Nine more U.S. boat shows cancelled including Miami International Boat show

The Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show and eight more boat shows across the U.S. have been cancelled, after the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) completed a market-by-market analysis reviewing the feasibility of organizing safe and successful winter boat show events. 

These decisions are in the best interest of our consumers, staff, members, and industry and are the result of months-long conversations with exhibitors, health officials, venue operators, and other stakeholders on producing safe, successful, and high-quality consumer experiences. We understand the vital role boat shows play in showcasing new products and generating sales for the recreational boating industry, and we plan to resume our full show schedule starting in September 2021.

Frank Hugelmeyer, NMMA president

Cancelled boat shows

These boat shows were originally scheduled in the first quarter of 2021.

1. Progressive Insurance Atlanta Boat Show
2. Progressive Insurance Baltimore Boat Show
3. Progressive Insurance Chicago Boat Show
4. Progressive Insurance Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow
5. Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show
6. Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show
7. Progressive Insurance Nashville Boat Show
8. Progressive Insurance New York Boat Show
9. Progressive Insurance St. Louis Boat & Sportshow

Although nine shows are cancelled, the NMMA plans to move forward with three shows, either as currently scheduled or postponed to a later date. 

Scheduled boat shows

• February 24-28, 2021, Progressive Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show (option to delay to April 2021)
• March 25-28, 2021, Progressive Insurance Northwest Sportshow

Postponed boat shows

• Progressive Insurance New England Boat Show 

From the beginning of the COVID-19 health crisis, NMMA’s Board of Directors worked closely with the NMMA staff to ensure the association’s short- and long-term financial stability in any scenario, including the cancellation of some or all our 2021 winter shows.

Steve Heese, chairman of NMMA’s Board of Directors and president and CEO of Chris-Craft

Although cancelling nine boat shows in 2021 could negatively impact the NMMA’s financial position, the NMMA has shared that they still have stable and diverse revenue streams. The NMMA plans to remain strong into the future and to continue delivering world-class boat shows.

In case you need cheering up! Here is last year’s Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show highlight reel.

News courtesy: Boating Industry