2010 Strictly Jersey Boat Show - Final Press Release
Friday, May 14 2010 @ 11:53 AM MST
| 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. |
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| Once again, exhibitors were heard to comment on the high quality of show attendees. “When we work the Strictly Jersey Boat Show we know we’re going to be talking to knowledgeable, experienced boaters.You have to be on top of your game during the entire show. It’s the most rewarding and worthwhile event we do all year!” |
| SIMRAD was this year’s premier electronics exhibitor with their “Try It Before You Buy It” promotion for the new NSE Chartplotter. Working in conjunction with SIMRAD, the vessel, Canyon Runner, conducted two, sometimes three sea trials per day in order to enable potential buyers to demo the NSE in action. According to Gordon Sprouse, Vice President of Marketing for SIMRAD, “The promotion accomplished its intended purpose of showcasing the new Chartplotter in-action.” |
| An important lesson for in-water exhibitors this year pointed to the importance of getting on board the show early in order to take full advantage of the Show’s marketing strategy. This strategy targets bona fide boat owners and presents them with complimentary tickets and a VIP atmosphere. One of the key components of this strategy is dedicated direct mailings. Direct mailers are customized and furnished by the Show to each in-water exhibitor. However, time is of the essence for this strategy to be effective. Show organizers point out that those exhibitors who got on early not only got first choice in terms of slip location, but they were able to take full advantage of the Show’s marketing effort. Coincidently, these were the exhibitors who expressed the greatest degree of satisfaction with the Show. |
| According to Tom Stocker of McKee Yacht Sales, “The show was great. I felt it was better attended that some of the other shows we seem to waste money on. Keep up the good work.” Tom continues, “As a side note, I did make a sale of a 250 DC World Cat as a result of the show.” Tom adds, “We’ll be back next spring for sure!” |
| As always, the Show organizers welcome thoughts and ideas from all exhibitors. Remember, this is your show! |