PVA Rivers Region Meeting

November 8–10 | Nashville, Tenn.

Registration is now open! Make plans now to join us at Dolly Parton's Songteller Hotel.

This important regional meeting is a chance to hear the latest industry updates, discuss key issues affecting passenger vessel operators, share ideas and best practices in meaningful conversations, and learn from others in the industry.

Register today and make plans to join us in Nashville!

Details

📅 Dates: Nov. 8–10, 2026

📍 Location: Dolly Parton's SongTeller Hotel | Nashville, Tenn.

Schedule at a Glance

Sunday, Nov. 8 | Welcome Reception

5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

Welcome aboard Nashville Riverboats and kick off the Rivers Region Meeting. Join colleagues, friends, and fellow PVA members for a memorable evening on the river, enjoying great conversation, scenic views, and plenty of opportunities to connect and unwind as the meeting gets underway. It’s the perfect way to start the region meeting and make the most of time together on the water.

Monday, Nov. 9 | Full-day Region Meeting

8:30 a.m.–Noon – Education sessions

Noon–1:15 p.m. – Lunch with speaker

1:15–4:30 p.m. – Education Session

Get the day started with a coffee and a warm welcome from region Co-Chairs Christian Wirginis of Gateway Clipper Fleet and Scott Whitehill of Gallagher, followed by a full slate of engaging presentations and roundtable discussions. Thursday’s sessions deliver timely information, practical strategies, and real-world takeaways on some of the most important issues facing passenger vessel operators today. Throughout the day, attendees will explore topics including:

• The new U.S. Coast Guard tool to streamline the mariner credentialing experience

• A panel discussion on the pros and cons of repowers, life extensions and new vessel construction

• Insights into enhancing the guest experience

• Food and beverage trends for the coming year

• An overview of PVA’s Flagship SMS program and how safety and risk management plans can help operators reduce their insurance premiums

Tuesday, Nov. 10 | Half-Day Region Meeting

8:00 a.m.–Noon – Education Sessions

Make the most of the morning with a focused lineup of timely conversations, expert insight, and practical takeaways. While it may be a shorter day, Tuesday’s sessions pack plenty of value, tackling the issues and challenges that matter most to river operators. Today’s sessions will include:

• A no-holds-barred conversation about managing the rivers from bridges to buoy tenders

• Insights to achieve quick wins in the realm of cybersecurity

• The view from Washington, D.C., on issues directly affecting the passenger vessel industry

Hotel Information

Dolly Parton's SongTeller Hotel is the official host hotel for the meeting. PVA has secured a special group rate of $299 per night for attendees. We encourage you to reserve your room early, as the discounted rate is available on a special-availability basis.

The hotel reservation deadline is Friday, October 16. After this date, we can't guarantee the PVA group rate, so please make your reservation before the cut-off.

The hotel reservation link is live! Click the Book Hotel Reservations button below to reserve your room and take advantage of the PVA group rate.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Showcase your brand to your targeted audience of industry professionals by sponsoring a PVA Region Meeting. In addition to valuable exposure, sponsoring an event gives you a direct line to vessel operators and decision makers across the maritime industry.

Sponsors

Please note that registration for the PVA Rivers Region Meeting is open only to active PVA members. If you are interested in joining PVA, please visit passengervessel.com to learn more about the benefits of membership, or contact Leslie Kagarise at lkagarise@passengervessel.com for more information.

Header photo: mana5280 / Unsplash