Ten Reasons to Exhibit at the Annapolis Boat Shows
The Annapolis Powerboat Show (October 2–5) and the Annapolis Sailboat Show (October 9–12) are two of the most influential marine events in the country — and the perfect opportunity to showcase what you offer. These shows attract a diverse, engaged audience actively seeking the latest in boats, boating equipment, gear, and lifestyle products. Whether you’re launching something new or looking to expand your reach, the Annapolis Boat Shows are the place to make meaningful connections.
1. Demographics
Annapolis Boat Shows focuses on bringing in attendees from the traditional boating demographic in addition to emerging growth segments. That means exhibitors receive a steady flow of qualified buyers while continuing to grow their customer base with a younger and more diverse audience.
2. Affordability
Annapolis Boat Shows offers some of the industry’s best pricing with no move-in fees, free electrical, and complimentary marketing services.
3. Small Business Customer Service
Annapolis Boat Shows has been privately owned and operated for over 50 years by a small, dedicated team that lives and boats in Annapolis. That means, if you ever have any questions or requests, you’ll be able to reach someone who is invested in making sure you have a positive experience. Additionally, the on-site staff are bar-none the best in the biz.
4. Marketing
At the Annapolis Boat Shows, you are the star of the show. Their marketing model draws in attendees by advertising exhibitors’ products and presence at the shows through inclusions in wide-reaching social media campaigns, industry-savvy press releases, and a weekly digital newsletter with over 35,000 unique opens—all included in the price of exhibiting.
5. Ease of Travel
Located in the heart of downtown Annapolis, nestled on the Chesapeake Bay between Baltimore and DC, the Annapolis Boat Shows are within an hour’s drive of two international airports and three train stations. The area’s thriving tourist industry means that travel is stress-free, and accommodations are easy to come by.
6. Fun
Boating is supposed to be fun. Why should a boat show be any different? At the Annapolis Boat Shows, attendees can grab a drink, walk the docks, and enjoy an unforgettable day by the Bay with fellow boaters.
7. B-to-B Connections
With such a wide swath of vendors, manufacturers, dealers, and installers in attendance, the Annapolis Boat Shows are a great place to make B-to-B connections. Much business is done between manufacturers, dealers and representatives before and after Show hours, and the show management team is always standing by to help make connections.
8. Annapolitan Eats
One of the best parts of running a boat show in downtown Annapolis is that a lot of the amenities that make a great event are already in place. Forget convention center hot dogs. You’ll find Maryland crab cakes, Chesapeake oysters, sushi, steak, Thai, burgers, chicken & waffles, and ice cream all inside the show and within walking distance of the gates.
9. Outdoor & In-Water
People generally get into boating because they enjoy being on the water. So, why would they want to spend their day in a convention center? Plus, displaying a boat in-water means that prospective buyers get a feel for the vessel in its natural habitat, and they may be able to take some models for a test ride through the Demo Dock.
10. Gatherings & Meeting Spaces
Annapolis is chock full of restaurants and hotels with meeting spaces available—perfect for conferences and meetings as well as customer appreciation events. The boat show team maintains a list of local establishments looking to host your event. What’s more, after-hours events may be organized on the showgrounds.