Boat Shows: Less is more

In the upcoming May/June 2015 issue of Sailing World magazine, Scuttlebutt editor Craig Leweck comments about the diluted state of boat shows in the United States. When there are too many shows, it is bad for the buyers and sellers.

With fewer boat shows, it would help manufacturers participate with new models and more selection and offer the boating public a better opportunity to compare more brands and models. This update from the Chicago area appears to agree…

As a result of feedback from the Chicagoland boating industry and National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) stakeholders, the decision has been made not to produce the Progressive® Insurance Chicago In-Water Boat Show® scheduled for June 11-14, 2015. There was not enough market demand or available inventory to warrant an acceptable selling environment for exhibitors and a quality event for attendees.

The consensus is that the industry would be better served focusing on the recently merged, all-new Progressive Insurance® Chicago Boat, RV & Strictly Sail Show®, at McCormick Place, which will take place next year from January 14-18, 2016.

NMMA plans to concentrate its efforts on the newly expanded winter show, a combination of Strictly Sail® Chicago and the Chicago Boat, Sports & RV Show®, and focus on making it the largest comprehensive boating event in the Midwest and ideal sales environment for exhibitors.

The NMMA is hopeful this shift in focus to Chicago’s largest boat show will continue to help grow recreational boating in the Midwest.