Marine Recreation Association to host third-ever California Boating Congress
February 8, 2018
Economy, regulations and boating safety are among topics to be discussed.
SACRAMENTO — The California Boating Congress will return for the third year in a row, with marine professionals, boaters and anglers congregating across from the State Capitol building to discuss policy, regulations, abandoned vessels and the rollout of the boater card, among other topics.
The full-day event will be held Feb. 28 at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento; the first session begins at 8:30 a.m.
Robert Newsome of the National Marine Manufacturers Association will deliver the keynote address; his talk will focus on boating and California’s economy.
Also speaking during the conference’s first round of breakout sessions: attorney Navi Dhillon (Drowning in Regulations); Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s Dave Chanda (Growing Participation in Angling & Boating); and, Sheri Pemberton of California State Lands Commission (Abandoned Vessels on State Waterways).
Boating and Waterways Commission Chair Randy Short, Recreational Boaters of California President Greg Gibesen and Dean West of Dean A. West Marine Enterprises will present the second session of breakout topics. The second session’s topics include boating safety, jobs and the Boating and Waterways Commission.
The final morning is a meet-and-greet among conference attendees and regulators; representatives of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Division of Boating and Waterways and State Lands Commission will be available for about 25 minutes.
Attendees will be able to meet with specific legislators at the Capitol building during the afternoon session. All legislative meetings must be pre-arranged through the California Boating Congress or congressional staff.
Nearly 200 people attended last year’s California Boating Congress, which was held March 1, 2017.
Marine Recreation Association sponsors California Boating Congress; the event is also co-hosted by California Association of Harbor Masters and Port Captains, California Sportfishing League, California Yacht Brokers Association, National Marine Manufacturers Association, Personal Watercraft Industry Association and Recreational Boaters of California, among others.
Registration for this year’s event is $169 prior to Feb. 12; the price jumps to $220 after Feb. 12.
The full agenda is available online at marina.org/2018boatingcongress/.
A cocktail reception will be held on the evening of Feb. 27 at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento, which is located at 1209 L Street.
Visit www.calboatingcongress.com or contact Mariann Timms at 209-334-0661 for more information and to register.
