Strong attendance at Newport International Boat Show

Newport, RI (September 24, 2013) –  Newport Exhibition Group, owners and producers of the Newport International Boat Show, announced today that its 2013 Newport International Boat Show was a rousing success. Wrapping up its 43^rd year, the show was held on September 12-15 and realized an 8% increase in paid attendance over the 2012 event with many exhibitors reporting strong sales.

“The Newport International Boat Show has always been a good show for us,” said Peter Haywood, CEO, of Winter Island Yacht Yard. “We definitely noticed an upswing in boat sales. Traffic to our Ranger Tugs display was strong throughout the show; we were busy from before the official opening until after hours. We left the show with a number of sales orders and a large number of strong prospects. As always, we are impressed with the exceptional attendees and staff that made the 2013 show the best yet.”

One of the largest boat shows in the country, dozens of new boat and boating products debuted at the Newport International Boat Shows. Attendees were able to view an exceptional assortment of power and sail boats ranging from 15 to 85 feet.

“The Greenline GL 40 is a ground-breaking boat and we are honored to receive the Newport for New Products award for the Best New Powerboat 30’ and Over category,” said Larry Russo, president and CEO, Russo Marine. “The new diesel, electric and solar powered yacht allows boaters to cruise without emissions or engine noise. It’s the first hybrid vessel to make an appearance in New England and the response we received from show attendees was beyond expectation.”

The Show’s charitable partner, Sailing Heals, offered on-the-water excursions for showgoers whose lives have been impacted by a terminal illness. On Sunday afternoon, show producers presented a check to the organization to help them continue their important mission. “We are so thankful to the Newport International Boat Show for choosing us as their charitable partner,” said Trisha Gallagher Boisvert, co-founder and executive director, Sailing Heals. “Not only will the generous donations help us with our mission, we were also able to raise awareness for our cause through our discussions with a large number of the thousands of people who came though the gates.”

“The 2013 Newport International Boat Show was a tremendous success,” said Tom Delotto, director of Newport Exhibition Group. “We saw a record number of new product introductions, attendance was its highest since 2007 and, based on the feedback from exhibitors, the quality of the traffic and level of sales was fantastic. We hope this is indicative of a truly great year ahead and continued strong market growth for the boating industry!”

Dates for next year’s Newport International Boat Show are September 11^th through 14^th, 2014. For more information on the Newport International Boat Show, please visit www.newportboatshow.com.

About Newport Exhibition Group:
Based in Newport, Rhode Island, Newport Exhibition Group has been producing high quality consumer/trade shows for more than 30 years. A subsidiary of Newport Harbor Corporation, the organization owns and produces the annual Newport Charter Yacht Show and the Newport International Boat Show.