Albany, NY - August 8, 2013 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the annual Progressive Insurance New York Boat Show, produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), is expanding at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, New York. From 2015 to 2019, the January dates of the event will be restored to their traditional mid- to late-January pattern. In addition, the National Marine Manufacturers Association plans to introduce a fall boating show at the Javits Center and has secured September dates from 2014 to 2019. The New York Boat Show is a vital marketplace for the boating industry in New York State, especially as the industry continues to recover from the impact of Superstorm Sandy.

“I am pleased to announce that the annual New York Boat Show will be returning to the Javits Center during their traditional timeframe following next year – a move that will provide a shot in the arm for the boating industry in New York,” Governor Cuomo said. “We are excited to also announce plans for an annual fall boating show for local businesses to exhibit their latest products and equipment over the next few years. Last year Superstorm Sandy damaged marinas and destroyed thousands of boats in New York, so these events will be significant in steering the industry towards a full recovery. Finally, New York is home to magnificent waterfronts, attracting countless New York boaters and visitors to the state. This announcement is great news for the tourism and boating industries, and New York State as a whole.”

 

“For many boating enthusiasts and their families, the historical start date of the Progressive Insurance New York Boat Show in mid- to late- January has become a much-anticipated tradition – an early peek at spring and summer outdoor recreation, as well as a primary sales venue for local boating businesses,” said Ben Wold, executive vice president, NMMA. “As the oldest boat show in the world and a New York tradition since 1905, we’re thrilled to return the show to its original timeframe and applaud Governor Cuomo for recognizing the economic value of recreational boating to New York and for his commitment to expanding tourism and outdoor recreation throughout the state.”

 

Henry R. Silverman, Chairman of the Board, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, said, “Governor Cuomo has made clear that tourism is a critical component of the State’s economic development strategy – and support of the boating industry is part of that strategy. The boating industry is important to New York, and it is a goal to make New York State a major destination for boat and water sports enthusiasts. The Boat Show has been a valued customer of the Javits Center for many years and we are excited about the opportunity to bring about its revival.”

 

Alan Steel, President and CEO, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, said, “The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center plays a vital role in supporting and generating economic activity in the many industries that use our venue for tradeshows, conferences and special events – including the boating industry which helps to attract visitors to New York and generates billions of dollars in spending here in the state. Therefore, we are pleased to support the New York Boat Show and help our boating businesses and manufacturers get back on their feet following the impact of Superstorm Sandy. The Javits Center is a committed partner in Governor Cuomo’s efforts to grow our tourism sector and boost our economy, and we will help ensure that the boating industry remains competitive and thrives in New York State.”

 

The New York Boat Show is an annual family-oriented exhibition of the newest product lines and equipment for boat manufacturers and small businesses in the state. Due to its popularity among consumers and the consistent pattern of the show’s opening dates, which traditionally fall in mid- to late- January, the show has become a major marketplace for the industry. Manufacturer and dealer sales data indicates that the show is directly responsible for 30-50% of annual revenue.

 

The New York Boat Show, located at the Javits Center since 1987, is the world’s oldest boat show, celebrating its 109th show in 2014. During the years that the show has operated in late December and early January, attendance dropped significantly, impacting exhibitors and the general health of the entire recreational marine industry in New York. These new dates – made possible by Governor Cuomo – will help attract more visitors to the show and increase revenue for exhibitors.

 

The recreational boating industry has a total annual impact of $5.79 billion in New York State. The industry in New York includes 1,856 businesses and 46,303 total jobs, and generates $2.4 billion in annual recreational boating-related spending.

 

Last fall, Superstorm Sandy severely disrupted this industry, damaging approximately 65,000 boats for a total loss of $650 million, according to the Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatU.S.). In addition, Sandy caused $76.6 million in uninsured losses among the state’s commercial and recreational fishing industry. As the industry continues to recover from this storm, the New York Boat Show will be key in generating much-needed sales for local boat dealerships, marinas and marine retailers.

 

The new dates for the show over the next few years are below:

Year	Winter	Fall
2014	January 1-5	September 10-14
2015	January 21-25	September 16-20
2016	January 27-31	September 7-11
2017	January 25-29	September 6-10
2018	January 24-28	September 12-16
2019	January 23-27	September 4-8

 

About the Progressive Insurance New York Boat Show: The Progressive Insurance New York Boat Show is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the world’s largest producer of boat shows and the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. For more information, visit http://www.nmma.org.