Boating trade shows bring boat manufacturers, water sports equipment producers and retailers together in one location to share information about products and services. Trade shows will help you to establish new customer relationships and introduce your established customers to new products.

Setting up a display at a boating trade show requires planning and creative design. Professionals can help you with all the various aspects of a trade show, which allows you to focus on your company.

Use the following resources to find boating trade show information for your business:

1. Showcase your business at a boating trade show.

2. Compare boating trade show information on prices and space limitations.

3. Review images of boating trade shows for ideas for your company.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Grow your customer list with an exhibit at a boating trade show

Boating trade shows allow manufacturers and retailers to share and learn about new products and services. Exhibiting your company's services or product line will help to increase the number of customers you have.

I recommend: The Los Angeles Boat Show put on by the Southern California Marine Association is the largest of its kind on the West Coast. Contact the office to request an exhibitor information brochure. The New York National Boat Show put on by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has existed for more than 100 years and brings together tens of thousands of potential customers. Exhibits range from fishing products to speed boats and water sports.

Contrast the price structure and space availability for each boating tradeshow

As with any business strategy, cost is a prime determinant in the viability of any decision. Boating tradeshows aren't any different. You need to contact the tradeshow for information on how much it charges for a display and any other fees involved. Then, your company can choose the best available boating tradeshow with the most advantageous cost structure.

I recommend: Review the Portland Boat Show put on by O'Loughlin Trade Shows for spacing and pricing information. Compare that to the rates available for the Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors Show produced by the NMMA, the Austin Boat Show produced by Town Lake Productions and the Minneapolis Boat Show also produced by NMMA.

Use images as a great source for boating trade show advice

One of the most difficult aspects of formulating a successful boating trade show guide is deciding how to display your products and services. Luckily, there are plenty of examples of previous displays of boating trade show services and products. The trick is to take a good boating trade show exhibit and improve on the display. Next, you'll need to know what the floor of the trade show looks like prior to committing to the trade show.

I recommend: Take the boating trade show exhibit at Vapor Industries and use it as a template for your boating trade show. Review this overhead photo from the Washington Boat Show to get an idea of what one type of boating trade show floor looks like.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Boating tradeshows can also provide an opportunity to search for new employees. If you're in the market for one or more new employees, set up job application materials in one section of your booth. Plus, if possible, list your job opening in the boating trade show directory.