The BIG Seattle Boat Show cruises in to town, one week early
SEATTLE – November 15, 2010 – Mark your calendars! The BIG Seattle Boat Show, Indoors + Afloat, is just around the corner. Dropping anchor on Friday, January 21, 2011 and continuing through Sunday January 30, the 64th annual show is one week earlier than usual and it’s also back to a 10-day format, providing an extra shopping day! Why is it such a BIG deal and the not-to-be-missed event on every boater’s calendar? It’s the west coast’s largest boat show. So big it needs two locations–South Lake Union and Qwest Field Event Center but one ticket and a free shuttle gets you access to both locations. So big, one day might not be enough to see everything but a special five-day pass is only $24. So big there are more educational opportunities to learn about boating than at any other show in the country – 200+ free seminars over the course of the10-day show and advanced seminars through Boat Show University for a nominal fee. And then of course there are the big deals: without a doubt the Seattle Boat Show is the best time of the year to get a great deal on a boat. And comparison shop. Where else can you see 1,000 boats at one time? And the latest in accessories and technology. It’s a big deal all around!
Recognizing what a big deal the show is, some exhibitors such as Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), representing Sea-Doo, Evinrude and Johnson, are increasing their display space.
BRP will have a 2,500 square foot display, up from last year’s 400 square feet. “The Seattle market has shown consistent sales growth for our BRP marine brands over the past few years,” stated Marc-Andre Dubois, Director of Shows and Events for BRP. “We plan to continue this momentum by investing additional resources in the Seattle Boat Show and provide our consumers an outstanding buying experience,”
Show your Boat Some Love
Without a doubt, there’s no better place to shop for a boat, talk with a factory rep and see the latest models and brands all in one place–well, two actually, indoors and on the water! But what if you’re happy with your current boat? You’re not alone. Forty-seven percent of attendees are at the show to purchase accessories or equipment for their current boat. That’s why 75% of the exhibitors are accessories exhibitors. Which means a visit to the show has everything you need to service, repair or outfit your current boat. Whatever floats your boat, you can learn about the newest electronics and latest technologies, shop for a haul out, buy a wakeboard, fishing rod or crab pot, find a new marina, plan your summer cruise or sign the kids up for sailing lessons. The options are endless.
At press time, ‘accessories’ exhibitors included:
- Destinations, marinas and resorts – 35 boating destinations including one aisle dedicated to Canadian destinations and KoOlina Marina from Hawaii
- More than 65 electronics exhibitors on the concourse balcony featuring a range of products and experts from the national manufacturers
- Gear galore – More than 45 exhibitors with everything from wake boards and water skis to boat hooks and books, from downriggers to detailing supplies
- Engines – 9 inboard and outboard engine exhibitors – from Cummins to Evinrude
- Trailers – come kick some tires at the 5 boat trailer exhibitors
- Service experts - 52 exhibitors including Emerald Harbor Marina, CSR, Waterfront Construction, Yacht Masters and more
- Sailing specific exhibits – there will be at least 23 exhibitors in the sailboat area with riggers and sail lofts, dinghies and full keeled boats, sailing schools and clubs
- Boat insurance/Finance – 15 exhibitors to choose from including ACE Recreational Marine Insurance
- Educational exhibitors: a dozen or more including U.S. Power Squadron, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Puget Sound Anglers, Washington State Parks
Take Advantage of Oceans of Knowledge
No other show in North America offers the quality, variety and volume of educational seminars from world class speakers and boating experts. In addition to the 200+ free seminars, Boat Show University – now in its fifth year – is a series of intensive seminars for those wanting to immerse themselves in advanced marine topics.
Seminar Sneak Peek
At press time the 2011 seminar schedule was still being worked on. But new topics for this year include:
- Boat Insurance 101
- Cold Water Safety for the Northwest Boater
- Smart Phones in the Hands of Boaters
- Effective Ways to Teach Sailing to Students
- The Ins and Outs of Boat Diving
Check back in our January issue to see the complete seminar schedule or online at www.seattleboatshow.com!
Boat Show University
The experts are returning for the 2011 Seattle Boat Show University, with a program of 20 advanced training classes. The popular Boat Show U. program features well known nautical experts such as Nigel Calder, Lee Chesneau, Bruce Hedrick, Linda Lewis and others who annually present extended three hour nautical training seminars. The three hour programs are priced at $39 each with a special package including four courses, boat show admission and parking for $149. New this year are all day expert training sessions on topics such as Offshore Cruising, Marine Weather and Cruising in the Northwest and others for $195. All courses are available for advanced registration on the boat show web site. Register now as many classes have filled to capacity in prior years.
Online is the place for the latest information, updates about the show and special offers:
- The show website (www.seattleboatshow.com) is being updated daily as new information becomes available about exhibitors, brands, seminars and promotions.
- E-tickets for the show are on sale. Those purchasing tickets online will receive free parking at the show, a free cup of clam chowder at FX McRory’s and a free one-year boating magazine subscription.
- Facebook Shopping Spree: Sign up to follow the Seattle Boat Show on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/SeattleBoatShow). Each Friday beginning in December, a $500 shopping spree to the show will be given away, plus a $5,000 Grand Prize that can be used toward the purchase of a boat at the show. The Grand Prize will be awarded the day before the show opens.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
| Locations: | QWEST EVENT CENTER 800 Occidental Ave South |
SOUTH LAKE UNION 901 Fairview Ave North |
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| Hours: | Weekdays: 11 am to 8 pm Saturdays: 10 am to 8 pm Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm |
Weekdays: 11 am to 5 pm Saturdays: 10 am to 5 pm Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm |
Due to weather and visibility issues, the outdoors Afloat portion of the show at South Lake Union closes at 5pm every day. |
| Free shuttle running continuously between both locations | |||
| Tickets: | ADULTS: $12
YOUTH (11-17): $5 KIDS 10 and under: Free Special 5-DAY BIG show pass: $24 |
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| Official hotels: | Crowne Plaza Hotel (www.crowneplazaseattle.com ) and Silver Cloud Hotel Stadium (www.silvercloud.com/ ) Both offer boat show attendees special prices. | ||
| Produced by: | Northwest Marine Trade Association (www.nmta.net) and the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association (www.nwyachtbrokers.com.) | ||
| Sponsors: | The Seattle Boat Show is presented by ACE Recreational Marine Insurance, in partnership with the Washington State Parks Boating Safety Program. | ||
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