Show News: Sail America to Sponsor Two Exciting New SailFest Venues

As a way to stimulate sales and provide new opportunities for the sailing industry, Sail America is launching two exciting SailFest ventures in conjunction with existing boat shows.

The first will be held at the Virginia In-Water Boat Expo & SailFest on Norfolk’s popular waterfront, September 14-15, 2007, while the second event will be held January 23-27, 2008 in conjunction with the Baltimore Show, at the Baltimore Convention Center.

According to Kevin Murphy, Strictly Sail national show manager, the new SailFest additions are in direct response to consumer demand.

“SailFest was created as a response to boat show attendees asking to see more sailboats at shows, as well as exhibitors seeking ways to put their product in front of more people,” he said. “The overall goal is simply to expose Sail America members’ products to more potential buyers.”

In terms of the show format, Murphy says it will include a mini Strictly Sail show featuring sailboats, gear and accessories, seminar schedule for sailors, special events and related features. Murphy said the marketing machine will be in full gear focusing on sailors in the region and complementing the existing show advertising with this new sailing component.

“We are working with highly successful, well established shows in markets where there is a strong concentration of sailors,” he added. “The more exhibitors that choose to participate, the more successful the event will be.”

Murphy said contracts are in process for these events as well as the other Strictly Sail shows. For more information, contact Lori Gleason by email or 1-800-817-7245.

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