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The Progressive® Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show® reported a two percent increase in  attendance, ending its four-day run on Sunday, March 3 with 39,454 attendees (vs. 38,603 in 2018). What’s more is the Show’s three year attendance average is up an additional six percent. Exhibitors reported strong sales, some even noting record breaking sales compared to years past. Show highlights included the 3rd annual Career Day which hosted nearly 100 students from local Philadelphia and New Jersey area high schools and technical schools to explore future career opportunities in the boating industry. Plus, other key attractions included the first-ever Fishing Friday which hosted an evening of interactive competitions on the brand new virtual reality fishing simulator; Super Thursday offering discounted Show entrance, food and beverage deals and the best product deals of the week; a social media scavenger hunt; and family friendly activities from an expanded Touch-a-Boat Tour for kids to paddleboat rides and much more .

Media interest was very strong across the Atlantic City and Philadelphia areas with hundreds of placements across online, print and TV. All four of the major Philadelphia TV stations (FOX, NBC, CBS and ABC) covered the Show this year among other top-tier online and print outlets, plus social media influencers posted about the show, all creating buzz and awareness about the Show. A few highlights include this CBS Philly segment here, a Press of Atlantic City article here, and one of the top social media influencers, NJ Mom posting here.

The 2019 Progressive® Insurance World Fishing & Outdoor Exposition, presented by Stihl, ended its four-day run on Sunday, reporting an increase in attendance of two percent, attracting 16,217 visitors (vs. 15,889 in 2018). The show, celebrating 42 years, had steady crowds with several of the 250 exhibitors reporting strong consumer interest and sales. Highlights for 2019 included daily free seminars covering a variety of outdoor topics – from saltwater and freshwater fishing to hunting big game; the fishing simulator; Hawg Trough fishing tank featuring daily demos from renowned experts; and Family Day (Sunday) featuring a host of giveaways and activities.   

The region was abuzz with all things outdoors as NMMA spearheaded marketing efforts to raise awareness and attract a wider net of attendees. As part of these efforts, for the first time WABC-TV New York’s “Field Trip” featured the World Fishing & Outdoors Expo on March 2, which was among several mainstream and outdoor endemic media hits. Check out the clip here.

For more information on both Shows and to exhibit in 2020, visit http://www.sportshows.com/suffern/index.html or http://www.acboatshow.com/.

Up next: The Progressive® Insurance Saltwater Fishing Expo (March 15 – 17) and the Progressive® Insurance Northwest Sportshow (March 21 – 24).