More than 350 exhibitors expected at MAATS
CHICAGO, Ill. – Show floor space at the fifth annual Marine Aftermarket Accessories Trade Show (MAATS) is nearly sold out, with more than 350 companies expected to exhibit, show organizer National Marine Manufacturers Association reported in a recent statement.
Exhibit space at the event, being held July 20-22 at the Las Vegas Hilton & Convention Center, has expanded nearly 30 percent this year, compared to the 2004 event, and will now cover more than 43,000 square feet.
“Interest in exhibiting and attending MAATS continues to grow,” said MAATS Show Manager Kathleen Clickett. “The expanded show floor space at the Las Vegas Convention Center will help us to accommodate this increased demand and to welcome more exhibitors in the future.”
Demand for expanded booth space by returning exhibitors, an influx of new exhibitors and increased international participation has accounted for the majority of the increased show floor space, according to Clickett.
The international contingent is led by the new Italian Pavilion. Seven Italian companies will exhibit in the Pavilion, hosted by the Italian Trade Commission. Britain, Canada, Australia, China, Germany, New Zealand, Portugal and Taiwan will also be represented at this year’s MAATS.
Interest in the event among international buyers is also on the rise, according to the association. NMMA has confirmed that more than a dozen international buyers are participating in the Hosted Buyer Program and many others are attending the event, representing Argentina, Australia, Mexico, Italy, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, France, Portugal, UK, Canada and St. Maarten.
Co-located with the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST), MAATS is expected to lure in more than 2,500 attendees this year.
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