NMTC Convenes for 53rd Annual Conference

The National Marine Trades Council (NMTC) convened its 53rd Annual Conference July 20–23, 2026, at Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe in South Lake Tahoe, California.

More than 30 executive directors, presidents, CEOs and association staff representing state and national marine trade associations from across the United States and Canada gathered to share successful programs, exchange strategies and align on priorities shaping the recreational boating industry.

The NMTC Annual Conference is a premier educational and networking forum for leaders of marine trade associations nationwide. Now in its fifth decade, the conference provides a collaborative setting where association professionals share best practices in membership development, workforce solutions, boat show production, advocacy and other initiatives that directly impact marine businesses and jobs.

The conference also marked a leadership transition, with Matt Gruhn, President of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), welcomed as incoming 2027 NMTC Chair.

The 2026 Conference Committee included Melissa Danko, Marine Trades Association of New Jersey; Nicki Polan, Michigan Boating Industries Association; Randall Lyons, Massachusetts Marine Trades Association; and Kenny Lovell, Boating Trade Association of Houston.

NMTC 53rd Annual Conference sponsors include:

• Platinum Sponsors: Informa Markets and Discover Boating
• Marketplace Sponsor: MarineSource
• Gold Sponsors: Houston Boat Show, Yamaha and Boats Group
• Silver Sponsors: TixOnlinenow, Shepard and Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast
• Bronze Sponsors: ABYC, Ad Strategies, BoatU.S. and MRAA