EBI participated in the ICOMIA/IFBSO Congress in Washington, D.C., joining marine industry associations, boat show organisers, and stakeholders from around the world for several days of meetings, exchanges and networking.

The Congress also marked an important milestone for ICOMIA, which celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2026. EBI congratulates ICOMIA on six decades of service to the global recreational boating industry and on its long-standing role in supporting international cooperation, advocacy and knowledge exchange. EBI also underlines the strong partnership between ICOMIA and EBI, which remains essential in connecting European priorities with global industry discussions.

EBI was represented by President Robert Marx and Secretary-General Philip Easthill, alongside several EBI members participating in the Congress. Discussions took place across committee meetings, sessions on sustainability and wider exchanges on the challenges and opportunities facing the recreational boating sector. The event provided an important opportunity to further strengthen cooperation between the European and global level and to advance common priorities for the sector.

EBI thanks the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) for hosting an excellent Congress, and in particular Frank Hugelmeyer, Joe Lynch, Niels Klarenbeek, Veda Pretorius and their teams for their work in bringing the international industry together in Washington, D.C.

During the visit, a delegation of EBI and its members also met with the European Union Delegation to the United States. The exchange focused on the importance of a stable and reliable EU–US trade relationship, as well as the need to strengthen regulatory cooperation in support of the competitiveness and long-term success of the European recreational boating industry.