The 2008 installment of the Marine Aftermarket Accessories Trade Show (MAATS) opens this Wednesday, July 16, and features nearly 300 exhibitors displaying the latest in aftermarket products in the Las Vegas Convention Center. This year’s event includes several new exhibitor highlights, including the MAATS Resource Area and a scaled-down version of NMMA’s Accessory Center. It is also the first time since the show’s inception that marine dealers have been encouraged to attend. To date, a record number of dealers have pre-registered for the show.
MAATS, which runs through Friday, July 18, is currently in its eighth year and is largely considered the premier annual gathering for the accessories aftermarket. It is owned and produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).
In an effort to provide exhibitors with tools to help continuously improve their businesses, MAATS designated a special area of the 2008 venue to give show participants direct access to a variety of free corporate services and professional advice. Dubbed the MAATS Resource Area, this section of the show will feature companies offering guidance in several areas, including: Marketing and public relations; website design and promotion; domestic and international shipping; packing and merchandising advice; and much more.
The MAATS Resource Area will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, July 16 and 17, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, July 18. It is centrally located inside the Las Vegas Convention Center-just outside the MAATS show floor in the N-1 Lobby. The Resource Area is free to exhibitors at both MAATS and ICAST, the American Sportfishing Association’s trade show that is co-locating with MAATS in the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“The concept behind the MAATS Resource Area is to give exhibitors added value to their overall show experience,” says Kathleen Clickett, MAATS show manager. “Many exhibitors don’t have busy meeting schedules during the morning hours prior to the show floor officially opening, and the Resource Area is the perfect place for them to spend their ‘down time’ productively, learning about everything from ways to increase their companies’ visibility in the marketplace, to educating themselves on exporting and domestic/international shipping services.”
NMMA will once again offer marine accessory manufacturers a means to capitalize on growing consumer interest in their products this coming year with the NMMA Accessory Center program at three NMMA boat shows in 2009. A smaller version of the Accessory Center will be on display as part of the MAATS show floor for accessory manufacturers to see first-hand.
The Accessory Center-which will be showcased at the 2009 Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors Show, Baltimore Boat Show andthe Northwest Sportshow-provides accessory manufacturers with a feature in which to exhibit and promote their products. Participating companies will receive:
- Product and literature displayed within a specific product category area
- Searchable database with opportunities to request additional information
- Educational demonstrations in several formats within each product category area
- Staff or Discover Boating personnel to answer questions and direct attendees
Boating magazine is also on board with the NMMA Accessory Center. Magazine editors will host seminars at each show. Boating will also produce an Accessory Center Guide, featuring product information and “how-to” projects.
In 2009, MAATS will again co-locate with ICAST, and both shows will take place July 15-17 in a new venue: The Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Additional information about next years’ show and venue will be available in the weeks following the 2008 show’s close.
For more information on MAATS 2008 or 2009, visit maats.net or contact NMMA trade events manager Kathleen Clickett at (312) 946-6252; [email protected], or onsite at the show at (702) 943-3730.
National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters in the United States. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy, market research and data, product quality assurance, and marketing communications.By: Lindsey Savin Johnson
