Attendance & Sales Propel 29th Annual Atlantic City International Power Boat Show to a Successful Close

Business Wire, Feb 20, 2008

Despite Concerns over Soft Economy, Boats Are Selling in Atlantic City

PHILADELPHIA -- The Atlantic City International Power Boat Show dropped anchor at the Atlantic City Convention Center on February 6 and cruised out on February 10. More than 750 of the newest and best boats attracted 44,000 visitors from throughout the mid-Atlantic region. In addition to boats, the Show hosted numerous free fishing and boating seminars, the IGX Adrenaline Jam, the 95,000 square-foot Marine Marketplace, the Discover Boating Center, the record-setting Miss GEICO race boat, and many other nautical activities for the whole family.

With a boat for every budget and lifestyle, the Atlantic City International Power Boat Show attracted a variety of attendees. Serious deep-sea fisherman explored boats such as the Viking 48 while families with young children checked out the variety of cruisers, convertibles, power boats and motor and express yachts. Many Show attendees came to check out the Sea Ray 47 Sedan Bridge, which, as the longest and most expensive boat of the Show, was dubbed "The Queen of the Show."

"Overall, the Show was a success," said Show Manager Jon Pritko. "Despite the state of the economy, the quality of attendees was more significant than the previous year, and business was booming."

Show exhibitors also expressed positive feedback:

"This was the best turn out of quality buyers we've seen in seven years," noted Joe Melillo, Jr., Lightning Jack / Sea Hunt and Sea Boss Boats. "This is a show not to be missed."

"Saturday [of the Show] was one of our best sales days ever," said Bill Mudgett, Chaparral Boats.

"We are very happy with the quality of buyers and the prospects we saw," exclaimed Frank Belz, Waterfront Marine. "We exceeded all of our sales goals."

Barry Galperin of Canada Gate said, "We sold at least one boat every day."

"Our numbers were up 20 percent," said Jim Grandt of Grandt Fishing Poles.

New to the Show this year, the "Go Fast" display featuring Miss GEICO, a record-setting power catamaran, was an exciting attraction for all attendees. Additionally, Allstate Boat Owners Insurance gave free life jackets to children under 12 over the weekend. Boating and fishing seminars were also a hit, particularly the New Jersey Boaters Test Out Exam that allowed New Jersey residents to test out of new state boaters licensing requirements.

Daily dealer giveaway winners included Philip Dolgan - Coty Marine (Wednesday), Drew Santoro - South Jersey Yacht Sales (Thursday), John Sharp - Ocean Beach Marina (Friday), Mike Fendor - Irwin Marine (Saturday) and Thomas Maellaro, Jr. - D&R Boat World (Sunday). Each winner took home $200.

In addition, the first 200 people to purchase a boat received a $50 Boater's World gift card, and everyone who purchased a boat at this year's Show had a chance to enter to win $5,000 towards the purchase of their new boat. This year's winner is Charles Jessup, who purchased a Pro Line 35 Express.

This year's Show sponsors included Toyota Trucks, Boater's World, Allstate, David Lerner, Crocs and Miss GEICO.

Next year, the Atlantic City International Power Boat Show will run February 4-8, 2009, marking its 30th year. For Show information, visit www.ACBoatShow.com or call 212-984-7000.

About ACIPBS

The 2008 Atlantic City International Power Boat Show is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the world's largest producer of boat shows. NMMA is the leading association representing the $39.5 billion per year recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce over 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers in the U.S. For more information about the NMMA, visit www.NMMA.org

The Atlantic City International Power Boat Show is a proud member of the International Federation of Boat Show Organizers (IFBSO), a prestigious organization of recreational marine event organizers who provide a forum for the worldwide exchange of ideas and global cooperation.