make sure boat yards and boat builders know that we have products and services that can help them during the refit. We can do custom jobs for refits as well,” says Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky.

Manufacturing marine refrigeration products in Miami, Florida for over fifty years, many boats and yachts around the world proudly utilize Frigibar cockpit freezers, deck boxes, and more, many of which several decades old. Frigibar will discuss how to properly care for units, restore and fix them with the crews and builders at the show. “There are a lot of boatyards in the area that might not be aware that we do more than aftermarket products. We can help them to design and build a custom solution,” says Oletzky.

Not having a retail space, boat shows provide an excellent opportunity for builders and boat owners to meet with Shuly Oletzky and experience Frigibar freezers and refrigerators in person. “I love meeting boat owners and builders to network with and learn about their vessels,” says Oletzky, who learned about the event from US Superyacht Association (USSA) Association Manager Kitty McGowan. Shuly continued, “we invite attendees to come and visit us at Booth 229, and are really looking forward to the show!”

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and like our Facebook page to keep updated throughout the year and see what we’re up to.

Happy New Year from Frigibar Industries, Inc.!

Happy New Year! I want to thank you so much for being part of our business. Whether you’re a customer, partner, employee, friend, or just like to read our blog, I want to personally thank you on behalf of our family. Since taking over the business from my father Sheldon Oletzky in late 2010, I’ve been overwhelmed by the help and patronage both the business and our team has received. We would not be where we are today without your support. Heading into our 45th year, we look forward to serving you in the New Year and beyond to the high level of service and quality expected from the Frigibar brand.
2015 was an exciting and rewarding year for the Frigibar team. We love receiving annual family letters at the end of each year, so we decided to do one and share with you; where we have been this year, what we are doing, to thank you for your continued support, and to let you know why we’re so excited about 2016.

2015 Highlights

Boat Shows

Frigibar Booth at MIBS 2016

Frigibar at MIBS 2016

Since our family began this journey over forty years ago, boat shows have played a very important part in our business. Shows give us a chance to interact in-person with customers and partners, and give others the opportunity to see and touch our products. In 2015, we exhibited at five shows, including:

1115161647f

Outside of the shows we were able to physically participate in, due to our partnerships with other companies, Frigibar units were displayed at several additional shows, including the Palm Beach International Boat Show, New England Boat Show in Boston, Providence Boat Show, and the Bay Bridge Boat Show in Annapolis, Maryland.

Featured in…

2015 was a great year for spreading our message and products throughout the industry and beyond in publications and advertisements. We were featured in Southern Boating Magazine with an advertisement and product feature. You can also find us online and in the upcoming print version of Yachting Pages.

We have shared our insight about relevant business topics on the Huffington Post Business Blog thanks to our involvement with the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program, which I completed last year. We have published three articles aimed at providing actionable advice for entrepreneurs. We enjoyed writing these articles and were thrilled to see one of them re-published on The Hartford’s website. Additional articles are in the works for next year. If you are interested in contributing, I welcome you to email our content manager, Michael Luchies at content@frigibar.com. Here are the three published articles from this year:

Frigibar Blog

We’ve designed our blog to provide you with relevant information on topics that add value to our readers. All in the past year, we’ve featured industry experts, fishing teams, boat-builders, yacht brokers, event directors, and several of our partners. At the urging of our team, I even discussed my passion for boat shows. We’d love if you took a look at our blog and read a couple of the articles we created just for you. If there is a topic that is of interest and you would like to learn more about, email us at content@frigibar.com and we will work on providing it.

Partnerships

2015 saw several new partnerships, including working with Yacht Equipment & Parts, and Whiticar Boat Works in Stuart, Florida to showcase Frigibar units. We also expanded our presence in the Northeast through our relationship with Island and Harbor Sales. For partnership inquiries, please contact us at info@frigibar.com.

Fishing Teams

We are so proud of our 2 spectacular fishing teams that we sponsored this year. Team Tito’s Fishing Team helped us start the year off right, hosting a special Tito’s Vodka tasting reception at our booth at the Miami International Boat show. The team had tremendous success with their Memorial Day family event and fishing tournament “The Downtown Showdown KDW” in West Palm Beach, Florida, which resulted in a 5-figure donation to Lauren’s Kids. Mark your calendars for May 20-21, 2016 for their 2nd Annual event and we will see you there!

Liquid Fire Fishing Team

The Liquid Fire Fishing Team and Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky

Liquid Fire Fishing Team received their custom Frigibar dunnage box for their Intrepid Powerboats 375 Center Console and traveled a good part of the year to numerous tournaments and events. Liquid Fire also spent a good portion of their time sharing knowledge through their fishing schools held around the country and you can see their upcoming schedule here. They had a fantastic finish to the year earning 1st Place in the Swansboro Five-0 King Mackerel Tournament and 3rd Place in the US Open King Mackerel Tournament. Read our interview with team captain Mark Henderson.

Why We’re Excited About 2016!

We have a lot of things to be thankful for and many opportunities to pursue in the New Year. Here are three of the things we’re looking forward to in 2016:

  • Expansion of online product availability
  • Partner acquisition and forming new relationships along with expanding existing partnerships Nationally and Internationally
  • New product development

Where we will be in the 1st Quarter of 2016

With any of our events, feel free to contact us ahead of time if you would like to schedule a time to meet with us or just stop on by. You can keep tabs on where we will be by visiting our events page which is updated with our upcoming event schedule and overviews of the fun stuff we do.

Thank you for an amazing 2015. We welcome you to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and like our Facebook page to keep updated throughout the year and see what we’re up to.

Our mailing address has changed, so please make sure to update your records: Frigibar Industries, Inc. 3324 NW South River Drive, Miami, Florida 33142.

Wishing you a very Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year from our family to yours!

  • Shuly Oletzky, Frigibar President & the Frigibar Family

Frigibar Freezer Units to be Displayed at Stuart Boat Show with Whiticar Boat Works Partnership

STUART, FL, Dec. 22, 2015 — Frigibar Industries Inc., America’s foremost manufacturer of quality marine refrigeration products, and Whiticar Boat Works have partnered to bring the best in boat and yacht freezers and refrigerators to Stuart, Florida.

Frigibar Marine Refrigeration Unit

Frigibar is a staple at boat shows and marine industry events across the nation. Without a retail storefront, these events serve as a unique opportunity for boat and yacht customers to experience the quality of a Frigibar freezer.

As the largest boat show on the Treasure Coast, the Stuart Boat Show, now in its 42nd year, brings nearly 200 exhibitors, $100 million dollars in boats and marine products, and thousands of people together for a great three-day event. Taking place January 15-18 in Stuart, Florida, the show will feature motor yachts, cruisers, center consoles, speed boats, sport fishing boats, pontoon and personal watercrafts.

Whiticar Boat Works is the exclusive Frigibar dealer in Martin County, allowing local boaters to touch and feel what Frigibar has to offer. Asked why they partnered with Frigibar, a Whiticar representative stated, “We as a group feel their quality and long-standing market presence are the main reasons we recommend them and are proud to represent their product. We also appreciate the fact that they are “locally” made and customizable!”

The Stuart Boat Show will be located at 54 N. Dixie Hwy., Stuart, FL. There will be free parking, water taxi and shuttle service available at specified locations in downtown Stuart. Tickets are $12 for General Admission, $10 for seniors over 65, and tickets for Veterans and children (12 and under) and only $5. For more information on the Stuart Boat Show, visit: http://www.allsportsproductions.net/stuart-boat-show/   

About Frigibar Industries, Inc.

Frigibar Industries, Inc. is one of the longest established manufacturers of marine refrigeration. Frigibar was started in 1971 by founder and president Sheldon Oletzky, a twenty-one year veteran of the United States Navy and experienced aerospace engineer. In 2011, Sheldon’s daughter Shuly Oletzky took on the role of CEO and President of Frigibar and strives to grow the company’s legacy of providing the best in marine refrigeration. These freezers have taken on a secondary meaning; on-deck fiberglass freezers are referred to by boat builders and owners worldwide as Frigibars. Frigibar provides hand-crafted, marine refrigeration systems of the highest quality.

About Whiticar Boat Works

Based out of Stuart, Florida, Whiticar Boat Works has been in the boat business for over 70 years, and is known for providing only the best in boating and yachting. With an average of 28 years of experience among their talented staff, they provide the most dedicated and versatile services with what they call “white glove treatment.”

 

Why I Love Boat Shows: Q&A with Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky

Boat show season is in full swing and Frigibar is traveling across the world to bring the best in marine refrigeration to boat owners everywhere. From Newport to Amsterdam to right here in Florida (Miami and Fort Lauderdale), Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky will be at a half-dozen boat shows this season.

Frigibar has been featuring industry experts, boat-makers, and fishing teams in recent articles, so we thought we’d take a minute to sit down with Shuly to find out why she loves boat shows.

“Growing up as the daughter of the owner of a marine refrigeration company, going to boat shows was how I spent several weekends each year. Having attended around 100 shows, I’ve learned a lot and have grown to really appreciate the opportunities and atmosphere that are at every event.”

gosling-rum-reception-blue-water-desalinization-flibs-1-110416

Here is what we asked Shuly and her responses:

Q: What’s your favorite boat show memory?

Shuly Oletzky (SO): Spending time with my family; my dad specifically. When I was younger, I stood back and watched and played around. As I got older, I was able to help, learn about the business, and learn about my dad.

We spent hours and hours together talking, working together, and building an even stronger relationship. These were truly special times and I’m so grateful for those experiences.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of a boat show?

SO: By far, the people are what I enjoy most. There are several aspects of each show that I love due to how they allow people; myself included, to connect, network, and make friendships with others.

It may be all about business for some, but to me it’s the whole package of business, friendships, and building relationships and trust.

Q: What other aspects of boat shows do you love?

SO: There are quite a few.

The environment. It’s electric! There isn’t anything that matches the fun environment of a boat show. Everyone is excited, learning and shopping for things they desire around a common interest. When you get a group of people together that are passionate about the same things, it’s impossible not to feed off of their energy.

It’s a social and recreational activity. I find the people that are passionate about boating, fishing, and sailing are typically very social people who enjoy being surrounded by others. They’re friendly and open to meeting strangers and sharing their experiences during their travels.

The chance to meet other people in the industry. As hard as you work at a show, you see people you’re only seeing a couple of times a year. Organizers build in a lot of recreational activities and social time, including receptions.

Q: Do you enjoy going to a boat show more as an exhibitor or attendee?

SO: Whether I’m attending as an exhibitor or an attendee, I thoroughly enjoy these shows. As an attendee, I get to see customers and partners who I wouldn’t be able to meet with when I am exhibiting and spending most of my time in my booth. Going as an attendee also provides a great opportunity to make new B2B connections, as the other exhibitors don’t always get a chance to visit other booths during the show.

Q: How can exhibitors take advantage of shows?

SO: Be present and don’t consider your time at the show the same you would a normal work day. You have to try to limit your distractions and be accessible for attendees to meet and connect with you. If you’re disconnected, you’ll miss opportunities.

I want to be able to help everyone I can, even if it’s just to direct them to other booths they are looking for or tell them where the bathrooms are. If I’m buried in paperwork behind a table, no one will get the chance to meet me or feel comfortable coming up to me.

Q: What should attendees do to make the most of an event?

SO: Why are you going? Have your goals defined and plan ahead.

Know exactly what you want out of the show, and try to get this information early so you can relax and enjoy the rest of the show. Show producers want you to find what you are looking for, and so do the exhibitors! Take advantage of show guides, information booths, apps, show websites and staff walking the show to help make your experience a great one.

Q: If speaking to someone who has never attended a show, why should they go?

SO: Shows are a great overview of the industry and a very convenient way to get a lot done in a short amount of time. You have the opportunity to talk to multiple vendors in one place instead of making five different phone calls or trying to drive out to meet with them in person at their physical locations. For businesses like Frigibar who don’t have a store, shows are a wonderful opportunity for customers and vendors to see our products outside of visiting a partner who showcases our products or seeing it on a friend’s boat.

See what Shuly and Frigibar are up to by following us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.