Industry event news dominates this week - MarineBusinessWorld.com North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 5 Feb 12:00 PST
New York, Louisville & Minneapolis Shows © National Marine Manufacturers Association
The Discover Boating New York Boat Show, Discover Boating Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow and the Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show, in partnership with Progressive Insurance, wrapped on Sunday, drawing more than 75,000 attendees, steady crowds and buyers.
While attendance in New York dipped and the Louisville and Minneapolis shows remained on par with 2024, many exhibitors reported quality traffic, energized customers, and an increase in new boat sales compared to last year's shows. Tim Dow with Sea Ray Boats/Marine Max, a New York Boat Show exhibitor, said, "It was an amazing show. We expanded our display and it paid huge dividends. Consumer sentiment was positive, and we capitalized on older leads that showed up as well as many fresh buyers."
World Boating Day, an international open day for the entire leisure boating industry (already spanning over nine countries in 2024) is already on its way to grow bigger in its Second Edition. On May 24th, the Superyacht Life Foundation - who coordinates the entire campaign - is inviting businesses, foundations and yacht crew from within the boating and yachting industries to open their doors for a "glocal" celebration. World Boating Day 2025 is championed by over 37 industry organisations, across the world, and its message is carried by six country-specific ambassadors.
BoatUS announces new speakers and general sessions for 'Turning the Tide Online' Virtual Summit. Topics will cover Fiberglass Recycling & Shrink-wrap, ADVs, Emerging Programs & Marinas, Sustainable Waste Management and more. It is scheduled for February 25-27 and will be an engaging online experience for virtual attendees who will have access to on-demand content and live presentations on topics ranging from The Rhode Island Fiberglass Vessel Recycling Program to Durable Material Waste Stream Upcycling.
Register for the 2025 Sail America Industry Conference today. The three-day event, specifically geared toward sailing industry professionals, will take place at the Annapolis Yacht Club, April 22-24. Held annually, SAIC will host speakers, industry leaders and colleagues. Attendees will learn about new topics and trends and receive industry updates. The conference features a regatta, and a day and a half of educational sessions, and industry networking events including a reception and raffle.
The almost sold-out Miami Industry Breakfast will be held during the 2025 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show on February 13 at the Miami Beach Convention Center's Sunset Ballroom. Attendees will celebrate the latest innovations and innovators during this exclusive event as well as hear the latest state of the recreational boating industry. Show exhibitors, NMMA members and industry stakeholders can purchase tickets here. Space is limited and this event is selling out quickly.
Industry members contemplating expanding into Africa will welcome the latest news from that area. Veda Pretorius, representing Superyacht Cape Town, has announced that the inaugural African Boating Conference will take place on October 21-22 at The Avenue, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. This inspiring venue looks out over the V&A Waterfront Marina, and from here, you can look directly into the Aquarium's 1.7 million litre ocean exhibit while participating in the conference. This landmark event aims to bring together industry leaders, stakeholders, and government officials from across Africa and around the globe to address key issues and explore opportunities within the African boating industry.
More sailing news: ILCA is pleased to announce the approval of Zim Sailing as builder of class-legal boats in the United States. Zim has successfully completed a detailed and thorough certification process, receiving approval from both ILCA and World Sailing technical departments. This process comes in accordance with World Sailing's Olympic Equipment Policy; ILCAs manufactured by Zim are fully compliant with ILCA regulations, and legal for use in ILCA events. Zim is now free to produce and sell ILCA boats and ILCA parts to dealers and customers.
Highfield Boats USA, America's leading supplier of rigid inflatable boats, in partnership with global outboard manufacturer Tohatsu America Corporation, announce the launch of The Big Pink Charity Auction in support of cancer research and the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Between February 1 and March 22, the Special Pink Edition Highfield Sport 360 RIB powered by a Tohatsu MFS40A EFI 40hp four stroke outboard will be offered in a public online charity auction.
We cover marine industry news from across the whole of North America, and update daily. Send your news to my email address below.
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media