Attendance up 19% at New Jersey Boat Sale & Expo
Attendance at February’s New Jersey Boat Sale & Expo was up 19 percent over last year, show organizers said.
The show, held February 18-21, is now in its fifth year. More than 30 dealers showcased nearly 80 boat brands of all types and sizes ranging from aluminum utility boats to canyon capable blue-water offshore fishing machines. Hundreds attended the seminars that were presented by The Recreational Fishing Alliance and The Fisherman Magazine, and younger boaters enjoyed activities and crafts in the popular Kids Cove presented by NJ Sea Grant.
“We seem to get more customers each year we exhibit, and this year was no exception,” stated Aaron Held, Octopus Yachts Marine Electrical Systems. “We engaged both current and new customers from a diverse customer base and were able to close several deals in person. We are looking forward to the fall show in Lakewood!”
Exhibit show space was again completely sold out, sales and strong leads were reported all throughout the four day show and attendance was at its highest ever with a 5 percent increase over the best year and 19 percent over last year which was impacted by snow.
“This is my fifth year participating in the show and every year the show seems to grow in popularity with the consumer,” said Fred Brueggemann, Statewide Marine Services & Key Harbor Marina. “It is an easy show to navigate through and attendees seemed to enjoy the large variety of boats to choose from. As a dealer, I always look forward to this show to give the selling season a boost and this year was a great success.”
Produced by the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey, the goal of the New Jersey Boat Sale & Expo is to offer an affordable and convenient venue to give show attendees the best opportunities to find what they are looking for to get out on the water.
“We are very excited with the results of the show this year as the crowds were the strongest ever and excitement for boating was clearly evident in speaking with both attendees and exhibitors,” said executive director Melissa Danko. “We were able to celebrate not only our fifth year and another sold out show, but the newly reduced sales tax of 3.5 percent on all boat purchases. It is already having a positive impact on sales and we are looking forward to a prosperous boating season.”
The 2016 show was presented by Interlux Yacht Finishes and Travelers Ocean Marine Insurance. The New Jersey Boat Sale & Expo will return to the NJ Convention & Exposition Center, February 16-19, 2017. The next MTA/NJ show will be the Jersey Shore Boat Sale & Expo, September 23-25, 2016, at FirstEnergy Park. Information on both MTA/NJ boat shows can be found at JerseyBoatExpo.com.
