NMMA reports attendance increase at two weekend boat shows
The Progressive Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show reported a two percent increase in attendance, ending its four-day run on Sunday, March 3 with 39,454 attendees (vs. 38,603 in 2018). What’s more is the Show’s three-year attendance average is up an additional six percent.
Exhibitors reported strong sales, some even noting record breaking sales compared to years past. Show highlights included the third annual Career Day which hosted nearly 100 students from local Philadelphia and New Jersey area high schools and technical schools to explore future career opportunities in the boating industry. Plus, other key attractions included the first-ever Fishing Friday which hosted an evening of interactive competitions on the brand new virtual reality fishing simulator; Super Thursday offering discounted Show entrance, food and beverage deals and the best product deals of the week; a social media scavenger hunt; and family friendly activities from an expanded Touch-a-Boat Tour for kids to paddleboat rides and much more .
The 2019 Progressive Insurance World Fishing & Outdoor Exposition, presented by Stihl, ended its four-day run on Sunday, also reporting an increase in attendance of two percent, attracting 16,217 visitors (vs. 15,889 in 2018).
The show, celebrating 42 years, had steady crowds with several of the 250 exhibitors reporting strong consumer interest and sales. Highlights for 2019 included daily free seminars covering a variety of outdoor topics – from saltwater and freshwater fishing to hunting big game; the fishing simulator; Hawg Trough fishing tank featuring daily demos from renowned experts; and Family Day (Sunday) featuring a host of giveaways and activities.
For more information on both Shows and to exhibit in 2020, visit http://www.sportshows.com/suffern/index.html or http://www.acboatshow.com/.
