Docks Expo & Marina Conference Announces 2026 Education Lineup

The Docks Expo & Marina Conference has announced its 2026 education lineup, featuring 31 speakers, 19 education sessions and a pre-conference workshop.  

The Docks Expo and Marina Conference is produced by Marina Dock Age. Now in its thirteenth year, this annual industry event is designed for coastal and inland marina owners, operators, managers and professionals. Docks runs December 1-3, 2026, at Music City Center in Nashville. 

The 2026 education program comes at a time when marina operators are balancing strong demand with increasing costs, facility pressures and changing customer expectations.  

“Marina Dock Age has been providing practical information and advice to U.S. marinas for nearly 40 years,” said Christi Kleiner, editor of Marina Dock Age. “The education program at the Docks Expo & Marina Conference extends that mission by giving marina professionals strategies for making sound investments and developing business practices that improve efficiency and profitability.”  

A recent National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) survey found that 93% of boaters say improved access would increase their boating frequency, pointing to continued demand for marina slips, storage and other waterfront infrastructure.  

At the same time, nearly eight in 10 respondents to the Marina Dock Age 2025 Annual Survey expect marina expenses to increase, particularly insurance, maintenance and renovations, utilities, payroll and employee benefits.  

These realities helped shape an education program organized into six key areas: 

•  Construction: Invest in durable facilities while managing costs.  
• Customer Experience: Meet boater expectations and strengthen loyalty.  
• Funding & Financing: Fund improvements and uncover new revenue.  
• Operations: Control costs and risk with better tools and insights.  
• Safety: Protect your facility, team and customers while staying compliant.  
• Workforce Development: Build the team needed to meet growing demands.  

The Pre-Conference HR Workshop returns on Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 8 a.m. to noon CST. Led by experts from Fisher Phillips, “HR Bootcamp. Essential Employee Relations” will provide practical guidance on hiring, discipline, termination, harassment and employee policies. The workshop is a $100 add-on with limited seats.  

The Docks Expo & Marina Conference also features a trade show floor with more than 180 marina-focused brands, an industry awards ceremony and networking events.  

For media inquiries, contact Emily Tintera at emily@wjinc.net. For additional information, visit docksexpo.com or download the 2026 Registration Brochure.