Running from Thursday September 13 to Sunday, September 16, the 42nd Annual edition of the Newport International Boat Show, bringing a renewed sense of excitement as well as increased level of activity, is prepared to host visitors at its thirteen acre site along America’s Cup Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island.
Newport International Boat Show, September 13 - 16, 2012
Tom Delotto, Division Director of the Newport Exhibition Group, the show’s producers, noted that “The Newport Show is a bellwether of the industry, both in terms of pre-show exhibitor commitments and at-show sales interest and, from the pre-show point of view, it looks like the industry is on its way back from the low point of the recession a few years back.”
600 BOATS/ 750 EXHIBITORS!
More exhibitors have signed up for the Show than in the past few years. Exhibitors are adding more boats to their displays. New companies and new dealer networks – and some names just new to Newport – are in evidence. Plus, more New Boat and Boating Product introductions are set to be announced! All are signs of a recovering marine market and a great year for the nation’s first in-water show of the 2012-13 boating season!
NEW BOATS AND PRODUCT INTRODUCTIONS
Newport for New Products, the Show’s iconic recognition of the best new boats and boating products, has nearly 40 entries this year…more than in any year since 2008. Included are new sailboats from Dufour, JBoats and Bavaria; new powerboats from Hunt, Hinckley, Jeanneau and Protector; plus, electronics and equipment from Forespar, Imtra and others. The Program, sponsored by Cruising World, Sailing World and Yachting magazines, will also, this year, include a People’s Choice Award with attendee voting during Opening Day on Thursday, September 13.
INDUSTRY UPDATE FROM DISCOVER BOATING
Opening Day will also host the Annual News Conference feature of the show – open to the Press, Exhibitors and Attendees alike. Carl Blackwell, President of Discover Boating and head of the group’s advertising initiative will lead a presentation on Opening Day of the Show, Thursday, September 13, at 1:30 PM. With greetings from the State, Show Management and some of the organizer’s partners, the event functions as the Opening Ceremony of the Boat Show, one of the four largest in the country.
As an industry-supported organization, Discover Boating initiated a new digital and Dedicated TV advertising campaign in 2012, along with a social media initiative, plus traditional PR efforts such as media tours and a Celebrity Athlete Boating Ambassadors program. The make-up of that program and its lead-in to a revamped webpage for Discover Boating will be explained with audio-visual examples and real-life experiences. Consumers will have the opportunity to see what they may have missed and learn how they can avail themselves of the opportunities in Boat Selection and Financing that it affords. The trade will be able to get a glimpse of the results and learn how to interface with the program to make it an effective selling tool for manufacturers and dealers alike.
ALL KINDS OF LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Discover Boating’s newest inter-active event for both sailors and powerboaters, the “Welcome to the Water Hands-On Training Series”, will also be a major new feature of the Show. This collection of 60-minute and 90-minute clinics and three-hour seminars – all requiring pre-registration and nominal fees to attend – takes place completely on the water in a dedicated fleet of power and sailboats, right at the Show. These hands-on, underway events are taught by USCG-licensed captains who are professional, certified instructors and provide in-depth training in a broad array of subjects of interest to boaters.
In addition, Sail America’s “Discover Sailing” initiative will be offering free sailing demonstrations from Show docks at no extra charge above the show admission. Crews and sailboats will be on hand to demonstrate how easy it is to sail and to offer a quiet sail around Newport Harbor…a great opportunity for anyone who might be interested in the sport of sailing. All this is on top of the Show’s traditional Seminar Series and the popular, two-day Marine Weather Class for which pre-registration through the Show’s website is required.
CHARITY BENEFIT / ATTENDEE PARTIES
The Show’s Charitable Partner for 2012 will be the Coast Guard Foundation which provides education and support for Coast Guard members and their families, as well as through the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about their work and, along with the Show itself, support the group’s effort. And, on Saturday, attendees and exhibitors are invited to the 2nd Annual “Cruisers Party” hosted this year by Cruising Outpost a new on-line, interactive destination publication created by Bob and Jody Bitchin formerly of Latitudes & Attitudes Magazine. The event is free to anyone inside the show gates on Saturday at 6:00PM.
THE PERFECT BOAT SHOW!
Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to attend the Show during the magnificent September weather in New England to view boats ranging in size from 15 to 85 feet, plus kayaks, inflatables, services, equipment, electronics and accessories of all types…and experience everything the Show has to offer. Hours are Thursday to Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM.
Tickets purchased at the show on Thursday, VIP Day, are $30.00 (for convenience, $27 on-line plus processing fee). On Friday, Saturday or Sunday the tickets are $18.00 ($15 on-line plus processing fee). Plus, through the support of the new magazine Nautical Rhode Island, tickets for Friday are half-price for Military Personnel and Newport County Residents with proper ID. Children under 12 are free every day when accompanied by an adult. And everyone can use the free shuttle bus service running from Easton’s Beach parking lot all four days.
