Organizers name 2019 Newport International Boat Show a success
Newport Exhibition Group, owners and producers of the Newport International Boat Show, announced that, even with site changes and construction, the 2019 Show ended on a positive note.
“Ticket sales were on par with last year, which was a banner year at NIBS,” said Nancy Piffard, show director, Newport Exhibition Group. “With the unique situation of non-gated exhibitor display space along the wharves it is difficult to garner an exact body count and this year we used more than usual due to the construction of Hammetts Wharf Hotel. Friday and Saturday were by far our highest attendance.”
Exhibitors and sponsors such as, Marine Max, Sabre Yachts and Helly Hansen Newport, reported robust sales and are already discussing plans for 2020 – the 50th anniversary of the show.
“Closing sales of prospects were great at the show this year for Sabre and Back Cove Yachts,” said Tucker Thompson, Customer Service, Sabre Yachts. “A venue like NIBS helps get people excited for a new boat and it worked like a champ!”
“It was our best show ever and we are thrilled with the results,” Jay Lasky of Helly Hansen Newport said.
The four-day event held along the downtown waterfront in Newport, Rhode Island, opened on Thursday, September 12 and continued through Sunday, September 15.
This year’s event included over 400 boats in the water and 600 exhibitors from around the world displaying an exceptional assortment of boats of every type and style from 15 to 85 feet, and a wide variety of accessories, equipment, electronics, gear and services for boaters. Twenty percent of exhibitors came from outside the United States and represented 20 different countries. Over 41,000 visitors attended the show—coming from near and far—to make a positive economic impact on Newport County and the state in the millions of dollars.
The dates for next year’s Show will be September 17 through 20, 2020. For more information on the Newport International Boat Show, please visit www.newportboatshow.com.
