2021 Virtual American Boating Congress – April 21-22, 2021

You are invited to participate in the virtual American Boating Congress, April 21-22, 2021, where we will provide more information on how we are pursuing these outreach and advocacy efforts, particularly as this COVID-19 pandemic continues to strain businesses across the country and threaten the broader economy.

REGISTER NOW: Click here to Register

From the economic impact of COVID-19 to state access issues, this event will cover the most pressing concerns and opportunities with leaders from across the country.   Join other leading organizations in recreational boating and fishing to ensure your voice is heard. Make a difference for your business, members and stakeholders by having a seat at the table and demonstrating your support as we address our industry’s most pressing issues.

Schedule

Wednesday, April 21 | 1:30–3:00pm
all times are in the eastern time zone

Day One Opening Remarks
Join us for the opening of the American Boating Congress 2021 with remarks from NMMA President, Frank Hugelmeyer, who will share an exclusive state of the industry, our legislative areas of focus, and how we can work together to ensure recreational boating has a seat at the policy-making table.

Discussion with Congressional Leadership
Kicking off ABC 2021, join Congressional Boating Caucus Chair, Congresswoman Nancy Mace, for insight into Congressional priorities on behalf of the recreational boating industry.

NMMA Presents 2021 Legislator of the Year Award
NMMA is pleased to present the 2021 Legislator of the Year Award to Representative Lois Frankel (D-FL-21) for her laudable service and advocacy on behalf of the recreational boating industry over the past year. Congresswoman Frankel’s service to the industry as co-chair of the Congressional Boating Caucus has defined her as a true champion for the industry’s causes.

Hail to the Bipartisan Chiefs: A Discussion with Top Senate Staffers
Listen in as bipartisan chiefs of staff dive into the work being done in the U.S. Senate to strengthen the recreational boating industry.

Speakers:
Kaleb Froehlich, Chief of Staff, Office of Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
Lance West, Chief of Staff, Office of Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV)

Policy Update
Nicole Vasilaros, NMMA Senior Vice President, Government and Legal Affairs, will discuss this year’s pressing policy updates and matters affecting the industry at large, including trade, tariffs, infrastructure, supply chain disruptions, recreational fishing and actions that must be taken to strengthen the industry.

Outdoor Recreation’s Seat at the Table: Federal and State Opportunities
Learn more about Office’s of Outdoor Recreation and how they are supporting the outdoor recreation industry across the nation through federal and state opportunities.

Speakers:
Amy Allison, Director, North Carolina Office of Outdoor Recreation
Brad Garmon, Director, Michigan Office of Outdoor Recreation
Nathan Fey, Director, Colorado Office of Outdoor Recreation

BoatPAC Cocktail Reception
BoatPAC contributors are invited to join Rep. Jamie Herrera Beutler (R-WA-3) and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) at 6:00 p.m. for a virtual mixology class.

Thursday, April 22 | 10:00am–1:00pm

Hill Meetings
BoatPAC contributors will discuss pressing matters on behalf of the industry with some of the most influential voices in Congress.
For more information on these meetings, please contact Erica Crocker at ecrocker@nmma.org

Thursday, April 22 | 1:30–3:00pm

Day Two Opening Remarks
NMMA’s Nicole Vasilaros kicks off the second day of ABC 2021, which will feature conversations with key movers and shakers in Washington, D.C. and a panel discussion on the growing threats to wake surfing access across the country.

Discussions with Members of Congress and Policymakers
Throughout day two, you’ll hear from members of Congress and policymakers on their respective priorities and what they mean for the recreational boating industry.

Speakers:
Senator Angus King, (I-ME)
Senator Roger Wicker, (R-MS)
Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-12)
Representative John Katko, (R-NY-24)
Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH-01)
Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN-08)
Jeff Krause, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

NMMA Presents the BoatPAC Champion for Growth Award
NMMA is pleased to present the BoatPAC Champion for Growth Award to Joe Lewis, owner of Mount Dora Boating Center & Marina. The BoatPAC Champion for Growth Award is given annually to an individual or company that has recognized the importance of BoatPAC’s mission and advocacy.

Presentation of the Hammond Marine Industry Leadership Award
The Foundation for Recreational Boating Safety, Education and Environmental Awareness is pleased to present the Hammond Marine Industry Leadership Award to Bruce Van Wagoner of Wells Fargo, Distribution Finance, for his extraordinary service and commitment to advocacy on behalf of the recreational boating industry.

State of the States: Threats to Wakesurfing Access Across the Country
Learn more about how state legislation focused on wakesurfing will impact the recreational boating industry, manufacturers, and small businesses. Take action alongside NMMA and advocate on behalf of fair access for wakesurfers.

Speaker:
Robert Oswell, CEO and Chairman, Roswell Global
David Bausman, Legislative and Public Policy Director, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Matt Radich, President, Active Water Sports (Oregon)

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Take Action – BoatPAC

Take action alongside our community of thousands of boating businesses and supporters to advocate for policies that affect boating, angling, and outdoor recreation. We must unite as one voice, on behalf of the recreational boating industry, and tell Congress to support key policies that will shape our industry’s future.

OR Text “BOAT” to 345-345