The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) announced today the launch of the Progressive Insurance Chicago In-Water Boat Show – the Midwest’s largest boating and sales event – held in June 7-12, 2012 at the new 31st Street Harbor, Chicago’s newest state-of-the-art marina opening in May.
The Progressive Insurance Chicago In-Water Boat Show - Bird´s View
“As the first major event held at 31st Street Harbor, we’re thrilled to provide Chicagoans and visitors an opportunity to discover boating along Chicago’s magnificent lakefront,” said Ben Wold, executive vice president for NMMA. “With 1,000 slips and top-notch amenities, the city’s latest premier marine facility is an ideal in-water boat show venue with ample room to grow into a favorite annual tradition for boaters and a summer sales haven for the region’s dealers and manufacturers.”
The 2012 Progressive Insurance Chicago In-Water Boat Show will feature dozens of dealers and manufacturers showcasing approximately 150 power and sailboats for sale, more than 100 accessory, technology and travel booths, and entertaining and educational in-water and on-land attractions, including complimentary boating courses at a Discover Boating Demo Dock.
NMMA also produces the Progressive Insurance Chicago Boat, Sports and RV Show and the Progressive Insurance Strictly Sail Chicago. With the addition of the Progressive Insurance Chicago In-Water Boat Show, NMMA owns and produces a total of 18 consumer boat and sportshows throughout the U.S.
The 31st Street Harbor - Chicago’s newest state-of-the-art marina
Boating is Big Business in Chicago
Chicago is a hub for the recreational boating industry, providing easy access to waterways and inland lakes throughout the Midwest. More than 5,000 boats dock annually in nine marinas across the city’s lakefront. With the addition of the 31st Street Harbor, Chicago boaters will find an additional 1,000 slips, making it easier to access Lake Michigan from downtown. The Chicago Harbors generate more than $30 million in annual revenue for the Chicago Park District and provide hundreds of jobs for local residents in hospitality, marina maintenance, boating instruction, boat repair, and more.
The annual tradition of boat and sportshows in Chicago generates significant local and state revenue, as hundreds of dealers and manufacturers throughout the Midwest come to town and sell thousands of new boats and marine accessories. Companies that exhibit at boat shows typically generate between 35-50 percent of their annual sales at the events. There were an estimated $245 million in new boat and accessory sales in the State of Illinois in 2010 and 374,000 registered boats as of 2009. Recreational boating has an estimated $1.54 billion annual economic impact in Illinois, employing nearly 10,000 Americans at approximately 705 boating businesses across the State.
