Capt. Richard Phillips will deliver the keynote address today at the 35th edition of the International WorkBoat Show. Phillips will deliver his remarks at 11:30 a.m. at the Keynote Stage.
Phillips was captain of the Maersk Alabama during its hijacking by Somali pirates in April 2009. During his keynote address, Phillips will not only share this compelling story that was made into a Hollywood movie, but he will also discuss his role as a “floating CEO.” In this role, the recently retired Phillips was in charge of the day-to-day operations of a multimillion-dollar containership and its crew. He will draw upon lessons from the dramatic hijacking events that can help people and maritime companies survive and thrive, even when hope and support seem to be in very short supply.
Phillips will discuss the importance of leadership and teamwork, combined with believing in the power and potential of yourself and your team, as seen through the eyes of someone who conquered an extraordinary challenge.
Phillips’ keynote address is sponsored by RSC Bio Solutions.
The 35th edition of the show is once again expected to be the largest WorkBoat Show ever. Even with the addition of more aisles since last year, the exhibit hall is completely sold out. Hundreds of exhibitors have been waiting since October 2013 to showcase their new products and services to the workboat industry.
This year for the first time, the WorkBoat Show will have three keynote addresses.In addition to Capt. Phillips, tomorrow, Frank Foti, CEO of Vigor Industrial, Portland, Ore., will discuss his shipyard’s work culture, philosophy and doing business on the West Coast. Our final keynote on Thursday afternoon will be U.S. Maritime Administrator Paul “Chip” Jaenichen.
Also new this year is a change in our annual Significant Boats awards’ format. We will recognize 2014’s 10 Significant Boats at a breakfast ceremony before the show opens tomorrow. Then, for the first time, we will announce a Boat of the Year from among the 10 winners.
