70 Percent of 2011 NMMA Boat & Sportshows See Attendance Boost
CHICAGO – March 15, 2011 – The National Marine Manufacturers Association announced today that 70 percent of its winter boat and sportshows saw an increase in attendance, and the others remained flat or were down just single digits. Many exhibitors across all NMMA shows reported increased sales over last year, strong leads and more attendees looking to make a purchase this year.
“Increases in attendance and reports of strong sales at shows reinforce notions of pent-up demand and the beginning of an industry recovery in 2011 and into 2012,” notes Ben Wold, executive vice president, NMMA Boat & Sportshows. “In addition to positive economic conditions and decent weather, NMMA’s aggressive marketing efforts, the NMMA Advantage, and new show attractions were just a few of the ways we worked to drive attendance. Now, we’ll analyze our efforts against results to develop even more ways to improve our shows and ensure we continue producing valuable shows for exhibitors and attendees.”
NMMA has produced fourteen shows to date in 2011, with ten shows increasing in attendance: The Nashville Boat & Sportshow (5%); Atlanta Boat Show (1%); Kansas City Boat & Sportshow (7%); Minneapolis Boat Show (26%); Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow (9%); Strictly Sail Chicago (2%); Atlantic City Boat Show (114%); St. Louis Boat & Sportshow (9%); Miami International Boat Show (12%); and New England Boat Show (5%).
The remaining four shows were flat or saw single digit declines: The Baltimore Boat Show broke even with 2010 attendance; Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors Show (-7%); New York Boat Show (-6%); and Strictly Sail Miami (-8%, vs. 2009).
Closing out the 2011 NMMA winter boat and sportshow season is the Northwest Sportshow, taking place March 30-April 3.
NMMA supports each of its boat and sportshows with a comprehensive local and regional marketing program while leveraging the industry’s Discover Boating campaign on a national level. Results this year have exceeded expectations with public relations, interactive, sponsorship and advertising programs creating momentum leading into each show, helping to further promote the many benefits of boating.
What’s more, the NMMA Advantage program delivered thousands of visitors to NMMA boat and sportshow websites to view exhibitor inventories and make appointments with dealers before, during or after the show, helping to further deliver qualified leads to exhibitors.
Those interested in tips on making the most of their ROI in boat and sportshows across the country are encouraged to visit www.boatshowexhibitor.com to sign up for their free copy of Boat Show Exhibitor magazine.
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About NMMA: 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.