The Metro Boat Show, held September 13-16, at the Lake St. Clair Metropark was deemed a success by producer Michigan Boating Industries Association, exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees. Nearly 12,000 attendees strolled the walkways of the North and Shore marina at Metropark, spanning a ½ mile footprint.
“We were pleased to hear positive comments about boat sales and the quality of the attendees at the show again this year,” said Show Manager Nicki Polan. “And similar to national trends, it appears sales were strong across all boat types.”
An 8% decrease in attendance is attributed to above-average temperatures in the mid-80s enticing boaters to be out on the water. After a large increase in 2017, total attendance in 2018 was still 11,853 attendees during the four-day show.
“We expanded our advertising budget and reach and focused strictly on current boaters and those interested in becoming boaters. We also focused heavily on creating a five-star experience for those attending and exhibiting at the show, and it paid off,” said Polan.
About 500 boats were on display for those in attendance. Show management added more floating docks due to exhibitor demand this year, adding more boats to in-water displays.
“It was great to see the show grow again with so many boats in the water,” said Andy MacLachlan of Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales and MBIA Vice-Chairman. “The beautiful weather brought a lot of boat buyers to the show, we were pleased with the level of interest from the show attendees.”
The boating industry continues to ride the wave of success in Michigan. In 2017, new boat, motor, trailer and accessory purchases grew 12 percent, totaling $981 million - the eighth year of consecutive growth in our state. The recreational boating industry has an impressive annual economic impact of $7.4 billion in our great state and employs nearly 40,000, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association.
The Metro Boat Show is produced by the Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA). Save the date for 2019 show, September 12-15. For more information, visit Metroboatshow.net. The MBIA also produces the Detroit Boat Show at Cobo Center, February 6-24, 2019 and the Novi Boat Show at Suburban Collection Showplace, March 14-17, 2019. Proceeds from MBIA boat shows are returned to the boating industry through MBIA programs and services.
For More Information
www.mbia.org
