American Boating Congress Draws 36 Industry Organizations as Co-hosts

WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 10, 2014–In 2013, the American Boating Congress (ABC) was co-hosted by 31 industry organizations who worked together to create a dynamic and engaging program, that met the needs of the entire recreational boating industry. This year, driven by 2013’s success, 36 industry partners have agreed to co-host ABC, answering the call to strengthen the industry’s collective advocacy impact. ABC will be held in Washington, DC on May 5-7, 2014.

This year’s co-hosts are an integral part of planning ABC by contributing their time and expertise to develop the overall ABC program, and by encouraging their members to attend and participate in ABC. Co-hosts include:

American Boat Builders & Repairers Association

Association of Marina Industries

Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association

Boating Industry Magazine

BoatU.S.

Boy Scouts/Sea Scouts

Boating Trades Association of Metropolitan Houston

Center for Coastal Conservation

Connecticut Marine Trades Association

Florida Yacht Brokers Association

International Boat Industry Magazine

Lake Erie Marine Trades Association

Marina Dock Age

Megayacht News

Michigan Boating Industries Association

Marine Recreation Association

Marine Retailers Association of the Americas

Marine Trades Association of New Jersey

National Boating Federation

National Marine Lenders Association

National Marine Distributors Association

National Marine Manufacturers Association

National Marine Trade Council

National Safe Boating Council

North Central Marine Association

Northwest Marine Trade Association

Professional Boat Builder Magazine

Rhode Island Marine Trades Association

Sail America

Soundings Trade Only

South Carolina Marine Association

States Organization for Boating Access

U.S. Superyacht Association

Wisconsin Marine Association

Yacht Brokers Association of America

Water Sports Industry Association

NMMA President, Thom Dammrich says “NMMA is thrilled to once again see a growing number of organizations from across a broad industry spectrum partnering for this important event. Advocacy opportunities like ABC begin with each one of us. By joining forces we can use ABC to reach a much broader Congressional representation, educating them about the significant impact that recreational boating has on the U.S. economy and other important issues affecting our businesses, employees and customers.”

While the complete agenda is currently in development, ABC will once again feature prominent policymakers to discuss industry specific issues. Registration is now open this year, when registering two or more people at the same time, registrants will receive a $25 discount off each registration.

For questions or media inquiries please contact Lauren Dunn at 202-737-9752 or ldunn@nmma.org.

Interested in becoming a co-host? There’s still time! Contact Laura Genovese at lgenovese@nmma.org or 202-737-9764. For live updates on ABC follow @therealnmma, #ABC2014.