Attendance up Five Percent at 2007 Tampa Boat Show

Perfect weather, increased consumer traffic translate into sales for exhibitors

TAMPA, October 3, 2007 – The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) kicked off the official start of its fall boat show season on a high note, as thousands of consumers turned out for the 42^nd Annual Tampa Boat Show, the very first in NMMA’s fall boat show line-up. Total attendance for this year’s event was up five percent over the 2006 show, with 21,010 visitors on hand to check out the latest boats, gear and accessories.

More than 200 exhibitors displayed new products—including yachts, fishing and ski boats, high-performance boats, personal watercraft, electronics, fishing gear and marine accessories—at this year’s show, which ran September 7-9 at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa , Fla. In addition, more than 500 visitors participated in the many seminars offered throughout the event. The show is Tampa ’s largest and longest-running boat show, and is owned and produced by NMMA.

Exhibitors reported strong sales and eager buying crowds during the 2007 event, which was given an added boost by three days of ideal weather conditions, according to show manager Larry Berryman .

“We enjoyed an exceptional Tampa show, with significant improvement in attendance over last year’s event and picture-perfect weather all weekend long,” says Berryman. “Attendees came with the intention to purchase, which translated into a very successful show for our exhibitors.”

This marks the first year the Tampa show scaled back from a four- to three-day format, a move Berryman says was a positive one for both exhibitors and consumers alike. “The slightly shorter, three-day format was clearly a ‘win-win’ for everybody,” he says. “Based on post-show exhibitor feedback, we estimate more than 100 boats were sold as a direct result of the show thus far, and we know that many more will be sold in the months ahead to leads acquired through the event.”

Next year, the Tampa Boat Show takes place September 5-7, 2008. For more information, visit TampaBoatShow.com or call (954) 441-3220.

National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers in North America . The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy, market research and data, product quality assurance and marketing communications.