Last week PVA members and partners gathered in Chattanooga, Tenn., for the PVA Rivers Region Meeting, the last region meeting of 2025. The meetings were a success with strong representation across the country of vessel and associate members alike.
These meetings are the perfect opportunity for members to network with colleagues old and new, share knowledge and expertise, learn from fellow maritime professionals, and take part in strengthening the passenger vessel industry in their region.
The seminars and roundtables covered topics ranging from the latest food and beverage trends to insights into marine insurance. This May, in Naples, Fla., members at the Southeast Region Meeting heard from the U.S. Coast Guard about the progress being made in combating illegal charters. Attendees at the Western Region Meeting in Monterey, Calif., learned about a multi-agency tabletop exercise and the takeaways that can help operators prepare their teams for possible emergencies. In Buffalo, N.Y., at the Great Lakes and Original Colonies Region Meeting there was a deep dive into marketing strategies to boost brands and reach and retain customers. For operators considering low emission repowers, associate members spoke at multiple meetings about key considerations when undertaking such a project.
In each location, local operators welcomed attendees aboard their vessels for experiences from sunset cruises to the meetings themselves, and offered tips to explore the best the host city has to offer.
As the fall winds down, PVA members are turning their attention to the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2026. Join us in Covington, Ky., Feb. 22-25, to connect with members from throughout the country and help define the future of the industry.
