Last week’s Baltimore Boat Show saw its largest attendance since 2009, with 14,628 attendees, up 8 percent from 2017’s 13,817.
Exhibitors reported strong sales. The show hosted its first Super Thursday, offering discounts for the day, which some exhibitors said helped spur additional sales.
A new Touch-a-Boat Tour attracted families to the show, with 856 kids participating.
The New York Boat Show saw 42,419 attendees over its five-day run, down 2 percent from last year but up 4 percent from its three-year average.
Exhibitors reported quality buyers, sales and leads.
The show kicked off its 113th year with National Marine Manufacturers Association president Thom Dammrich and a Progressive Insurance executive ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange.
The show also featured the Touch-a-Boat Tour, with a New York Fire Department fireboat and more than 15 other boats. The program drew 1,350 kids.
The New York show also hosted 117 students for a marine career day, with industry leaders hoping to inspire the next generation to join the boating work force.
New York Mets pitcher, Jacob DeGrom, greeted fans from the Mercury Marine booth on Thursday.
Here’s an NMMA promotional video used for the New York show.
The Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow had 41,431 attendees, up 11 percent from 2017.
The show had several new features, including a paddlesports pool, which was highlighted in this WDRB segment.
The Chicago Travel, Fishing and Outdoors Show saw attendance of 20,055, up 4 percent from 2017. The show included a 5,000-gallon fish tank and fishing demos from local pros.
The St. Louis Boat & Sportshow runs Feb. 8-11, and the New England Boat Show runs Feb. 10-18.
