In the first two weeks of the 2020 show season, six National Marine Manufacturers Association boat shows drew more than 170,000 attendees, the group reported.
The Progressive Atlanta Boat Show finished Jan. 19, and NMMA reported total attendance of 28,181, down 3 percent compared with last year.
The Progressive Louisville Boat, RV and Sportshow had a strong five-day run, reporting attendance of 40,121, down slightly from 41,181 in 2019.
The Progressive New York Boat Show reported a 10 percent drop in attendance, though the decline could be attributed to heavy rainfall on Saturday. Members of NMMA and Progressive Insurance rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday evening, and the show included Career Day on Thursday, hosting more than 100 students from New York schools.
The Progressive Baltimore Show reported a 9 percent drop in attendance compared with 2019. The event added more than 30,000 square feet this year and included a Career Day in partnership with the Maryland Marine Trade Association.
The Progressive Chicagoland Fishing, Travel and Outdoor Expo saw a 1 percent increase in attendance compared with 2019, with 16,382 attendees.
Attendance was down about 9 percent at the Progressive Minneapolis Boat Show, which opened with a special sneak peek night Jan. 22 and the presentation of Innovation Award winners.
The Progressive St. Louis Boat and Sportshow opens today and runs through Sunday. Among the highlights are a new Discover Boating Experience, which includes seminars, demonstrations and hands-on learning.
With this weekend’s Super Bowl, the show is hosting Super Sunday, which includes $6 admission, food and drink specials and giveaways.
