MAC Events acquires Bassarama show

SPRING LAKE, N.J. – Independent consumer show promoter MAC Events, L.L.C., has acquired the Bassarama Fishing Show from Tangier Productions Inc., MAC Events reported in a recent release.

The Bassarama Fishing Show will be incorporated into MAC Events 4th Annual Boat Show – to be held in Richmond Va., Jan. 11-13 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center – and will add a number of local vendors specializing in fishing gear, boating accessories, marinas and other services.

“The acquisition of Bassarama brings an entirely new dimension to our boat show, which already is the only boat show in central Virginia that features both power and sail,” said Kevin McLaughlin, MAC Events vice president. “Fans of both shows will benefit from their incorporation because the Greater Richmond Convention Center is the only venue in the region large enough to handle a show this size.”

Ronnie Baugh, president of Tangier Productions, said the incorporation provides additional opportunities for exhibitors and sponsors as well as consumers. The Bassarama Fishing Show was formerly produced at the Richmond International Raceway.

“The fusion of these two events will give rise to a larger and more comprehensive show that will have greater market impact, more vendors, additional sponsors and more exciting and interactive attractions for attendees,” Baugh said.

The acquisition also provides growth opportunity for MAC Events, which also produces September and February home shows as well as the Maymont Flower & Garden Show, in February, at Richmond’s Convention Center.

McLaughlin said MAC Events is exploring opportunities to launch new events based on the Bassarama concept.

The MAC Events Boat Show in Richmond has featured a full range of watercraft, from offshore fishing cruisers to fully rigged sailboats, pontoon boats, inflatables and a houseboat.

“The Boat Show in Richmond has grown each of the years we have produced it and draws new and established dealers that truly illustrate the breadth of boating people enjoy on central Virginia waters,” said McLaughlin. “We anticipated the 2008 show would be the largest yet and we continue to aggressively look for ways to expand and enhance all of our shows. With the acquisition of the Bassarama Show, we now anticipate that the January 2008 Boat Show will exceed our previous growth projections.”

MAC Events presented the first consumer home show and boat show at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, and the company remains committed to deepening its connection to the city.

“Central Virginia is a fast-growing area with the kind of demographic makeup that drives strong consumer demand in all of the areas in which we offer consumer shows,” McLaughlin said. “Our business plan calls for continued expansion of our current shows and of the scope of our offerings in the greater Richmond area.”

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