San Diego Boat Show attendance soars, boosts summer sales

The 2014 Progressive Insurance San Diego International Boat Show closed Sunday, attracting 7,640 visitors throughout the four-day event, up 24 percent compared to 2013; the show’s footprint also increased this year, with 20 percent more exhibit space. Nearly 125 local, national and international companies exhibited at the boat show, and many are reporting it was the most successful show on the West Coast they’ve experienced in years.

“The team at Kusler Yachts continues to be impressed by the efforts put forth by the NMMA at the Progressive Insurance San Diego International Boat Show.  The show was a great success with one new Regulator Center Console boat sale and several new clients to follow up with.  Thanks again, NMMA!”  Michael Kusler, Kusler Yachts, Inc.

“This was the best summer boat show we’ve had in many years. The NMMA team helped build an impressive boat show that really impressed the crowds.  The team at South Coast Yachts wrote three retail contracts on new Beneteau Yachts at the show with plenty of qualified new leads to work with in the coming days. Thank you NMMA for all of your support in helping us all toward success!” Barrett Canfield, President, South Coast Yachts

“It was the first time participating in the San Diego show, and we’re very impressed with it. The docks were fantastic and there were lots of qualified customers – an “all in all” great show. The West Coast really needs a boat show like this, and I am sure it will continue to both improve and increase in size. See you next year!” Paul Hutton, Nordhavn Yachts Southwest

The 2014 Progressive Insurance San Diego International Boat Show, in partnership with the California Yacht Brokers Association, San Diego Superyacht Association and Port of San Diego, not only expanded its footprint in number of exhibitors but also the number of attractions aimed to attract attendees, including an expanded showcase of superyachts and a new seminar series on sport fishing and blue water cruising ‘south of the border’. Returning favorites included Try It Cove and the Discover Boating Hands-On Skills Training series, programs created to get people on the water through paddle sports and power boating and sailing lessons.

Boat show exhibitor participation, additions and features created a recipe for marketing success. Media coverage from the weekend included 48 plugs and feature stories on all of San Diego’s TV news programs, a front page story in the Business section of U-T San Diego and dozens of bloggers and community papers covering the event and sharing on social media.

For future exhibit opportunities, please contact Natalie Rankin, nrankin@nmma.org.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button