The American Boating Congress — the recreational boating and fishing industry’s annual advocacy event — is returning May 8-10 to our nation’s capital. The National Marine Manufacturers Association is eager to welcome boating stakeholders back to Washington, D.C., to dive into policy issues affecting our business, and to gather as one united voice on Capitol Hill for the $170 billion recreational boating and fishing industry.

In 2021, the outdoor recreation industry, driven by boating and fishing, grew faster than the U.S. economy. The outdoor recreation industry increased 18.9% in 2021, compared with a 5.9% increase for the overall U.S. economy. What’s more, recreational boating and fishing is the largest outdoor recreation activity in 27 states and Washington, D.C. — a trend we expect will continue well into the future as we focus our efforts on inviting and retaining the next generation of boaters.

ABC is a time for industry leaders to meet face-to-face with our nation’s lawmakers about the economic and social impacts our industry has on their communities and constituents. Attendees will hear from policymakers and administration officials about what’s driving the political agenda, as well as what hurdles our political leaders are facing.

Attendees will also hear from Jonathan Martin, senior political reporter at Politico. A veteran journalist, Martin will offer an insider’s perspective on the state of play within the halls of Congress and the ever-changing media landscape.

The industry is facing several unique challenges this year, including proposed vessel speed restrictions along the vast majority of the Atlantic coast, from central Florida to Massachusetts. The implementation of a 10-knot speed limit and the administration’s failure to engage the marine industry in conversations surrounding this rulemaking process pose serious implications for our industry as well as the safety of boaters.

Other advocacy priorities include aquatic invasive species, next-generation marine technologies and infrastructure. It is crucial that industry stakeholders emphasize the economic impact the recreational boating and fishing industry contributes to national and state economies and the need for congressional champions to advocate on our industry’s behalf, from both sides of the political aisle.

From sustainable marine fuels to electric outboards and fleets, the recreational boating industry is innovating in ways never seen to provide consumers with options to minimize their carbon footprint. During the past 20 years, the industry has made significant investments and improvements toward reducing its emissions and carbon footprint. To celebrate these innovations, returning to ABC for its second year is the Product Showcase at The Wharf.

Here, marine manufacturers and NMMA member companies will showcase the latest innovations. Running concurrently with ABC’s traditional programming, the Product Showcase will further bring boating and the recreational boating industry to life by providing media, administration officials, members of Congress and staff an opportunity to engage with a variety of products and vessels.

The NMMA also will give one legislator the Legislator of the Year award for his or her dedication to advancing the recreational boating industry’s policy priorities. The boating and fishing community will recognize three individuals with awards: the Eddie Smith Manufacturer of the Year Award, given to an individual who shows commendable dedication to the recreational fishing and boating industry and a strong commitment to angler access and marine conservation; the Hammond Marine Industry Leadership Award, for an individual who shows extraordinary service and commitment to advocacy on behalf of the recreational boating industry; and the BoatPAC Champion for Growth Award, presented to an individual or company that has recognized the importance of BoatPAC’s mission and advocacy, resulting in growth for the PAC and our industry.

Whether this year will be your first time attending ABC or your tenth, strong boating and fishing community participation is crucial to advancing our shared advocacy agenda. We look forward to seeing everyone in Washington, D.C., in May. Register for the event at nmma.org/abc 

Tillie Fowler is the National Marine Manufacturers Association senior vice president for government relations and regulatory affairs.

This article was originally published in the April 2023 issue.