MMTA ENews: February 8, 2007
Sentimental About Boat Shows
I don't remember Suffolk Downs. But I do remember the Hynes, Bayside and, my favorite as a little girl, Commonwealth Pier. That's because growing up my birthday always fell within the dates of the Commonwealth Pier boat show and every year I looked forward to my "grown up birthday dinner" in Boston during the boat show.
I have more than forty years of Boston winter Boat Show memories. And yet, I have never been more personally or professionally proud and filled with anticipation as I am awaiting the opening of the 51st New England Boat Show at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center on February 17. To me and many others this year's show is much more than just another re-located Boston winter boat show: this one is really special.
It's special because we all chipped in to make it happen. It's special because the Massachusetts marine industry--dealers, repairers, builders, suppliers and service providers-came together and rallied to support a single mission: make sure that the winter boat show in Boston, the single largest economic driver of recreational boating sales in the Commonwealth, found a new home in which to thrive. I feel fortunate, honored and humbled to have witnessed the unprecedented unity and support of our industry in accomplishing the mission.
MMTA members and show exhibitors stood by and supported show producer North American Expositions who has served the Massachusetts marine industry so well for generations. Together we achieved a milestone that is already recognized as symbol of the scope, breadth and strength of a unified Massachusetts marine industry.
And what a show it will be. Over a half million square feet of exhibition space in a brand-spanking new facility that will house nearly 1,000 boats large and small, provide a livelihood to over 500 businesses employing tens of thousands. And what a challenge it will be for each of us to build this magnificent spectacle of products, logistics and schedules in only one week and, hopefully, not in a snowstorm.
The challenge is to double the number of boats, double their average sizes, double the number of people and set it all up in no more time than last years show which was half the size. We say, no sweat. We can do this and we will do this because it is simply what we all do so well. We move boats, fix boats, clean and detail boats, accessorize them and put the sparkle on the American dream of recreational boating. Heck, together we can do this with one arm tied behind our back and still keep a smile on our face.
A few words of thanks. If you happen upon those MMTA member volunteers who helped navigate the politics and logistics of the show's move to the BCEC, give 'em a pat on the back and let them know you appreciate their dedicating time away from their own businesses for the benefit of all of us. For the show production team at North American, keep in mind they did not get the green light to launch the New England Boat Show at the BCEC until last October. I am in awe of their success pulling our industry together (think kittens being herded), distributing twice the exhibit space, introducing new procedures, schedules and rules for twice as many people in a new facility hosting their first public show in only 100 days. Why not offer the North American team a cup of coffee (they will surely need the caffeine) or a warm smile on move in day.
With just a week to go, it is up to the members of the MMTA once again to make the miracle of move in happen smoothly, efficiently and safely. No doubt we can do it together with one arm tied behind our back, but maybe not with our eyes closed. So let's watch out for each other, remember to wear that special move in badge, lay those carpets quickly and pray for no schedule-busting precipitation. Make sure your whole team calls your customers, your prospects, friends and family to tell them not to miss the 51st New England Boat Show at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center February 17-24, 2007. Not only will they get to be the first public show attendees at this magnificent $800 million facility, they will also be taking part in a little bit of marine industry history.
Let's go help some folks Discover Boating. Let's go sell some boats.
MMTA will host an information exhibit at Booth # 144 near the main entrance. The Massachusetts Marine Trades Association is a proud endorser of the 51st New England Boat Show that runs February 17-24, 2007 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. For more information on the show visit: www.neboatshow.com
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