NMMA - National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc.

05/04/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/03/2026 23:13

Recreational Boating Industry Leaders Convene in Washington for American Boating Congress 2026

The recreational boating industry gathers today in Washington, D.C., for the start of the American Boating Congress 2026 (ABC), bringing together manufacturers, dealers, retailers and stakeholders from across the country for three days of policy discussions, industry alignment and direct engagement with federal policymakers.

This year's theme, United in Advocacy: Advancing the Next Era of Boating, reflects the shared commitment across the industry to work collaboratively in shaping policies that support long-term growth, innovation, and access to America's waterways.
"Coming together in Washington is one of the most impactful ways our industry can ensure its voice is heard," said Frank Hugelmeyer, NMMA president and CEO. "With a unified approach, we are better positioned to advance policies that strengthen U.S. manufacturing, support small businesses and expand opportunities for current and future boaters, defining the next chapter of recreational boating."
ABC is the industry's premier advocacy event and a key opportunity to elevate priorities that matter most to marine businesses. This year's program features a robust agenda of expert-led sessions, policy briefings and networking opportunities designed to prepare attendees for meetings with congressional staff and administration officials later in the week.
As a uniquely American industry, supporting thousands of businesses and communities nationwide, recreational boating plays an important role in the U.S. economy. ABC provides a unified platform to ensure that story is clearly communicated to decisionmakers shaping the future of the industry.
Stay tuned to NMMA Currents for daily updates and key takeaways from sessions, speakers and industry discussions throughout the week.
Thank you to our American Boating Congress sponsors and co-hosts for their support this year:

Official Sponsors: Yamaha, MarineMax and Informa Markets (Executive); Brunswick (President); Suzuki Marine, Correct Craft, Tiara Yachts (Admiral), Vetus Yanmar, BoatUS, Smokercraft Boats, Volvo Penta, Indmar Marine, Honda Marine (Captain); Design Concepts - Marine Concepts, BRP, Northpoint Financial, International Yacht Brokers Assoc., Marine Retailers Assoc. of the Americas, Transhield, Center for Sportfishing Policy, imtra (First Mate); Faria Beede, Monterey and Blackfin Boats, Uflex USA, Suntex Marinas, Chaparral Boats, Infolink (Purser).

Supporting Sponsors: Brunswick, ILMOR Marine, Patrick Industries, Boats Group, alliant group, Sunbrella, Regulator Marine, Firecrown Media, BoatUS, Faria Beede, Rollick, National Marine Electronics Assoc.

Co-Hosts: National Marine Lenders Assoc., MTA of New Jersey, Massachusetts MTA, Assoc. of Marina Industries, Michigan Boating Industries Assoc, American Sportfishing Assoc., Ohio MTA, Marine Industries Assoc. of South Florida

NMMA - National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc. published this content on May 04, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 04, 2026 at 05:13 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]