Stay active but stay local

As iceboaters face event cancellations to limit COVID-19 spread, the winter boat show circuit is under similar scrutiny.

Considering the health and safety of everyone involved in producing, attending and exhibiting, and after following an analysis of the local market and safety-first principles, the 2021 Progressive Insurance Chicago Boat Show scheduled for January 6-10 in McCormick Place – South has been cancelled.

But the situation in Michigan is no better than Illinois, and in response to limiting the spread of the COVID-19 and many policy challenges at the county and state level, the Progressive Detroit Boat Show in TCF Center on January 16-24 is also cancelled.

While indoor events struggle with necessary health and safety protocols, the prominent iceboat events also face challenges as they attract competitors from hundreds of miles, and the worsening pandemic makes travel, lodging, and inside food service for a large group not viable.

The messaging continues for 2021 to focus on local events.