Boating Industry Intelligence You Can Profit From
NEWPORT, R.I. — Attendance at last week’s Newport International Boat Show was up 12 percent, according to a release following the event. Organizers reported gate sales were back to levels seen two and three years ago, before exhibitor guests and other tickets were counted.
“This was without a doubt one of the best shows we have ever had,” Show Director Nancy Piffard said in the release. “The weather was perfect all four days, many of our exhibitors have been sending us e-mails about the boats and equipment they sold plus the leads they received at this show, and attendance was up! What more could we ask for in this economic climate. Going into the show we were concerned, but it looks like exhibitors and attendees alike were more than satisfied.”
The 2009 boat show presented more than 650 exhibitors with over 500 boats ranging in size from 16 to 92 feet, including express cruising yachts, racing sailboats, ocean-going trawlers, sport fishing boats, runabouts and inflatables. In addition, there were engines, sails, equipment, safety products, electronics and accessories as well as seminars, demonstrations and workshops.
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