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Engage the Next-Gen Boater: How to Stand Out at 2026 Shows

| Boat/Sportshows

With winter boat shows on the horizon, it’s time to align your team around the full consumer experience and build your 2026 playbook—pre-show outreach, on-site experience, and post-show follow-up—to turn traffic into qualified leads and sales.

Boat shows are more than product showcases—they’re one of the few channels that deliver true face-to-face interaction, and not just with loyal customers but with the next generation of boaters. Use boat shows to spark new relationships and accelerate sales.

A few things to think about in boat show planning:

  • How will you attract new boaters? First-timers are coming to shows in greater numbers. Make your brand unmistakable with immersive displays and hands-on experiences (brief education, tech demos) to welcome younger audiences and next-gen buyers.
  • Lead with innovation and product ease. Shoppers want tech that makes boating simpler, safer, and more fun. Highlight and demo product features that remove confidence barriers—then connect those benefits directly to ownership.
  • Use offers to convert. Limited-time show specials, value bundles, and clear financing options can pull fence-sitters over the line. Coordinate with your show team to promote these offers across your channels before and during the event. And, be sure to communicate these offers with show management so the Discover Boating team can help promote!

2026 Discover Boating Boat Show Calendar

  • Discover Boating New England Boat Show®, in partnership with Progressive® — Jan. 7–11, 2026
  • Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show®, in partnership with Progressive® — Jan. 8–11, 2026
  • Discover Boating New York Boat Show®, in partnership with Progressive® — Jan. 21–25, 2026
  • Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show®, in partnership with Progressive® — Jan. 22–25, 2026
  • Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show™, in partnership with Progressive® — Jan. 28–Feb. 1, 2026
  • Discover Boating Louisville Boat, RV, & Sportshow®, in partnership with Progressive® — Jan. 28–Feb. 1, 2026
  • Discover Boating Mid-Atlantic Boat Show®, in partnership with Progressive® — Feb. 5–8, 2026
  • Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show®, in partnership with Progressive® — Feb. 25–Mar. 1, 2026 
  • Discover Boating Norwalk Boat Show®, in partnership with Progressive® — Sept. 24–27, 2026

Visit DiscoverBoating.com/boat-shows for a comprehensive 2026 show calendar.

For questions on Discover Boating boat shows, contact Jennifer Thompson, NMMA Senior Vice President of Shows & Events, [email protected]. For Discover Boating marketing and communications questions, contact Ellen Bradley, Chief Brand Officer & SVP, Marketing & Communications: [email protected].