America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Assoc.

Punta Gorda, FL — January 27–29, 2026 — Punta Gorda will welcome more than 300 visiting recreational boaters when America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association (AGLCA) hosts its annual Looper-palooza conference at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center from January 27–29, 2026.

Looper-palooza is a three-day educational and networking conference for long-distance cruising boaters, many of whom have completed or plan to travel the Great Loop—a 6,000-mile inland and coastal waterway route that circumnavigates the eastern United States and Canada. The event draws attendees from across North America and provides a measurable economic boost to host communities.

During their stay, Looper-palooza attendees will support Punta Gorda’s local economy through spending at area hotels, restaurants, marinas, transportation providers, shops, and attractions. Many attendees plan extended stays before or after the conference, further increasing the event’s regional economic impact.

“Cruising boaters are an ideal visitor group for waterfront communities like Punta Gorda,” said Kimberly Russo, Executive Director of AGLCA. “They tend to stay longer than most tourists and spend locally. Just as importantly, they are respectful, community-minded travelers who value the towns that welcome them.”

In addition to its economic benefits, Looper-palooza highlights the positive relationship between the cruising community and the destinations they visit. Great Loop cruisers frequently volunteer, support local businesses, and serve as ambassadors for the communities they enjoy—often returning year after year or recommending those destinations to fellow boaters.

The conference will feature seminars, panel discussions, and hands-on sessions covering boating safety, navigation, vessel systems, weather planning, and long-term cruising logistics. Social events will also encourage attendees to explore Punta Gorda and the surrounding Charlotte Harbor area.

AGLCA selected Punta Gorda for Looper-palooza because of its walkable waterfront and welcoming community, and to support the area as local marinas continue to recover from hurricane damage sustained in 2024. Punta Gorda remains an attractive stop for cruising boaters and a natural fit for an AGLCA event.

For more information about AGLCA and Looper-palooza, visit www.greatloop.org, email info@greatloop.org, or call 843.879.5042.

About the Great Loop

The Great Loop is a continuous system of waterways connecting the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, inland rivers, the Great Lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico. The journey typically takes one to two years to complete and is considered one of the premier long-distance cruising adventures in North America.

About America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association (AGLCA)
America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association is dedicated to educating, supporting, and connecting recreational boaters who are planning, actively cruising, or have completed the Great Loop. AGLCA promotes safe, responsible cruising and positive relationships between boaters and the communities they visit.

Contact Info

Kim Russo
America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Assoc.
krusso@greatloop.org