From Insight to Action: Charting What’s Next for Boating

Highlights from the 2026 Discover Boating Marketing Leadership Summit

Marketing leaders from across the recreational boating industry gathered in Tampa this week for the 2026 Discover Boating Marketing Leadership Summit, an exclusive event for NMMA and MRAA manufacturers and dealer members focused on reaching and engaging the next generation of boaters. Now in its third year, the Summit continues to bring industry leaders together to address today's marketplace challenges while exploring the strategies, partnerships and innovations that will drive long-term growth.

Attendees explored progress on Discover Boating’s industry-led market expansion strategy and gained fresh perspectives from marketing innovators outside the marine industry. Through interactive workshops and peer collaboration, manufacturer and dealer leaders exchanged ideas, challenged conventional thinking and identified opportunities to turn insights into meaningful action to grow boating.

Featured speakers brought expertise from some of the world’s most recognizable brands and organizations.

• Tom Salkowsky, former BMW Group Marketing and Retail Executive, shared insights from the automotive industry on strengthening brand relevance, elevating the customer experience and connecting marketing and retail strategies to drive sustainable growth.
• Martin Nance, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the Minnesota Vikings and former Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers, explored how building authentic connections, cultivating community and creating memorable brand experiences can turn consumer interest into lasting loyalty and advocacy.
• Pete Blackshaw, Co-Founder and CEO of BrandRank.AI and former global digital strategy leader at Nestlé, examined the growing influence of artificial intelligence on consumer discovery, brand trust and decision-making, challenging marketers to rethink how brands earn attention, credibility and relevance in an increasingly AI-driven world.
• RoseAnne DeFreitas, Deputy Commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, offered perspectives on destination marketing, strategic partnerships and creating compelling experiences that connect with today's consumers while inspiring the next generation.

Watch the highlights below for a look inside this year’s Summit.