Trade Associations

By Jamie Stafford In mid-November, the Boating Industry ELEVATE SUMMIT – the premier educational and networking event for leaders across the recreational marine industry – wrapped up in sunny Orlando, Fla. ELEVATE is produced and hosted by Boating Industry and parent company EPG Brand Acceleration. The conference, hosted over three days, featured plenty of keynote speakers and Q&A panels. The ...

Acknowledging the significant challenge facing many recreational boat owners who are unable to pay salvage costs for their Hurricane Ian- wrecked vessels, or who may still be assessing the extent of the damage, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) extended its Hurricane Ian waiver program through the end of 2022. The waivers, which require boat owners to release ...

NMMA announced today that Sara Anghel, NMMA Canada president, is moving on from the Association after accepting the role of President/CEO for the Greater Toronto Hotel Association. She will remain onboard at NMMA through December 7.Anghel has been with the NMMA for nearly 15 years, starting as Vice President of Government Affairs for NMMA Canada before becoming NMMA Canada President.“Sara ...

Nominations are being accepted for the 2023 Alan J. Freedman Memorial Leadership Award. Recipients of the NMMA's Freedman Award are individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the marine accessories industry through leadership, creativity and personal motivation.  The following are categories for consideration: Marine aftermarket or OEM manufacturerMarine representativeMember of marine-focused mediaBoat dealerMarine distributorMarine trade association staff person To nominate ...

The comprehensive ICOMIA (International Council of Marine Industry Associations) International Distributors' Guide has been updated and enhanced to improve the ability of ICOMIA Member Associations to assist their members in the development of international distribution networks. The updated guide was introduced to the global marine industry at METSTRADE 2022 last week. It will be available to members of the 37 ...

The recreational boating industry’s elite members celebrated the launch of the reimagined Boating Industry Top 100 Awards during a black-tie gala on Nov. 16, 2022 on the final evening of the Boating Industry ELEVATE SUMMIT in Orlando, Fla.  Entering the 18th year of the Top 100 in 2022, the program now honors the best of the best across the entire ...

Two senior RBFF staff members have been promoted: Rachel Piacenza has been promoted to Senior Director, Marketing, after leading the successful Get On Board campaign in FY23. Stephanie Hussey, RBFF's longest tenured employee, has been promoted to Senior Director, Government Engagement.

NMEA has announced their lineup of both in-person and virtual marine electronics installer training events. Listed below is the full NMEA 2023 Training Schedule. January 2023 Virtual Training Event Start Time 7AM EST (UTC -5) Trainer: Mike Spyros January 18 – Basic Marine Electronics Installer (MEI) January 19 – Basic NMEA 2000 Installer February 2023 IN PERSON Event (Not Virtual) ...

The Sea Tow Foundation, with support from MarineMax in the form of a generous donation match, is promoting a month of giving for boating safety throughout November. The Sea Tow Foundation fulfills its mission of providing education, tools and resources to promote safe and responsible boating through efforts such as its Life Jacket Loaner Program, Sober Skipper Campaign, Boating Safety ...

Last spring, Discover Boating set out to engage the next generation of boaters while continuing to retain newcomers and legacy boaters through its ‘See You Out Here’ campaign. Supported by a comprehensive marketing strategy, the campaign made an impact in attracting younger, more diverse boaters as demonstrated by the 145% increase in website visitors ages 18-44 and 31% increase in female users compared to ...