Trade Associations

As the NMMA continues to advance the industry’s critical advocacy work, the association announced today the addition of three new roles in its Washington, D.C. headquarters. The roles span public affairs, federal government relations and policy engagement. Molly Drenkard joins NMMA as vice president of public affairs, leading the association’s strategic communications related to policy and government engagement. Drenkard comes ...

By David Gee What if….we could offer you the opportunity to hear firsthand from boating industry insiders such as Frank Hugelmeyer, Gus Blakely, Bryan Redmond and two dozen others? What if you could get the latest economic news straight from Washington? What if you had the opportunity to share best practices and lessons learned and network not only with others ...

The National Marine Representatives Association (NMRA) recently welcomed aboard its new officers and board members, who were elected at the NMRA General Membership Meeting at IBEX 2023 in Tampa. Taking the helm as NMRA President is Mark Goodman of SGL Sales & Marketing. Joining Mark on the Bridge is Craig Cochran, Vice President (GSW & Associates), Mike Steiner, Treasurer (West ...

Nominations are being accepted for the 2024 NMMA Alan J. Freedman Memorial Leadership Award through Nov. 1. This award recognizes individuals who have made notable contributions to the marine accessories industry through leadership, creativity and personal motivation. The following are categories for consideration: Marine aftermarket or OEM manufacturer Marine representative Member of marine-focused media Boat dealer Marine distributor Marine trade association staff ...

The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) announced that the 2023 show, which closed on Thursday, October 5, exceeded expectations based on on-site traffic data and attendance figures. The three-day event saw packed aisles, full educational sessions, and well-attended networking events.Following the difficulties of the past several years, from the pandemic to Hurricane Ian, IBEX 2023 welcomed more than 8,600 ...

The Discover Boating Norwalk Boat Show, in partnership with Progressive Insurance, which wrapped up recently, marked the close of the 2023 Discover Boating boat shows’ calendar. Momentum was strong at the start of the show, with elevated attendance Thursday and Friday, heading into a weekend dampened by the impacts of Tropical Storm Ophelia. Continuing Discover Boating’s mission to engage both new boaters ...

Earlier this week, the NMMA and Center for Sportfishing Policy hosted an industry panel covering the latest developments related to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) proposed vessel speed restrictions on the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico at the International Boat Builders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) in Tampa.Panelists included: Jeff Angers, Center for Sportfishing Policy; John DePersenaire, Viking ...

Today, the NMMA honored John McKnight with the 2023 Charles F. Chapman Award  during the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX)’s annual Industry Breakfast. McKnight is an industry veteran who has been at the forefront of negotiating regulations, managing technical projects and assisting members with new and existing government regulations compliance. In his role as NMMA’s director of environmental health ...

The Sea Tow Foundation, a boating safety non-profit, and its esteemed Boating Safety Advisory Council are thrilled to announce the winners of their fifth annual National Boating Safety Awards. These awards recognize efforts to promote boating safety within the for-profit sector of the boating industry.  This year, the Sea Tow Foundation received a record-breaking number of entries. The winners of ...

NMMA announced today the induction of Ben Speciale, President of the Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit, into the NMMA Hall of Fame. Speciale will be presented with the 2023 NMMA Hall of Fame Award during the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX)’s annual Industry Breakfast on Tuesday, Oct. 3, being held at a new location, the JW Marriott Tampa Water ...