Sun-filled Success for 2017 Newport Show

Newport Exhibition Group, owners and producers of the Newport International Boat Show, announced that its 2017 Show was a success. Despite weather concerns that were affecting most of the eastern seaboard, a final tally of ticket sales put the show’s overall attendance in line with last year.

The four-day show, held along the waterfront on America’s Cup Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island, opened on Thursday, September 14, 2017. This year’s event included over 600 boats in the water and 450 exhibitors from around the world displaying an exceptional assortment of boats of every type and style from 15 to 90 feet, and a wide variety of accessories, equipment, electronics, gear and services for boaters.

Twenty percent of exhibitors came from outside the United States and represented 19 different countries. Approximately 40,000 visitors attended the show, coming from as far as 250 miles away, creating an economic impact for Newport County in the millions of dollars.

“We were delighted with the show’s outcome on many levels,” said Nancy Piffard, show director, Newport Exhibition Group. “Heading into September, we were concerned with the well-being of our exhibitors and their families living in Florida and the Islands and unsure of the path Hurricane Jose was going to take. Fortunately, our exhibitors arrived safely, the weather was perfect, attendance was great, and exhibitors reported boat and product sales at the show, as well as qualified leads for future purchase.”

Following this year’s event, the Newport International Boat Show made charitable contributions totaling over $15,000 to numerous hurricane disaster relief organizations, as well as their 2017 charitable partner, Sail-To-Prevail.

For more information on the Newport International Boat Show, please visit www.newportboatshow.com.

Source: Andrew Golden, Rushton Gregory Communications