Newport International Boat Show successfully dodges weather
The 2017 Newport International Boat Show was a success, despite weather concerns that were affecting most of the eastern seaboard, organizers recently reported. A final tally of ticket sales put the show’s overall attendance in line with last year.
“We were delighted with the show’s outcome on many levels,” said Nancy Piffard, show director, Newport Exhibition Group. “Heading into September, we were concerned with the well-being of our exhibitors and their families living in Florida and the Islands – and unsure of the path Hurricane Jose was going to take. Fortunately, our exhibitors arrived safely, the weather was perfect, attendance was great, and exhibitors reported boat and product sales at the show…as well as qualified leads for future purchase.”
The four-day show included more than 600 boats in the water and 450 exhibitors from around the world displaying an assortment of boats and a variety of accessories, equipment, electronics, gear and services for boaters.
Twenty percent of exhibitors came from outside the United States and represented 19 different countries. Approximately 40,000 visitors attended the show.
Following this year’s event, the Newport International Boat Show made charitable contributions totaling over $15,000 to numerous hurricane disaster relief organizations, as well as their 2017 charitable partner, Sail-To-Prevail.
