Central Florida show gets new name, new dates

ORLANDO, Fla. – The 41st Annual Central Florida boat show has added “International” to its name and has new, earlier dates, organizers reported in a recent statement.

The Central Florida International Boat Show, will take place Jan. 17-21 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., rather than in March.

“Thanks to an innovative advertising and internet marketing push spearheaded by our new advertising firm, Ad Strategies, Inc., which has a proven boat-show track record, we’re expecting much higher attendance this year,” said Bonnie Todtenhagen, executive director of the Central Florida International Boat Show.

The show is expected to get an added boost from the 2008 PGA Merchandise Show, which runs Jan. 17-19 at the Convention Center’s South Building, according to organizers.

“The Merchandise Show will attract huge crowds of upscale consumers and provide Boat Show exhibitors the opportunity to introduce thousands of people to the fun, excitement and family benefits of recreational boating,” said Todtenhagen.

Area dealers also feel the new January dates for the Central Florida International Boat Show may kick off the local boating season a month earlier than usual, organizers suggested.

This year’s show also includes an additional day on Monday, Jan. 21, Martin Luther King Day, which will give exhibitors a long-weekend opportunity to reach out to potential customers.

“In this marketplace, you can’t afford not to be there,” said Roy Parker, president of the Central Florida Marine Trade Association and owner of Parker Boats, with locations in Orlando and Daytona Beach. “With more than four hundred thousand square feet of exhibit space, there’s no better venue to meet with thousands of boating enthusiasts and prospective customers.”

Adds Joe Pozo, president of Boat Tree, with four dealerships and a marina in Central Florida and Jacksonville: “The traffic these days is not in the dealership. In today’s market, you have to take every opportunity to reach out to prospects and excite them about the boating lifestyle.”

The Central Florida International Boat Show, now in its 41st year, is sponsored by The Central Florida Marine Trade Association.

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