Strictly Sail space filling fast

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. – Floor space for exhibitors has nearly sold out for Strictly Sail Philadelphia, while more than 250 exhibitors have signed up for Strictly Sail Chicago and over 200 for Strictly Sail Miami, Sail America recently reported in its December newsletter.

More than 200 companies will fill a nearly sold-out floor for the 200,000-square-foot Strictly Sail Philadelphia show in January. Consumer tickets went on sale Dec. 1 and the Philadelphia Downtown Marriott and the Courtyard Marriott — the official show hotels — are filling up fast, Sail America reported.

“We are in full-scale consumer promotion mode,” said Scot West, Sail America executive director. “Tickets are selling well and the hotel reservations have been staggering. We sent out 40,000 direct mail and e-mail pieces to sailors up and down the East Coast. Ads have been underway in sailing magazines as early as October, which has significantly increased traffic at strictlysail.com.”

In addition, Sail America will launch new outreach initiatives for the show with billboards on highways and at the airport; with National Public Radio and news/talk radio advertising, with print ads in leading local business publications and with significant Web promotions at targeted sites such as WSJ.com and Philly.com.

Strictly Sail Chicago

“The Chicago show’s sailing community, with terrific support from the national manufacturers and the industry, consistently demonstrate how to put on a fantastic sailing show,” said Kevin Murphy, national show manager. “This year, we’ve got a tremendous 10th year party planned for exhibitors and we expect 20,000 sailors to come out and join us over the four-day show.”

Strictly Sail Miami

More than 200 exhibitors have signed up for the 20th anniversary of Strictly Sail Miami, the sailing portion of the Miami International Boat Show, Sail America said.

• For more of the latest news, click here.