NMMA Cancels Major 2021 Boat Shows

Following a thorough market-by-market analysis regarding the feasibility of producing safe and successful National Marine Manufacturers Association winter boat and sport shows in 2021, the NMMA is making significant modifications to its show schedule in the first quarter of 2021.

The modified 2021 winter schedule is as follows:

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 — we are working with the Boston Exhibition & Convention Center to obtain dates later in the first quarter or early in the second quarter

Canceled for the winter of 2021 only:

• Progressive Insurance Atlanta Boat Show
• Progressive Insurance Baltimore Boat Show
• Progressive Insurance Chicago Boat Show
• Progressive Insurance Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow
• Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show
• Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show
• Progressive Insurance Nashville Boat Show
• Progressive Insurance New York Boat Show
• Progressive Insurance St. Louis Boat & Sportshow

"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,"  explained NMMA President Frank Hugelmeyer in a statement. “We understand the vital role boat shows play in showcasing new products and generating sales for our industry, and at this time, NMMA expects to resume its full show schedule starting in September 2021. For the three shows currently proceeding as scheduled or postponed to the spring, plans will be guided by our ‘health and safety first’ principle and are subject to change. Our team will continue to closely monitor the situation in each market and work with federal, state, and local authorities on those events.”

In a strategic change to NMMA’s boat and sport show roster that is unrelated to the modified 2021 winter show schedule, an agreement was finalized this week to transfer ownership of the Kansas City Boat & Sportshow, Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo, World Fishing & Outdoor Expo, and Saltwater Fishing Expo to Sportshows LLC. An update on the acquisition is being shared with those exhibitors, and an announcement from Sportshows LLC will be made in the coming days.