New Orleans Boat Show Expands to Entire Gulf Coast Region...New rules end block on out-of-state exhibitors  

WASHINGTON, D.C., December 19, 2007 – The New Orleans Boat Show, produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), today announced its ability to expand its offerings to the entire Gulf Coast region thanks to new rules within the State of Louisiana designating the show as “regional.” The State’s former rules blocked most out-of-state boat and accessory dealers from exhibiting at the show.

Louisiana laws require the New Orleans Boat Show and other shows like it to exclude out-of-state exhibitors who represent brands already represented at the show by in-state companies. However, the new rules now allow out-of-state companies to exhibit at the show as long as an in-state company representing those same brand(s) is not already exhibiting.

“We’re grateful to the commission and its staff for its willingness to work with the New Orleans Boat Show, as well as other Louisiana show operators,” said Thom Dammrich , NMMA President. “The commission struck the right balance of promoting local dealer participation and providing ways for the New Orleans Boat Show to reach its full potential as a regional showcase for consumers wanting to see the broadest range of marine products.”

The NMMA worked alongside the Louisiana Recreational and Used Motor Vehicle Commission to change the rules in order to help grow business throughout Louisiana ’s vast boating industry and offer consumers the opportunity to shop for brands and products previously only available across state lines. 

“This is a new day for the New Orleans Boat Show,” said Barbara Sclafani , show manager of the city’s largest and longest-running boat show. “It’s exciting to finally be able to bring together boat show attendees and exhibitors from throughout the entire Gulf Coast region and create new opportunities for everyone involved.” 

For more information on the 2008 New Orleans Boat Show, being held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center January 9-13, please visit NewOrleansBoatShow.com.

National Marine Manufactures Association (NMMA) is the nation’s largest recreational marine industry association, representing approximately 1,700 boatbuilders, engine manufacturers, and marine accessory manufacturers. NMMA members collectively produce more than 80 percent of all recreational marine products made in the United States . Recreational boating is a popular American pastime, with 73 million boaters nationwide and more than 13 million registered boats. The recreational boating industry is a substantial contributor to the nation’s economy with expenditures on recreational marine products and services of approximately $39.5 billion in 2006 alone. Please visit our website at NMMA.org.