Atlantic City, Suffern shows post strong sales despite weather

The Progressive Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show ended its five-day run Sunday, March 4, at the Atlantic City Convention Center with a total of 38,603 attendees, up 1 percent from 2017 despite a Nor’easter hitting Friday.

The show is also up another 3 percent from its three-year average. Exhibitors reported strong sales and quality attendees, with many exhibitors expressing it was their best show yet in Atlantic City.

Highlights this year include the first official N.J. Boating Career Day that hosted around 40 students with Mayor Frank Gilliam, Atlantic City’s new mayor giving opening remarks, and the Touch-a-Boat Tour for kids offering more than 10 boat stops to 1,150 kids who participated in the program.

Convention center and tourism partner, Meet AC estimated the local economic impact of the Progressive Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show was more than $5.2 million to the area.

This video was used to promote the show on social media and other channels. Plus, the show made waves with local media and highlights include CBS-TV, PHL- 17, and the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The Progressive Insurance World Fishing & Outdoor Exposition ended its four-day run Sunday, March 4, at Rockland Community College in Suffern, N.Y. with 15,889 attendees, down 9 percent due to the Nor’easter hitting on Friday resulting in heavy snow and a large power outage throughout the surrounding areas.

However, looking at the three-year average, the show is only down 5 percent.

Regardless of weather, exhibitors reported very strong sales, trips booked, quality leads and a great mix of new and returning attendees.

This year show highlights included hands-on education and appearances by reigning Bassmaster Classic winner, Jordan Lee, as well as the 2017 BASS Angler of the year, Brandon Palaniuk, and BASS pro, Ish Monroe.

Saturday was Saltwater Superday with seminars focused on making the best of fishing off the mid-Atlantic coast and Sunday was Family Day with a scavenger hunt for the kids and the first 100 children received a free Plano fishing tackle box.

The show also got attention in top local and outdoor media outlets, including The Daily Record, NY Outdoor News, NJ.com and The Fisherman.