Join Us in Newport Beach for the 2026 Marine Recreation Association Annual Educational Conference & Trade Show
The Marine Recreation Association is headed to beautiful Newport Beach for the 2026 Annual Educational Conference & Trade Show! Join marina owners, operators, employees, and industry partners at the Balboa Bay Resort on November 2-4, 2026 for the West Coast's premier marina industry event.
We're excited to welcome former Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Abbott as a keynote speaker. Abbott's remarkable career—pitching a no-hitter for the New York Yankees and competing at the highest level of professional baseball despite being born without a right hand—has inspired audiences around the world. His message of perseverance, determination, leadership, and overcoming adversity promises to be a memorable highlight of this year's conference.
This year's conference will feature timely educational sessions, updates from state and federal agencies, presentations from leading industry experts, and valuable networking opportunities with colleagues from across the marine recreation industry. Attendees will gain practical insights on the issues shaping marinas, boatyards, and waterfront businesses while learning about the latest products, services, and innovations from our exhibitors and sponsors.
We're assembling an outstanding lineup of speakers, public officials, and industry leaders to provide information you can take back and put to work immediately. As in previous years, the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways Commission will hold its quarterly meeting during the conference, giving attendees the opportunity to hear firsthand about issues impacting recreational boating throughout the state.
Nestled along Newport Harbor, the Balboa Bay Resort provides an exceptional waterfront setting for this year's conference. Guests will enjoy easy access to the harbor, waterfront dining, shopping, and the charm of the Balboa Peninsula, making it the perfect destination to combine professional development with a memorable coastal experience.
We look forward to welcoming you to Newport Beach this November for three days of education, advocacy, and networking with the leaders of California's marine recreation industry.
For more information, please contact (916) 210-0699 or mra@marina.org.
Why Should You Care About the Future of Recreational Boating in California?
Networking – Connect with industry leaders, legislators, and peers.
Learning – Attend breakout sessions focused on customer service, marina management, marketing and much more.
Education – Stay informed about policies and regulations affecting your business.
Advocacy – Ensure your voice is heard in shaping the future of boating.
Jim Abbott
Opening Day Golf Tournament
Kick off the 2026 MRA Annual Educational Conference with a morning on the links at Costa Mesa Country Club's Los Lagos Course! The Opening Day Golf Tournament is a great opportunity to reconnect with industry colleagues, build new relationships, and enjoy a relaxed round of golf before conference activities begin.
Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just looking for a fun networking opportunity, players of all skill levels are welcome. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot during conference registration.
Shogun Yacht Reception
Join us for this year's Welcome Reception aboard the 130-foot Shogun Yacht. Enjoy an evening of great hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and conversation while cruising through the beautiful waters of Newport Harbor.
Whether you're reconnecting with longtime colleagues or meeting new industry professionals, the Shogun Yacht Reception provides a memorable setting to relax, build relationships, and take in the scenic views as the sun sets over the bay. It's the perfect way to unwind after a day of travel and continue the conversations that make the MRA Conference so valuable.
Educational Program
We're putting the finishing touches on another outstanding educational program for the 2026 MRA Annual Educational Conference. This year's lineup is designed to provide timely insights, practical takeaways, and meaningful discussions on the issues shaping today's marina and waterfront industries.
Attendees can look forward to sessions covering Marina 101, a behind-the-scenes Marina Tour, Legislative and Regulatory Updates, the Division of Boating & Waterways Commission Hearing and Program Updates, Marina Security, the State of the Marina Industry, Marina Redevelopment and Modernization, Maritime Electrification, Economic Outlooks, Legal Q&A, Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace, California's political and economic landscape, Operational Intelligence in Marinas, and much more. Be sure to check back soon as we finalize the full conference schedule and speaker lineup.
Marina Tour
Experience two of Southern California's premier waterfront destinations during this year's Marina Tour. Attendees will visit the Balboa Bay Club Marina and Dana Point Harbor, gaining firsthand insight into marina operations, redevelopment efforts, and best practices while exploring two unique marina environments.
Whether you're looking for new ideas, operational solutions, or simply want to see how other facilities are meeting today's challenges, the Marina Tour offers an informative and engaging behind-the-scenes experience. Transportation departs directly from the Balboa Bay Resort.
