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, D.C. 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
• BoatUS
• 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 more information or to register, visit nmma.org/government/abc/registration.aspx.

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.

 

About the American Boating Congress
ABC is the industry’s premiere legislative conference, bringing industry leaders together to help influence public policy and present a unified front on issues that impact the recreational boating industry. ABC offers attendees a unique opportunity to discuss and learn about state and federal legislation, get first-hand insight from policymakers and network with other industry leaders. To learn more about ABC please visit http://www.nmma.org/abc.

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