NMMA purchases New England Boat Show
CHICAGO, Ill. – The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has acquired the New England Boat Show from North America Expositions Co. as part of a larger strategic repositioning of its boat show portfolio, it reported in a statement earlier this week.
NMMA said that the purchase of the New England Boat Show demonstrates its belief in the long-term value of boat shows and its stance that shows in large, populated boating markets are most viable and will remain a successful and important part of the boating industry.
“The New England Boat Show is the dominant boating event in the region and presents enormous opportunities to bring qualified customers and sales to participating companies through NMMA’s wealth of marketing resources,” noted Thom Dammrich, president of NMMA. “Cities like Boston that are near strong boating communities are the most capable of attracting a diverse and wide-ranging group of potential boat buyers. We are excited to partner with the marine industry in New England to break new ground for our industry and exhibitors with the New England Boat Show in the years ahead.”
NMMA will continue the long-standing partnership between the show and the Massachusetts Marine Trade Association. The New England Boat Show, now in its 54th year, will proceed as scheduled Feb. 20-28, 2010 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center and will continue to be directed by long-time show manager Joe O’Neal. O’Neal has been with North American Expositions Co. for 29 years and has managed the show for 25 years. Specific terms of the sale were undisclosed.
“We are very proud of the show we’ve built in Boston, and now the New England Boat Show will be the beneficiary of all the resources and talent the NMMA possesses,” added Joe O’Neal, show manager. “The timing is perfect, and the NMMA is just the organization needed to elevate the show to new heights.”
With its most recent purchase, NMMA now owns and produces a total of 20 consumer boat shows annually throughout North America.
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