Discover Boating President to Speak at NMTA's Annual Meeting

Carl Blackwell, president of the national Discover Boating program, will be the keynote speaker at the NMTA’s annual meeting Nov. 12.

Blackwell will provide an overview of the current state of the recreational boating industry and also discuss plans for Discover Boating. The industry-funded marketing campaign, which aims to increase the numbers of boaters nationwide, includes elements such as public relations efforts, webinars, a social media strategy and a documentary series, "Stories of Discovery," celebrating the boating lifestyle.

One of the series’ first three videos features a Northwest family, the Aders, who have been boating for three generations. You can watch their story here.

Blackwell joined the Chicago-based National Marine Manufacturers Association as chief marketing officer in September 2003, overseeing its marketing and communications efforts, including boat shows. In July 2011, he was appointed president of Grow Boating, Inc., which provides the Discover Boating campaign, and was also named chief marketing officer and senior vice president of marketing and communications.

The annual meeting will be held at the Museum of History & Industry in Seattle. Email invites will be sent out to NMTA members soon.