The National Marine Manufacturers Association announced that the recent Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show and Discover Boating Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow had steady attendance, with exhibitors reporting encouraging sales activity. Early feedback from both markets points to an increase in qualified buyers year-over-year — a trend NMMA is tracking across its winter shows.
“The 2026 boat show was a huge success, surpassing our expectations in both sales numbers and attendance, and offering a promising outlook for the year ahead,” Neil Moulis, general manager of Chicago show exhibitor Munson Marine, in a statement.
“It was a great year for us,” Jason Timberlake, owner and general manager of Louisville show exhibitor Still Lake Marine, said in the statement. “Between the Still Lake and Fentress booths, we sold 28 units by Sunday night. Attendance was strong, and buyers were engaged. With follow-up leads, we expect to close even more sales and are already looking forward to next year.”
Upcoming Discover Boating shows include the Miami International Boat Show, Feb. 11-15, and the Atlantic City Boat Show, Feb. 25-Mar. 1.
