The great weather didn’t hurt, but it was the diverse array of hull types and land-based vendors that attracted close to 2,000 qualified boaters to the Strictly Jersey Boat Show, April 30th through May 2nd. Attendance was up by almost 15% over last year’s show, a welcome sign in a difficult economy.
Strictly Jersey, 2010 • April 30th, May 1st & 2nd
“A new and different kind of boat show” MANUFACTURERS • DEALERS • MARINE SUPPLIERS • BOATERS
Manufacturers are bringing people back onto the assembly lines (ACY Press, 2/3/10), dealers are reporting an uptick in sales and suppliers are preparing for a busy boating season. Earlier this month, despite the worst snow storm of the new century, the attendance at the Atlantic City Power Boat Show was both brisk and engaging.
The signs are good, and the signs all point to an active buying season this spring.
And the best news of all is that it is not too late to get on board with the Strictly Jersey Boat Show!
“Are you going to do it again next year? Because, if you do, we want to be included.” This was the most commonly expressed sentiment as exhibitors began breaking down their displays on Day Three of the 2009 Strictly Jersey Boat Show.
Most dealers and manufacturers reported either direct sales at the show, or substantiated leads that they felt certain would lead to sales in weeks that followed. Of course, the fundamental goal of Strictly Jersey had always been to sell boats! And the success of the Show exceeded everyone’s expectations.
So the decision to repeat last year’s successful formula was an easy one. The only decision was, when? And that has now been determined… Friday through Sunday, April 30th, through May 2nd, will be the dates for the 2010 Strictly Jersey Boat Show.
Aside from the dates, nothing else will change
The Venue will still be South Jersey Marina in Cape May
The Focus will continue to be on New Jersey’s boat manufacturers and dealers
The Targeted audiencewill once again be people who boat, like boats and buy boats
If you participated in last year’s Strictly Jersey and have feedback on how we can make the show better, please share your thoughts. It will only get better if you contribute your ideas and observations.
Please remember that last year’s Strictly Jersey filled the marina. There were no empty slips. If you intend to return for the 2010 show, please don’t delay. Contact us and let us know your intentions. Last year’s exhibitors will be afforded a first look, before exhibiting opportunities are opened up to those who did not participate in 2009.
“The first of the boutique boat shows” was how one publication described Strictly Jersey. If you like the idea of exhibiting your boats in a setting that not only encourages sea trials, but has been marketed to people who actually buy boats, and at a cost that is much less than conventional boat shows, Strictly Jersey is for you!
Additional information about Strictly Jersey is available by calling the Show Manager, Mark Allen, 609-898-9500.
We hope to see you this spring at the Strictly Jersey Boat Show!
Simply put, Strictly Jersey is a different kind of boat show that focuses solely on the active boater who is invested in his/her passion. Featuring New Jersey dealers and boat manufacturers, this “show’ will have numerous boats on display from cruisers to sportfishing boats and related products and services that appeal to the serious boater. Attendees to this show will experience a VIP atmosphere where they will be able to take their time and look at vessels of their interest, and talk with knowledgeable sales and factory representatives in a much more personable and less crowded setting than at traditional boat shows.
You can see what will be on display and who will be displaying, by going to our What’s on Display page. If you are interested in attending this very special event, please contact one of our exhibitors listed for complimentary tickets. You may also receive two complimentary tickets simply by presenting your New Jersey Boating Safety Card or Sea Tow ID at any New Jersey West Marine store, or at the gate entrance to the show. You may also reserve two complimentary tickets by completing the form on theTickets page. Otherwise, tickets are $15.00 at the gate.
If you are serious about boating, you should be serious about Strictly Jersey!
Offering free admission to anyone with a New Jersey Safe Boating Certificate, a Sea Tow ID or to those who contact one of the listed exhibitors in advance, Strictly Jersey is definitely a new take on boat shows. According to show manager Mark Allen, “this show is small by design and is geared strictly for boaters. It’s going to have a VIP atmosphere where serious boaters can view new model boats and related equipment without the crowds and other distractions of traditional boat shows. Qualified buyers will even be able to sea trial most boats.”
When asked who will be exhibiting, Allen replied: “We’ve assembled a diverse and select group of over 50 New Jersey power boat and equipment dealers and manufacturers. “You have to remember: adds Allen “This is a boater’s boat show. We’re not interested in making income from crowds of people who just want to spend a day near the water. All of us at the show are in the boat business. We’re doing this to sell boats and boating gear, and who better to sell them to, than boaters!
The show runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 30-May 2, 2010 at the South Jersey Marina, 1231 Rt. 109, at the entrance to Cape May, NJ. Show hours are 10am - 4pm.
“Are you going to do it again next year? Because, if you do, we want to be included.” This was the most commonly expressed sentiment as exhibitors began breaking down their displays on Day Three of the Strictly Jersey Boat Show. Virtually every dealer and manufacturer reported sales at the show, or substantiated leads that will lead to sales in the near term. Of course, this is what Strictly Jersey was designed to accomplish, sell boats! The success of the show exceeded everyone’s expectations, exhibitors, attendees, and show staff alike.
The experience of one salesman at the show perfectly illustrates the unique character and make up of the Strictly Jersey boat show. “On Saturday, the husband brought his wife back to see the boat. They were spending the weekend visiting Cape May. She loved the boat, but when I took them into the tent to show them how the IPS drive worked at the Volvo-Penta exhibit, she was sold. Next, we visited Larry at the Engines Inc. exhibit so they could work out a service agreement for the MAN engines, and finally, we ended up at the Costa Marine Enclosure exhibit, where they ordered an enclosure for the new boat. They were even able to talk to people about financing and insurance. After deciding on a boat, my customers found everything else they needed, all inside of one tent, at one show. It was the most amazing selling experience of my life!”
Going back to that question, “Are you going to do it again next year?” Rest assured, the answer is YES!
On the morning of Day #2, the "Sold at Strictly Jersey” signs started popping up around South Jersey Marina. This is a sure indication that the fundamental goal of the Strictly Jersey boat show has been realized, boats are being sold!
A robust flow of potential buyers flooded the marina from the gate opening until well past closing. According to Show Manager, Mark Allen, “The overcast skies, occasional showers and cool temperatures helped us out. Nobody was on the beach, mowing grass, gardening, or cleaning their boats. They were at Strictly Jersey.”
The major challenge for the Show Team was trying to keep up with the hungry exhibitors and attendees. Strictly Jersey featured a complimentary continental breakfast and lunch, with coffee all day. “I personally brewed eight, one-hundred cup urns of coffee,” laughs Allen, “And I don’t know how many Sharon made!” Across-the-street neighbor, The Copper Fish provided an added treat with samples of tortellini and scallops in a cheese sauce. Lucky Bones owner, David Craig, visited the event and reported that the after show traffic at his place had been tremendous.
Saturday’s attendees overwhelmingly expressed their approval of the show layout, vessel selection and hospitality displayed by the entire “Landing.”
“I’ve never been to a boat show where I was given free entry, a gift bag and lunch,” commented one Captain. “Better than the larger shows I usually attend,” was another comment, and “I don’t miss all the tire-kickers. Everybody here is a boater, it’s like we’re one big family,” was a commonly shared sentiment during Day 2.
Late in the day, one exhibitor made this comment, “I like it. It’s small, intimate, well managed and draws the right crowd….it’s like a ‘boutique’ boat show.”
Has Strictly Jersey has set the standard for the future?
If it’s always a good thing to exceed expectations, then the first day of the Strictly Jersey Boat Show must be counted among those “good things.” This new boat show, launched during difficult economic times, on a cloudy, cool Friday was well attended by well over 200 well qualified boat buyers.
Strictly Jersey is a unique boat show for several reasons. First of all, as its name implies it is a show composed of manufacturers and dealers, exclusively from New Jersey. From Sandy Hook Yacht Sales in the north, and Riverside Yacht Sales in the West, some 25 dealers and manufactures converged on Cape May for this inaugural event. Secondly, Strictly Jersey was marketed exclusively to New Jersey’s boating population. And finally, the show was designed to not only accommodate, but to encourage sea trials.
On land, over 30 land-based marine equipment and services suppliers exhibited inside of the 6000 square foot event tent. From electronics, to engines, services, and marine art, everything pointed to a common passion, boating.
And on Friday, no one went home disappointed, not exhibitors or attendees. Many thanks to everyone for helping to make Strictly Jersey a success on day #1.
