BOAT SHOW ROUND-UP
A Whale of a Show Coming Soon:
40th Anniversary Newport International Boat Show
This year’s Newport International Boat Show celebrates its 40th anniversary September 16 – 19, 2010 and features more than 750 exhibitors and 600+ boats from 16 to 85 feet, plus the full complement of engines, sails, equipment, safety products, electronics and accessories, along with a full slate of seminars, demonstrations and workshops
Sail America’s popular Discover Sailing event will share the spotlight with numerous events and programs, providing paid show-goers with the opportunity to take a free 45-minute introductory sail around Newport Harbor, compliments of Union River Boat Company, The Multihull Source, J-Boats and Rob Swain Sailing School.
“It’s the Newport International Boat Show’s 40th Anniversary and we have much to celebrate”, said Nancy Piffard, show director. “We are delighted to be working with Sail America and the Discover Sailing Program. Their goal, as well as ours, is to introduce as many new people as possible to the sport of sailing and boating.
“On opening day, attendees will be able to sit in on a free forum featuring the America’s Cup 12 Metre Legends. We are expecting big names in the Cup’s history at the Forum,” she added, “I’m happy to report that booth and land space is sold out and water space is about 80% contracted. We currently have over 50 new models, both power and sail, making their debut in Newport. Exhibitors seem eager to begin the boat show season – and are hoping for a brighter year than last.”
Show producers have also partnered with Cruising World, Sailing World and MotorBoating magazines to jointly present the NEWPORT FOR NEW PRODUCTS™ initiative which recognizes the best new products for the 2011 model year.
The Sailing Legends and America’s Cup 12 Metre Era Reunion is Thursday at 4:30 pm and will be moderated by ESPN Yachting Commentator and reunion Co-Chair Gary Jobson. Leading the panel is Bill Ficker, Intrepid US 22’s skipper who successfully defended the 1970 America’s Cup over Australia’s Gretel II, along with six famous America’s Cup contenders.
There has always been a strong sailing presence at the Newport International Boat Show and this year over 50 Sail America members will be exhibiting at the show. New for 2010, any exhibitor that is a Sail America member will receive four complimentary tickets to the show.
“The Newport International Boat Show has always had significance to Edson as it is as close to being our ‘hometown’ show as any other. We’ve used this show in past years to celebrate corporate anniversaries, launch new products, and announce contest winners as an adjunct to our normal consumer show activities,” said Chuck Gilchrest, Edson marine sales manager. “Although 'cautiously optimistic' seems to be the current catch phrase of marine industry professionals, we are encouraged by the scope of new boat models introduced at the show that are using Edson steering. We’re using a wide array of media and promotions, including direct email and social networks, to get people to pay attention to what’s new at the show.”
Added Forespar Sales and Marketing Director Bill Mosher, “The Newport show is always a good one for us as the Northeast US is a very fertile area for both new boat and aftermarket sales. We support the show in order to both support our OEM customers and our dealers in the area. This show is very important for Forespar in particular because we are a California company and need to keep our presence strong in the Northeast. We have several Leisure Furl dealers working the show daily making sales on poles, booms and other downwind accessories. At this year's show, Defender will be showcasing our new TruPlug with literally a barrel full of TruPlugs in their booth.”
For complete show information, visit www.newportboatshow.com
Legends Reunion: Visit www.nyyc.org/AC12Mreunions
St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show
The St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show, the largest boat show on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is gearing up to launch at the Progress Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park in St. Petersburg, Florida, December 2-5, 2010. Once again, sailing shares equal billing with power in this popular show event that draws visitors from throughout the state.
“I am extremely pleased about the third year of continued growth of the sailing portion of the show,” said Dane Graziano, COO of Show Management. “We look forward to building enthusiasm with great seminars, increased outreach, and our program of discounted tickets for Sail America members and registered boat owners in Florida and other states in our region.”
Sail America is working closely with Show Management to grow sailing participation at the show. Sail America will run the popular Seminar program that will feature over 30 of the top sailing seminar presenters who will present more than 30 different topics. Sail America will also run Discover Sailing which last year took 175 people for a free introductory sail.
“The St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show offers the largest selection of sailboats and sailing equipment, accessories and services on Florida’s west coast,” said Sail America Executive Director Jonathan Banks. “Last year, there were over 35 sailboats on display and over 50 sailing-related exhibitors. Show Management and Sail America have developed a comprehensive sales and marketing plan to increase the number of sailing exhibitors and attract more sailors to the show.”
For further information about exhibiting at the show please contact:
John Nigro for Booth and Land Space, (954) 764-7642 Ext. 217.
Richie Sturm for In-Water Space, (954) 764-7642 Ext. 225.
For more information, visit St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show.
Strictly Sail Chicago Space Sales, Web Leads, Heat Up
According to Strictly Sail Chicago Show Manager Kevin Murphy, planning for the Midwest’s major sailing show, slated for January 27 – 30, is well underway and initial exhibitor response has been positive.
“Space sales are going well with many companies requesting more space than they had in 2010,” said Murphy.
In addition, new for 2011 is an online marketing effort designed to deliver more leads to exhibitors. Show exhibitors are now able to list their entire boat show inventory online, and website visitors can directly link to exhibitors and schedule appointments in advance of the show. Another new offer: website visitors who shop boats online can receive exhibitor guest tickets by visiting the dealership directly prior to the show.
As a reminder, first payment deadlines have passed. Those interested in space renewals or new space should contact Joanne “JAM” Miller at 312-946-6245.
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