ABC 2016 kicks off in Washington, D.C.

Hundreds of stakeholders from across the recreational boating industry are gathering this week for the 2016 edition of the American Boating Congress to advocate on behalf of the industry’s issues.

ABC 2016 started Monday night with a networking reception at the Carnegie Library, but the bulk of the event takes place over the next two days. The conference is organized by NMMA, and co-hosted by nearly 40 other industry associations and companies, including Boating Industry.

ABC gives members of the U.S. recreational boating industry a chance to meet with legislators, regulatory officials and other decision makers on Capitol Hill. Programming also features a lineup of political and industry-related speakers, as well as panel discussions and more. Click here for a full schedule.

“The recreational boating industry has a key story to share on Capitol Hill. We’re touting our American manufacturing story, the number of jobs we create and sustain and we’re providing insight into how small businesses work alongside the legislative process,” said Thom Dammrich, NMMA president. “Speaking to members of Congress during ABC is a priority for our industry advocates and in this important election year, our collective voices matter more than ever before.”

Tuesday’s schedule includes a session on effective lobbying techniques, and a series of concurrent issues workshops on a number of key industry issues, including fishing, ethanol. workforce development, the Water Resources Development Act, access, trade, invasive species and more.

Keynote speakers Paul Begala and Tucker Carlson will highlight Wednesday morning’s speaker lineup.

Begala is a Democratic strategist and political contributor for CNN. He was one of the chief strategists on Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign and served in the Clinton administration. He has written several books and is currently an affiliated professor at Georgetown University’s Public Policy Institute.

Carlson is the co-host of Fox News Channel’s Fox & Friends Weekend and editor-in-chief of The Daily Caller, a political news website. He has also worked for CNN, MSNBC and PBS, among other media outlets.

Other schedule speakers include Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah; Capt. Verne Gifford, director, inspections and compliance of the U.S. Coast Guard; Rep. Garret Graves, R-La.; Marcus D. Jadotte, assistant secretary of commerce; Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Fla.; Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga.; and Sen Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.

Keep an eye on BoatingIndustry.com and our Facebook page for more updates during the conference.

 

 

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