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Detroit Boat Show Exceeds Expectations – Significant Increase in Attendance

The Earth Times

LIVONIA, Mich., Feb. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Even with economic challenges, the largest and most prestigious winter boat show in Michigan exceeded exhibitor and show management expectations with a 19.2% increase in show attendance. Attendance for the 2008 show, which ended February 24 at Cobo Center in Detroit, was 85,087 compared to 71,381 in 2007. Show management reports that this increase is a combination of efforts to stimulate interest in marine products, but also to generate strong attendance, which has been a challenged to boat shows in Michigan, the Midwest and throughout the country.

“This was the 50th Anniversary show and we knew we had to work aggressively to encourage attendance and stimulate sales,” stated Van Snider, Boat Show Manager and President of the Michigan Boating Industries Association, which owns and produces the show. “I believe these results are a combination of a strong and diverse advertising and marketing plan, exciting special exhibits, media participation in the show, and a strong pre-show ticket promotion,” he further stated.

The Michigan Boating Industries Association’s board approved issuing promotional tickets to all exhibitors who were then requested to provide these tickets to their client lists. In addition to the free adult admission ticket, the mailer also included a discount coupon. Snider reported that the Board approved the plan even though it would result in less ticket revenue for the association.

“We are extremely pleased with our results and the fact that our exhibitors experienced improved sales as a result of our combined efforts to increase the gate,” state Nicki Polan, MBIA’s Director of Communications.

Snider further stated these results might be a sign that Michigan’s sluggish economy may have bottomed out. “We have had a tough economy and a long, cold winter. The combination of cabin fever, no inclement weather during the show and some optimism about the future by the boating public may have added to the reasons for the improved attendance.”

The 50th Annual Detroit Boat Show ran February 16 – 24 at Cobo Center.

Michigan Boating Industries Association

www.earthtimes.org

Posted In: Boat Shows on February 25, 2008 Comments (358)

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