The American Boating Congress starts today with a National Marine Manufacturers Association Product Showcase, followed by an opening reception with remarks from NMMA president Frank Hugelmeyer and Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.).
NMMA said in a statement that the first full day of ABC, May 9, will include a breakfast and Hugelmeyer’s state of the industry address, followed by keynote speaker Jonathan Martin, politics bureau chief at Politico.
NMMA also will present the annual BoatPAC Champion award, after which speaker Jessica Wahl Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, will discuss how the organization is championing efforts to promote the growth of outdoor recreation.
Panel discussions will include how to conduct a Capitol Hill visit and a state-by-state advocacy update. Another discussion will focus on the speed restrictions proposed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to protect North Atlantic right whales from vessel strikes.
Wednesday opens with a general session during which members of Congress will discuss policy matters that could impact the boating industry. This will be followed by the presentation of the Legislator of the Year Award and meetings on Capitol Hill.
