New rules allow expansion of New Orleans Boat Show
WASHINGTON – The New Orleans Boat Show, produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, now has the ability to expand its offerings to the entire Gulf Coast region thanks to new rules within the State of Louisiana designating the show as “regional,” NMMA said in a release this week.
The state’s former rules blocked most out-of-state boat and accessory dealers from exhibiting at the show. Louisiana laws require the New Orleans Boat Show and other shows like it to exclude out-of-state exhibitors who represent brands already represented at the show by in-state companies. However, the new rules now allow out-of-state companies to exhibit at the show as long as an in-state company representing those same brand(s) is not already exhibiting.
“We’re grateful to the commission and its staff for its willingness to work with the New Orleans Boat Show, as well as other Louisiana show operators,” said Thom Dammrich, NMMA president. “The commission struck the right balance of promoting local dealer participation and providing ways for the New Orleans Boat Show to reach its full potential as a regional showcase for consumers wanting to see the broadest range of marine products.”
The NMMA worked alongside the Louisiana Recreational and Used Motor Vehicle Commission to change the rules in order to help grow business throughout Louisiana’s vast boating industry and offer consumers the opportunity to shop for brands and products previously only available across state lines, NMMA said.
“This is a new day for the New Orleans Boat Show,” said Barbara Sclafani, show manager of the city’s largest and longest-running boat show. “It’s exciting to finally be able to bring together boat show attendees and exhibitors from throughout the entire Gulf Coast region and create new opportunities for everyone involved.”
The 2008 New Orleans Boat Show is to be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Jan. 9-13.
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