Boat Shows Report Lower Attendance But Many Highlights
Published on February 4, 2020
Over the past two weeks, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has concluded six more boat and sport shows across the country, attracting more than 170,000 people across all shows and reporting positive exhibitor feedback and quality attendees.
The Progressive® Insurance Atlanta Boat® Show concluded January 19, reporting a total attendance of 28,181 down three percent compared to 2019 (28,917). The show brought back the popular $5 after 5 p.m. discount on Thursday and Friday, hosted the 2nd annual Career Day for local high school and college students interested in a career in the marine industry, and welcomed the brand new Discover Boating Experience (DBX) as a space for guests to mingle and relax while listening to short form seminars about boating.
The Progressive ® Insurance Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow® closed its five-day run with an attendance of 40,121, down three percent compared to 2019 (41,181). The show’s 2nd annual Super Thursday included a $5 after 5 p.m. ticket featuring one-day only special offers and meet-and-greets with superheroes. Additional highlights included the Four Roses sponsorship featuring bourbon tastings and seminars; the Hawg Trough featuring daily fishing seminars; and the annual Poker Run on Friday night.
The Progressive® Insurance New York Boat Show® reported a ten percent decrease in attendance with 37,378 attendees vs. last year’s attendance of 41,582. Governor Cuomo hosted a ribbon cutting opening day alongside NMMA President Frank Hugelmeyer. Following, and to celebrate opening day, NMMA and Progressive jointly rang the Closing Bell at the NYSE Wednesday evening. Additionally, the show hosted their annual Career Day on Thursday morning, providing two interactive learning sessions for more than 100 students from local New York schools.
The Progressive® Insurance Baltimore Boat ShowTM reported 12,905 attendees, down nine percent from 2019’s attendance (14,104). Show highlights included the hands-on fishing simulator, Career Day in partnership with the Maryland Marine Trade Association, 10th Annual Crab Picking Contest, and the Progressive Boathouse Virtual Reality Boat Race.
The Progressive® Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo saw 16,832 attendees, up one percent from 2019’s attendance of 16,747. This year, some of the most elite anglers drew large crowds including Jordan Lee and Brandon Palaniuk. Additional highlights included the new Women in Fishing Q&A/Panel and yearly Family Day giveaway.
The Progressive® Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show ® was down nine percent in attendance totaling 34,730 attendees this year vs. 2019 (38,258). The show opened with a special sneak peek night on Wednesday evening, sharing news of the third annual Innovation Award winners. Additionally, the new “Land of 10,000 Lakes” Lifestyle Experience, returning Antique & Classic Boat Display, Career Day for local high school and college students, and lineup of 700 boats were highlights of the weekend.
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