Tampa Boat Show reports attendance up 25 percent

The Progressive Insurance Tampa Boat Show closed Sunday with a 25 percent increase in attendance, bringing more than 20,000 people through the gates, NMMA reported.

The show drew 17,650 visitors in 2015, a 6 percent decline from 2014

In addition to the increase in attendance, the three-day show, which is held both inside the Tampa Convention Center and in the surrounding water,  sold out exhibit space and had a growth in boats on display with 136 in the water and 261 on land, all brand new models. There were also eight sailboats on display for the first time in years. Photos of the show are available here and here providing a bird’s eye view of the show.

Initial reports from exhibitors and attendees were positive and point to signs of strong sales, signaling an overall start to a successful fall boat show season for the industry, NMMA said.

“We were busy from the big party all the way through the closing hours. We sold seven big boats and have a ton of leads to follow up on,” said Dave Bair, Quality Boats.

“We saw great traffic all weekend and doubled our sales from last year to 12 boats. We met with many quality prospects to follow up with and set up sea trials,” said John Caballero, Sea Vee.

“Tampa was a fantastic show! We sold several large boats and have a lot of leads to follow up on. Show traffic and the quality of buyers was excellent,” said Steve Wacker, Thunder Marine.