The National Marine Manufacturers Association canceled the Progressive Chicago In-Water Boat Show, which was set to take place June 11-14, and will stop producing the annual show.
“We announced to exhibitors and boards of directors this morning,” NMMA spokeswoman Sarah Salvatori told Trade Only Today on Wednesday afternoon.
The NMMA made the decision because of “market demand and lack of inventory this time of year for exhibitors,” Salvatori said. “We’re going to put more emphasis on the recently merged Chicago Boat, RV and Strictly Sail Show to have one comprehensive show in the Chicago market.”
“There was not enough market demand or available inventory to warrant an acceptable selling environment for exhibitors and a quality event for attendees,” the NMMA said in a statement.
The NMMA plans to make the Progressive Insurance Chicago Boat, RV & Strictly Sail Show, scheduled for Jan. 14-18, 2016, at McCormick Place, “the largest comprehensive boating event in the Midwest and an ideal sales environment for exhibitors.”
The NMMA is hopeful that this shift in focus to Chicago’s largest boat show will continue to help grow recreational boating in the Midwest.
