NMLA’s 45TH ANNUAL MARINE LENDERS CONFERENCE

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

SEPTEMBER 21 – 23, 2025

The 2025 National Marine Lenders Conference offers a number of educational opportunities covering a broad spectrum of marine industry topics, leadership and service, and how to better manage your business. The lineup of speakers includes professionals that will share details on what the future holds and how to plan for your success. Below is information on this year’s speakers and topics, and if you haven’t already registered, now is the time to do so!

Monday Morning

MARCUS SHERIDAN

Keynote Speaker
Marcus Sheridan International Inc.

One of the most engaging keynote speakers on the planet, Marcus creates experiences that change how businesses sell, connect, and win. Marcus is globally recognized as a communication expert, a master storyteller, and the bestselling author of Endless Customers and They Ask, You Answer. In his presentation “Endless Customers,” Marcus will share how best to earn more trust, attract more qualified customers, and grow your business in the digital age.  Here is a preview » 

GINA MARTIN ADAMS

Global Head of Portfolio Strategy & Chief Equity Strategist
Bloomberg Intelligence

The US economy is experiencing a mix of positive and negative indicators, causing confusion in the minds of consumers and business executives alike. Despite positive indicators, economic uncertainty persists, particularly concerning the impact of tariffs and global economic conditions. We will get a glimpse of what the future holds when Don Parkhurst, SVP & Marine Credit Manager at M & T Bank, engages Gina in a discussion on how to plan for the future amid turmoil. 

TOM KNOP

Midwest and Southwest Regional Agency Manager
Chubb Recreational Marine Insurance 

RThe marine insurance industry has seen significant upheaval over the past decade with climate change creating more disastrous conditions that impact boats. marinas, and other businesses. As a lifelong boater, Tom knows first-hand the challenges faced with obtaining insurance coverage and will update us on the latest guidelines, coverages, costs, and more. 

Monday Afternoon Breakout Sessions

Discussions below will run concurrently & will be repeated so you can attend both.

NICHOLAS K. ROHNER

Attorney
Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co. LPA

Nick thinks outside the box, using a number of resources to achieve the ultimate result. Representing banks, credit unions, and debt purchasers, Nick helps his clients utilize the legal process to recover their collateral, unpaid loans, or judgment balances. Learn how Nick can help you navigate these bumps in the road.

MARCUS SHERIDAN

Keynote Speaker
Marcus Sheridan International Inc.

Tuesday Morning

JOHN HAYMOND

NMLA Director and Immediate Past President

Membership in the NMLA can help increase your business presence and profitability through educational opportunities with the NMLA workshop and conference while saving you money on registration fees. Learn about all the business values the National Marine Lenders Association can bring to you personally as well as your business as John Haymond discusses the business and benefits of NMLA membership.

DON PARKHURST

Senior Vice President
Marine Credit Manager, M&T Bank

Don Parkhurst has been a leader in the marine lending arena for more than 40 years and, along with other NMLA members, represents the association at the American Boating Congress in Washington DC each May, making sure our legislators hear our concerns. Get the latest updates on what’s happening with regulations and policies that could impact the marine industry and your business.

CHRISTINE WAGNER

President, American Vessel Documentation Association

Christine’s first summer job was with New England Marine Documentation, her “Aunt Marie’s boat business.” Christine went on to earn a BS in Business Management and a Masters in Business Administration. In 2020, Christine rejoined NEMD as Vice-President and CEO where she runs a tight ship of knowledgeable, trustworthy, and friendly crew. Currently president of AVDA, Christine maintains a solid relationship with the National Vessel Documentation Center and other authorities who oversee boat and yacht registration and lien perfection and will provide insight as to the latest in those areas.

CAROLINE MANTEL

Director of Business Development
Boat History Report

Caroline also serves as a board member of the International Association of Marine Investigators (IAMI) where she works closely with law enforcement, insurance companies, and marine surveyors to detect and prevent boating related fraud. From synthetic identities to shell companies and hidden vessel histories, marine lending is increasingly targeted by sophisticated fraud schemes. This discussion will equip you with the tools to recognize red flags, avoid high-risk deals, and protect your institution from funding fraudulent loans.

Led by Caroline Mantel, this session will be followed by a 15-minute Q&A where Caroline will be joined by Mike Harbaugh. Caroline and Mike conduct training on fraud prevention at NMLA workshops and hosted a webinar on the topic earlier this year.

MIKE HARBAUGH

President
Vantage Recreational Finance

Joining Caroline for a Q&A on detecting and preventing fraud, Mike brings expertise that extends to the development of innovative companies that harness technology and create fresh opportunities in mature markets. Over the past 12 years, his resourcefulness and sharp instincts have steered VRF toward controlled yet consistent growth. This growth was recently acknowledged by INC Magazine, which recognized VRF as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the US for both 2022 and 2023.

Tuesday Morning Panel Discussion

THREE PERSPECTIVES - ONE INDUSTRY
VIEWPOINTS AND OUTLOOKS FROM THREE LEADERS
2025 has challenged the health of many industries – and has tested the cornerstone of American life as we know it. Policies and directives from Washington continue to be in a state of constant flux, as the White House endeavors to reset US business on the global stage.  The boating industry has not been spared the turmoil of these changes, and as it continues to navigate the head winds, three respected keynote leaders come together to discuss how different pathways of the industry are coping with these fluctuations and working to chart alternative paths to ensure the continued strength of the boating community.

JARED ZIMLIN

Panel Facilitator
Director of Business Development, Elite Recreational Finance

Two decades of business development experience solving problems for manufacturers, distributors and dealers across multiple industries with comprehensive retail finance, equipment finance and inventory finance solutions has prepared Jared to discuss all aspects of the marine industry with three prominent leaders. 

Chief Brand Officer & SVP of Marketing & Communications
National Marine Manufacturers Association
Ellen drives initiatives that position the industry for long-term growth and builds integrated campaigns that influence public policy and connect with the next generation of boaters. Her work helps ensure that recreational boating remains accessible, sustainable, and aligned with the values of current and future generations. Named a PRWeek Woman of Distinction in 2024, Ellen brings a mix of strategic insight, creative vision, and deep industry knowledge to her work. She serves on the boards of the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and A Giving Heart Foundation. 

COURTNEY CHALMERS

Vice President
Marketing, Boats Group, Inc.
Courtney has held global leadership roles across Boat Trader, YachtWorld, and boats.com, playing a key role in multiple private equity acquisitions. A frequent speaker at industry events nationwide, Courtney is also a published contributor to top boating publications. She serves on several industry association boards and has been recognized in Boating Industry’s Women Making Waves and Movers & Shakers programs.

MATT GRUHN

President
Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
A 25-year enthusiast of bringing my love of the outdoors alive through association management, content creation and publishing. As a boater, fisherman, hiker and camper, I'm on a constant personal quest for the next great experience, and I've doubled down on that passion by making it my professional ambition to help dealers and their teams build world class experiences — both to help their business find the success they deserve and to help their customers discover the same memory-making opportunities.