Providence Boat Show opens Feb. 2 with panel, awards

An opening morning VIP ribbon cutting at the Rhode Island Convention Center will mark the official opening of the Providence Boat Show presented by Washington Trust.

One of the largest indoor shows in New England, the Providence show runs Feb. to Feb. 4. The three-day expo includes a fleet of power, sail and paddle craft from some 140 exhibitors from throughout New England.

The Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA), which owns the Providence show, will host an industry panel and award presentation the show’s opening morning.

Industry professionals will join RIMTA for breakfast to help present the John H. Chafee Boater of the Year Award to Sail Newport Program Director Kim Hapgood.

The Boater of the Year Award is an annual accolade that recognizes an individual who has contributed to the success of the recreational boating industry in Rhode Island or championed the cause of bringing recreational boating to the public.

The breakfast will include a panel of industry members from New England who have been instrumental in hurricane-recovery efforts in Florida and the Caribbean after devastation from Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
An online ticket and more information can be found at www.providenceboatshow.com.