ICOMIA/IFBSO Congress 2026 is taking place in Washington, D.C., between May 24-28.
The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) and the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO) will bring the global recreational marine industry together in Washington, D.C. for the ICOMIA/IFBSO Congress 2026.
Hosted by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the Congress provides an opportunity for marine industry associations, boat show organisers and industry leaders from around the world to meet, collaborate and discuss the future of recreational boating.
The COMIA/IFBSO Congress 2026 event will also celebrate a major milestone — 60 years of ICOMIA.
Table of Contents
Why Attend
ICOMIA Congress is the key annual gathering for the international recreational marine industry.
Delegates attending Congress 2026 will be able to:
- Exchange insights with marine industry leaders from across the world
- Participate in committee meetings and industry working groups
- Share best practices between marine associations and boat show organisers
- Discuss global industry priorities including sustainability, participation and market intelligence
- Strengthen international collaboration across the recreational boating sector
- Experience Washington, D.C. through curated networking events and tours
Congress Venue
InterContinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf
The 2026 Congress will take place at the InterContinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf, located on Washington’s vibrant waterfront district.
The hotel offers modern conference facilities, views across the Potomac River and easy access to many of Washington’s iconic attractions, including the National Mall and Smithsonian museums.
Address
801 Wharf Street SW
Washington, D.C. 20024
United States
Telephone
+1 202 800 0844
Accommodation
ICOMIA has secured room blocks at two hotels close to the Congress venue.
InterContinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf
(Main Congress venue)
Rate: $289 USD per night
Booking deadline: 27 April 2026
Breakfast is included with Congress registration on event days.
citizenM Washington D.C. Capitol
Rate: $209 USD per night
Booking deadline: 25 April 2026
Address
550 School Street SW
Washington, D.C. 20024
Located approximately 15 minutes walk from the Congress venue.
Travel Information
Washington, D.C. is served by three major airports.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Closest airport to downtown Washington and connected via Metro.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Primary international gateway to the region.
Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)
Offers additional international connections with rail links to Washington.
Congress Programme
Congress week includes committee meetings, working groups, keynote presentations and networking events.
Saturday 23 May
Arrival of delegates and early registration.
Sunday 24 May
Registration and optional Marinas Tour to the Chesapeake Bay including visits to:
- Piney Narrows Yacht Haven
- Kent Narrows Boatel
- Safe Harbor Narrows Point
- Bay Bridge Marina
Monday 25 May
ICOMIA committee meetings and IMG meetings.
Programme includes:
- Technical Committee sessions
- Industry meetings and working groups
- Washington Marina Company tour
- Evening networking reception
Tuesday 26 May
Programme highlights include:
- Joint welcome from ICOMIA and IFBSO Presidents
- Experience sharing sessions
- Trade and market intelligence discussions
- Executive Committee meetings
- Welcome Reception overlooking the Potomac River
Partners tour: Mount Vernon
Wednesday 27 May
Sessions include:
- Sustainability Committee
- IFBSO Annual General Meeting
- Grow Boating initiatives
- Marketing and sales working groups
Delegates will also visit:
The U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress
Evening networking reception and optional Potomac River boat rides.
Partners tour: Historic Georgetown
Thursday 28 May
Final day programme includes:
- Keynote presentations
- Congress sessions
- Annual General Meeting
- Board meetings
Congress concludes with the ICOMIA 60th Anniversary Gala Dinner.
Congress Events
Welcome Reception
Tuesday 26 May
InterContinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf
Delegates will gather on the rooftop terrace for networking with views over the Potomac River.
U.S. Capitol Tour
Wednesday 27 May
Delegates will visit the United States Capitol, including the Rotunda and Statuary Hall, followed by a visit to the Library of Congress.
Evening Reception & Boat Rides
Wednesday 27 May
The Wharf, Washington D.C.
Delegates will enjoy an evening reception with optional boat rides on the Potomac River.
ICOMIA 60th Anniversary Gala Dinner
Thursday 28 May
Meridian House
The Congress will conclude with a special gala celebrating 60 years of ICOMIA.
The evening will include a cocktail reception, formal dinner, live music and dancing.
Theme: Great Gatsby
Guests are encouraged to wear vintage-inspired cocktail attire.
Partners Programme
A dedicated partners programme will run alongside the Congress.
Tours include:
Mount Vernon
George Washington’s historic estate overlooking the Potomac River.
Historic Georgetown
One of Washington’s oldest neighbourhoods, known for architecture, shopping and waterfront views.
Smithsonian Museums
Highlights from the Smithsonian Institution including the National Air and Space Museum.
Registration Fees
Standard Delegate
$450 USD
ICOMIA Marina Group (IMG) Pass
$295 USD
Partners Programme
$295 USD
Non-Members
$495 USD
Registration includes sessions, meals and events listed in the Congress programme.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations before 2 March 2026 will receive a refund minus a $75 administration fee.
Cancellations after this date are non-refundable.
Visa Letters
Delegates requiring a visa invitation letter should contact:
Congress Contact
The 2026 Congress is hosted by:
National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)
601 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Suite 320 North
Washington, D.C. 20004
USA
Congress enquiries
Jennifer Thompson
Mobile / WhatsApp: +1 612 275 6779
Email: jthompson@nmma.org
You can view the preview brochure here