By: Scott Way
Last night the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) announced the cancellation of boat shows in 9 U.S. cities. Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Louisville, Miami, Minneapolis, Nashville, New York, and St. Louis have all been cancelled for the upcoming year. The only remaining shows scheduled to proceed under NMMA ownership are the Atlantic City Boat Show in February, and the Northwest Sportshow in Minneapolis in March. The New England Boat Show has been postponed to a later date. One notable US event that is proceeding is the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, which begins today October, 29th and runs until Sunday, November 1st. It is not a part of NMMA.
Here is the complete list of events and updates from NMMA:
Proceeding as scheduled:
Progressive Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show — February 24–28, 2021, with the option to delay the show to early April 2021
Progressive Insurance Northwest Sportshow — March 25–28, 2021
Postponed to a later date:
Progressive Insurance New England Boat Show — NMMA is working with the Boston Exhibition & Convention Center to obtain dates later in the first quarter or early in the second quarter
Cancelled for the winter of 2021 only:
Large scale cancelations have already occurred in the Canadian market, with recent announcements that the Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa boat shows have all been postponed until 2022.
While this winter will undoubtedly be unusual for industry personnel and consumers alike, several event organizers and manufacturers have expressed plans for virtual events. There is a strong likelihood that 'virtual boat shows' or similar opportunities will be announced for early 2021, allowing consumers to be prepared with new products for the upcoming summer season. We will announce these as they become available. Until then, stay safe boaters.
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