The Detroit Boat Show, which ran for nine days Feb. 17-25 at the Cobo Center, saw a rise in sales and attendance this year.
The show grew again at nearly 480,000 square feet, organizers said.
“It was a big year for our show as we celebrated our 60th anniversary of the Michigan Boating Industries Association’s Detroit Boat Show,” said show manager and MBIA executive director Nicki Polan in a statement.
“We also were pleased with increased attendance, and importantly, those who came were buyers. We heard only positive reports from our exhibitors related to sales and leads,” Polan said.
Last year was the seventh consecutive growth year for new boat, engines, trailer and accessory sales nationwide, and in Michigan, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Sales are expected to rise again in 2018 and 2019.
“Overall, nothing but positives in terms of sales, prospects, and strength of the crowd,” said Tom Haag, vice president of Colony Marine of St. Clair Shores, Mich. “We continue to see a younger demographic of buyers, which is also a positive. The new show layout provided a better experience for the consumer as well as the dealers. The number of new model introductions and attractions continue to create excitement and grow the show.”
