Boat shows like all other market sectors are feeling the impact of the downturn, thus show cancellations are on the increase as their planned dates get nearer. The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the largest producer of boat shows in the U.S. It recently announced some major changes to its boat show calendar. First, it announced that it had discontinued three of its shows – the San Diego Boat Show, the Schaumburg Boat & Sportshow (Schaumburg is some 30 miles NW of Chicago) and the Virginia In-Water Boat Expo & Sailfest. The reason given for their cancellation is that this “strategic change allows the NMMA to focus on larger shows which creates a stronger selling environment for exhibitors.” A polite way of saying there are too many shows with too few exhibitors and attendees to make them profitable.
The second and arguably more important announcement from the NMMA is that the New York Boat Show, the world’s first and longest-running boat show is moving out of its Christmas holiday dates back into its traditional time frame in late January. Having the show start just after Christmas and running over the New Year irritated exhibitors by disrupting family holidays and, according to the NMMA, caused attendance to drop off for the same reasons. The 105th New York boat show will take place January 20-24, 2010 and will change from a nine day show to a five day show.
There is no dispute that there are too many boat shows here in the U.S. The argument has always been which ones to support. With the large number of key exhibitors (boat dealers) exiting the market boat builders will have a greater influence over that debate. Look for more boat show initiatives from the NMMA including the Internet and virtual boat shows in support of their boat builder constituents.
Posted by: James
Categories:
Marine Industry