From the ICOMIA and IFBSO Congress in Washington, DC, Host Kristina Hebert talks with NMMA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer about the true scale of the recreational boating industry and its impact on the U.S. economy, jobs, and communities. Frank explains how NMMA drives growth through advocacy, standards and certifications, major boat shows, and Discover Boating, while addressing key challenges such as workforce development, trade, regulations, and water access. The conversation also explores boating’s connection to health, wellness, family life, and the growing challenge of finding time to get on the water in an increasingly overscheduled world. Finally, they discuss NMMA’s nonpartisan advocacy approach and how global collaboration through ICOMIA helps advance industry standards, best practices, and ocean stewardship worldwide.

Wards Marine Electric
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Wards Way YouTube Channel
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Host Kristina Hebert records from the ICOMIA IFBSO Congress in Washington, D.C., with Niels Klarenbeek, President of IFBSO and Director of Metstrade and The Superyacht Forum, and Teo Petricevic, CEO of Capax and Founding Partner of Adria Docks, to discuss Croatia’s growing influence in the global marine industry. Together, they explore the momentum behind the Croatian National Pavilion at Metstrade and the continued success of Croatian Yachting Night as a platform for industry connection and visibility. The conversation examines why Metstrade’s country pavilion model helps marine businesses present a stronger collective presence while making it easier for buyers to discover trusted partners. Kristina and her guests also discuss how collaboration, long-term planning, and relationship-building are helping Croatia strengthen its position as a leading force in boating and yachting.

Wards Marine Electric
https://www.wardsmarine.com/

Wards Way YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

Boats don’t stop at borders, and in this episode, Host Kristina Hebert sits down with Joe Lynch, President of ICOMIA, to explore the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the global boating industry connected. Joe explains how ICOMIA helps harmonize standards, regulations, and best practices across international markets, making it easier and safer for marine businesses to operate worldwide. The conversation also examines global challenges such as water access, environmental pressures, and the industry's need for credible data to support smart policy decisions. Joe shares new insights from ICOMIA’s evolving research, including surprising findings about boat usage that could reshape how the industry approaches emissions and sustainability.

Wards Marine Electric
https://www.wardsmarine.com/

Wards Way YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

Host Kristina Hebert sits down at the American Boating Congress with John Adey, President of ABYC; Mark Reedenauer, President and Executive Director of NMEA; Brian Kane, President and CEO of GOST; and Dave Marlow, Senior Director of Product Integrity at Brunswick Corporation to explore how marine policy is shaped and why voluntary industry standards often move faster than regulation while still protecting people and the environment. The conversation tackles vessel speed reduction and whale protection efforts through the WAVES task force, including how trusted data and marine electronics can help boaters make safer decisions without creating unintended consequences. Kristina also uncovers the collaborative standards work behind modern boating technology, along with key industry priorities such as navigation aids, water access, Coast Guard equivalency, and workforce development. The episode wraps with a look at the future of boating—from autonomous docking and connected helm experiences to AI, cybersecurity, and the trust challenges facing the next generation of marine innovation.

Wards Marine Electric
https://www.wardsmarine.com/

Wards Way YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

Host Kristina Hebert sits down with Kira Maixner of American Sailing, a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed Master Captain and sailing instructor, to explore the training, certifications, and real-world skills that help boaters build confidence on the water. They discuss the path from basic sailing education to coastal cruising and bareboat chartering, while highlighting why strong crew skills are valuable whether you're at the helm or not. The conversation also examines power boating safety, the importance of understanding navigation rules and situational awareness, and American Boating's efforts to expand boater education through a NASBLA-approved certification program. Along the way, Kira shares lessons from the COVID boating boom, stories where training made all the difference, and ideas for attracting the next generation of boaters while protecting access to our waterways.

Wards Marine Electric
https://www.wardsmarine.com/

Wards Way YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

Host Kristina Hebert welcomes David Carr of Firecrown Media’s Marine Division and Michelle Goldsmith of the Soundings Trade Only Group for a conversation about the evolving role of marine media in connecting the boating industry, influencing policy, and building community. They discuss how Firecrown serves diverse audiences across the marine ecosystem, the responsibility of industry media to deliver credible insights, and the trends shaping technology, mergers and acquisitions, and market demand. The conversation also explores the future of marine marketing, including the shift toward data-driven advertising, the enduring power of storytelling, and the importance of developing the next generation of marine journalists. Finally, they highlight industry initiatives such as Women in the Industry, the Global Women’s Walk, and the events that strengthen relationships and create meaningful impact throughout the boating community.

Wards Marine Electric
https://www.wardsmarine.com/

Wards Way YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

A fishery can be fully rebuilt and still remain effectively closed when outdated data and regulatory delays limit public access. From the American Boating Congress in Washington, D.C., Host Kristina Hebert sits down with Jeff Angers of the Center for Sportfishing Policy to explore how recreational fishing policy is shaped and why access and opportunity are essential to healthy fisheries and coastal economies. They discuss the red snapper debate across the Southeast, examining how state-led management and improved data collection could create longer, more predictable fishing seasons for anglers and businesses alike. The conversation also tackles the North Atlantic right whale vessel speed rule, highlighting the balance between conservation, boating safety, and innovative industry-led solutions that protect marine life while preserving access to the water.

Wards Marine Electric
https://www.wardsmarine.com/

Wards Way YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75