Chicago, Ill. – December 16, 2009 – The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) today announced the acquisition of the New England Boat Show from North America Expositions Company as part of a larger strategic repositioning of its boat show portfolio. The purchase of the New England Boat Show confirms NMMA’s belief in the long term value of boat shows and its stance that shows in large, populated boating markets are most viable and will remain a successful and important part of the boating industry. 

 “The New England Boat Show is the dominant boating event in the region and presents enormous opportunities to bring qualified customers and sales to participating companies through NMMA’s wealth of marketing resources,” noted Thom Dammrich, president of NMMA. “Cities like Boston that are near strong boating communities are the most capable of attracting a diverse and wide-ranging group of potential boat buyers. We are excited to partner with the marine industry in New England to break new ground for our industry and exhibitors with the New England Boat Show in the years ahead.”

NMMA will continue the long standing partnership between the show and the Massachusetts Marine Trade Association. The New England Boat Show, now in its 54^th year, will proceed as scheduled February 20-28, 2010 at the state of the art Boston Convention & Exhibition Center and will continue to be directed by long time show manager Joe O’Neal. O’Neal has been with North American Expositions Company for 29 years and has managed the show for 25 years. Specific terms of the sale are undisclosed.

 “We are very proud of the show we've built in Boston, and now the New England Boat Show will be the beneficiary of all the resources and talent the NMMA possesses,” added Joe O’Neal, show manager. “The timing is perfect, and the NMMA is just the organization needed to elevate the show to new heights.”

With its most recent purchase, NMMA now owns and produces a total of 20 consumer boat shows annually throughout North America.

For more information about the New England Boat Show and exhibit opportunities, contact show manager Joe O’Neal at 617-472-1442; joneal@nmma.org.

National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry in North America. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. For more information visit www.nmma.org