(Tom Siciliano) - The U.S. economy isn't perfect, but unemployment remains at record lows, inflation is cooling, consumer spending remains strong, and wages are rising steadily, not rapidly.

While the media likes to report on the usual indicators, there's one statistic that's not reported enough – live events. Events like trade shows, concerts, sporting contests, weddings and business seminars are major factors driving the economy. The Deloitte Insights report this month noted "households continue to increase spending on pent-up demand for services such as entertainment and travel."

Statistics bear this out. To note:

· Theme park attendance in North America in 2023 was up 32% at the largest attractions annual report released by the Themed Entertainment Association.

· The Consumer Electronics Show 2023 in January in Las Vegas, a bellweather for the industry, reported 115,000+ attendees, 15% more than projected. 

· Live Nation posted a monster quarter in Q1 of 2023, with a record $3.1 billion in revenue — up 73% from the same period last year — and a record 19.5 million fans attending its events. Their concerts have sold almost 90 million tickets this year, more than 20% ahead of last year.

· Major League Baseball attendance is up more than 4 percent compared to 2022. More than 70 percent of teams are enjoying an attendance increase. With school out, attendance numbers should rise even more for the summer.

· The events industry will grow to $1,552.9 billion by 2028, according to Allied Market Research, with a projected CAGR growth of 11.2% over the next seven years.

It's no secret that humans are social animals, and after being trapped during the pandemic, the urge to congregate and socialize has returned. But it's more than that. The experience, socially and technologically, has improved tremendously. More than just gourmet food, massive screens, superfast WiFi and more comfortable seating at football games like SoFi Stadium (a client of ours), fans are becoming more engaged.

As Forbes recently noted, "Fans' devices give them access to real-time information about player performance, allow them to share updates from the games on social media and give them a chance to connect with other fans ... At the World Cup, fans were able to leverage augmented reality to see real-time statistics for players on the field."

At the recent U.S. Open at the Los Angeles Country Club, opulent indoor and outdoor seating areas and structures, along with luxe food service and premium seating, made the experience feel more like a luxury hotel or resort rather than a crowded, sun-baked golf tournament with obstructed viewing.  

As the CEO of California's largest event rental company with more than 1,000 employees creating and servicing more than 12,000 annual events, we've seen these trends coming for years. Event customization, sociable areas, technology, connectivity and creativity are still evolving and improving.

Surveys from trade groups show that today's consumers are more interested in an experience than a material item. People are looking to have a lifestyle where they are able to enjoy company with others and having fun with people they know and love after being trapped during the pandemic. Many in the live events industry believe trends of more live event attendance along with more customizable experiences will continue for years to come.

With the advent of 3-D printing for event structures, AR, VR and other technologies, some of these stadium experiences are filtering down to smaller events like birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries and reunions. It's hard to measure the impact of innovation and enjoyment, but if these industry trends continue, the live events business will remain strong for years to come.

Tom Siciliano is the CEO of Town & Country Event Rentals and Signature Party Rentals based in Southern California.

As a new boating season gets underway, boat owners should know the basics of different types of insurance coverage, review their current plan, and be sure they have the one that best meets their needs.

Some key areas of coverage to consider this season include:

- Salvage savvy. No one wants to lose a boat, but if the worst happens, don't assume salvage is part of your insurance policy.

According to the Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), some boat insurers will subtract the cost of salvage from the boat's insured value. That means owners receive reduced funds for repairs, or less money back if the boat is a total loss. So seek out a policy that offers salvage coverage separate, but equal to the hull-value coverage.

- Consequential concerns. Consequential damage is a tricky area of boat insurance. Data from BoatUS indicate that about half of all sinkings occur when the boat is docked and a small part below the waterline fails, often as a result of wear and tear, corrosion, or inadequate maintenance.

An insurance policy may not cover the failed part, but ensure that it covers "consequential damage," such as major repairs or the cost of the boat in cases of total loss in the wake of a failed part.

This consequential damage coverage generally only applies to major or total losses. It's typical, for example, to cover the immediate consequential damage resulting from any sinking, fire, explosion, demasting, collision or stranding.

- Rescue review. On-water towing assistance is an element of some boat insurance policies, but understand what type is right for your needs.

If you have only one boat, ask your insurance company whether it offers a towing service. Some companies, such as BoatUS, have their own towing fleet. Important questions for your insurance company: Who is providing the towing service, if not their own fleet? Is there 24-hour service? Will you have to pay out of pocket and seek reimbursement?

For more tips and information to optimize your boat insurance, visit BoatUS.com/insurance for quotes or contact marine insurance specialists at 800-283-2883.

According to the Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the number-one reason for a slow or delayed towing company response is the considerable time it sometimes takes for the towboat captain to seek and find the disabled recreational boat on the water. Unlike drivers on a road or highway, many boaters are simply unsure of their exact location.

However, the proliferation of cell phones and improvements in cell service over the last decade means that most anyone can use a phone to pinpoint their location and also reach a dispatch center.

A phone app, such as the one developed by BoatUS, allows boat owners to pre-program information about their boat. When they use the app to call for help with a dead battery or a tow home, the call goes to the dispatch center and immediately provides the boat's details along with the latitude, longitude, and boater's emergency contact information to the dispatcher, speeding a response.

The free app from BoatUS, available at BoatUS.com/app, also provides information about tides, weather, and wind. Boaters without the app can use their phones to call the BoatUS 24/7 Dispatch Center at 1-800-391-4869.

Boat owners can also be proactive and save money by signing up for an on-water towing plan at the start of the season.

For example, an annual Unlimited Towing Membership plan from BoatUS starts at $72/year for freshwater and $149 for saltwater.

In addition to having a towing service, boaters should be prepared to keep themselves and any passengers safe if their boat is disabled.

Key tips to keep in mind include:

- Be safe. In life-threatening emergencies, call 911 immediately or use VHF radio channel 16. Know the location of your boat's safety gear and first aid kit.

- Be leak-savvy. If you run aground, immediately look for water intrusion and provide a life jacket for each passenger not already wearing one.

- Be seen. For safety and visibility in the dark, be sure all of your boat's navigation and anchor lights are working.

For more tips and information about what to do if you need on- water assistance, visit BoatUS.com/Towing or call 800-283-2883.

(NewsUSA) - This year, on June 4, millions of people across the United States will hit the trail, any trail, to celebrate the 30th annual American Hiking Society's National Trails Day.® This year's celebration focuses on encouraging novice and veteran trail lovers to come together to leave trails and the outdoor community better than they found them. Hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, paddlers, trail clubs, federal and local agencies, land trusts and businesses will partner at events across the country to forge a more inclusive trail community and advocate for, maintain and clean up trails and public lands.

American Hiking Society and the nationwide trails community invite people of all ages and abilities to connect with their friends and neighbors around the joy of being outside. Anyone can join the national movement by giving back to the trails to help ensure that everyone can enjoy the outdoors.

"There's something magical about being outdoors," says Kate Van Waes, Executive Director of American Hiking Society.

"Fresh air, birds singing, moving along a trail, or even just around the block; there's nothing quite like it," she emphasizes. "But today, those trails and green spaces are in dire need of help, and not everyone has access to or feels welcome in these places that can calm and inspire," Dr. Van Waes explains.

"National Trails Day is the perfect opportunity to get out there with the people you love, give back to the trails that bring us together and make sure no one is left out."

Not just on National Trails Day, but any day is a great time to commit to keeping the outdoors accessible and restorative for all.

Some ways you can make a difference include:

- Join a local trail event, or start your own. Search the American Hiking Society website for events in your area.

- Take the National Trails Day Pledge, and commit to leaving the trail and the outdoor community better than you find them. For example, take a trash bag with you on a walk or hike. Or speak up and tell your Members of Congress to support the Transit to Trails Act. You'll be entered to win prizes from National Trails Day sponsors AKHG by Duluth Trading Co., Athletic Brewing Co., REI Co-op, Osprey Packs, and more.

- Share how you'll leave the trail and the outdoor community better than you found them, and tag #NationalTrailsDay and @AmericanHiking on social media. Photos and videos tagged on Instagram will be entered into the National Trails Day® photo contest for a chance to win premium gear prize packages.

Visit americanhiking.org for more information and to find events near you.

American Hiking Society's National Trails Day® is made possible by the generous support of corporate sponsors -- AKGH by Duluth Trading Co., Athletic Brewing Co., REI Co-Op, and Osprey Packs. federal partners include the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Federal Highway Administration, and U.S. Forest Service.

Photo credit:Verónica Miranda

Reissued: 6/15/2022 

(NewsUSA) - As the approach of warmer weather draws more COVID-19-weary people outside, the allure of being in nature and out on the water is inspiring a boom in the fishing boat business. Regular fishermen and novices are eager to get out and enjoy the challenge and contemplation that comes with pond and lake fishing.

But, this type of fishing presents some barriers. To really go where the fish are in a pond or lake setting, a small fishing boat is essential, and the right boat can get you on your way to a wonderful, "one with nature," experience.

Many current boat styles used for lake and pond fishing have certain disadvantages. Motors can get caught in vegetation, and deeper draft boats can't navigate shallow coves.

The Twin Troller, however, is an innovative small water fishing craft distinct from other boats on the market because it's designed specifically to address the criteria for successful pond and lake fishing. Here's how:

- Maneuverability. The Twin Troller carries two electric motors that are recessed within the boat's hull, eliminating the risk of a motor getting damaged on rocks or tangled in branches, weeds or other debris in shallow water. The in-hull propulsion allows quiet operation, shallow draft, and a 360-degree turning radius. In addition, foot pedal controls allow for a completely hands-free navigation experience, with no paddling required.

- Safety. The Twin Troller is lightweight and easy to handle. The flat-bottom design and strong sides offer maximum stability, without the tipping risk associated with jon boats, canoes, or kayaks, and anglers of all ages and flexibility levels can step in and out easily.

- Comfort. Nothing spoils a day of fishing faster than a stiff back or sore bottom from sitting on an uncomfortable boat bench. The Twin Troller features an elevated and padded seat so you focus on fishing.

"Freedom Electric Marine is dedicated to providing a one-of-a-kind experience for small water fishing enthusiasts through our high-performance Twin Troller boats," says founder Frank Jones.

Angier, N.C.-based Freedom Electric Marine was founded in 2007 by Jones, an avid fisherman who saw a niche in the market for a small electric motorcraft and assembled a team to help create one. The Twin Troller is manufactured in Madison, Indiana and ships to all 50 states.

For more information about optimizing your small water fishing experience, visit freedomelectricmarine.com.

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