The 2008 Tampa Boat Show, which ran September 5-7 at the Tampa Convention Center, reported strong sales by exhibitors in addition to a large number of leads from the nearly 18,500 people who attended the three-day event.Â
Jim Kranendonk of Bay Area Water Sports, who sells MasterCraft ski, wakeboard and luxury performance powerboats, said of the show, “This was the best sales event we’ve ever had for our Tampa dealership. Despite the economic climate, we were surprised to find that the quality and quantity of show attendees was really strong.”
Robert Tronio from Sunray Marine, who sells boats by Pro-Line, Rinker and other leading manufacturers, adds, “We were very pleased with attendee turnout and were able to close 14 deals onsiteâquite a lot given what we were anticipating as a result of sales having been down all summer throughout the industry. Attendee interest levels were high even from those who weren’t quite ready to sign a contract.”
More than 600 boats were on display at the 2008 show with several boats of all makes and sizes sold at the show, including more than 30 entry- to mid-level boats, representing millions of dollars in retail sales for local boat dealers.
“We were especially pleased with the upbeat attitude of exhibitors at Tampa and were excited to learn they saw such strong sales,” said Ben Wold, executive vice president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). “We feel good about what’s ahead and hope the sales exhibitors experienced at Tampa are a sign of things to come this show season.”
The show also received positive feedback from attendees, due in large part to appearances by Jonathan and Andy Hillstrand, co-captains of the commercial fishing vessel Time Bandit, featured on Discovery Channel’s popular series, Deadliest Catch. Nearly 1,000 show-goers took the opportunity to meet the Hillstrands during four, three-hour sessions on Friday and Saturday of the show. Â
Other popular show features included: A variety of fishing and boating seminars; Miss GEICO, the world’s fastest offshore racing boat, in her Tampa debut; Go Green Boating Zone, which showcased the latest eco-friendly marine products and best practices; Crocs⢠Test Drive, where attendees had a chance to test the popular shoes while walking the show floor; and the Discover Boating Center, which offered unbiased boating advice for the novice and experienced boater, in addition to free boat rides.
The Tampa Boat Show is produced by NMMA, the world’s largest producer of boat shows. NMMA is the leading association representing the $37.5 billion per year recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers in the U.S.By: Lindsey Savin Johnson
