NMMA cancels New Orleans show

Posted on November 24, 2009

The 2010 New Orleans Boat & Sportshow was cancelled in order to address dealer demands as the boating industry pulls out of the recession, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, which produces the show.

The next show will be held in 2011, the NMMA says.

"There just wasn't enough critical mass to warrant an acceptable 2010 show for our exhibitors," said Cathy Rick-Joule, vice president of Southern shows, in a statement. "We want to continue to be the Gulf Coast's largest and best boat show and look forward to a new day for our industry and a sustainable and strong 2011 event."

In addition to the show's postponement, Barbara Sclafani, who has been with NMMA for 17 years and ran the New Orleans Boat & Sportshow for seven years, will retire Nov. 30.

The 41st annual New Orleans Boat & Sportshow is scheduled to take place Jan. 5-9, 2011, at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. A replacement for Sclafani has not yet been determined.

Comments

5 December, 04 2009, 09:41 PM

By gh

Let's get real and tell the truth.  Here's why the New Orleans Boat Show was cancelled:  A core group of New Orleans Boat Dealers got together and conspired to Boycott the Show in order to destroy it. This same group has produced their own show the last 2 years with very poor attendance.  Now they have the monolopy they wanted.

Can you spell SHERMAN ANTI TRUST ACT?

4 November, 25 2009, 09:04 AM

By la boat dealer

The NMMA should listen to the local dealers requests. January 5-9 2011 means a move in on Jan 2. La is not in the northern region where winterization is necessary. No one wants a boat in January and all will wait for the spring. In addition the Saints make the playoffs and no one attends. This show needs to be in Feb/March.

3 November, 24 2009, 03:31 PM

By john ennis

The big seller isn't new boats its used boats especialy ones that have been forclosed on. This trend is expected to continue thru next year or until the unemployment rate improves. Remember..the rate published monthly by the federal government does not include the millions who have given up looking for work. Many people who attend boat shows are not boaters but people who had a few bucks in their pocket for admission and nothing else to do.

2 November, 24 2009, 02:41 PM

By abc123

What a shame!  I hope when ths show comes back the NMMA recognizes the dealers that stood behind this show.  This was, by far, the best show in this region.  Short sighted dealers!!! 

1 November, 24 2009, 01:05 PM

By fl boat dealer

I hate that any boat shows are cancelled even though I feel like there are to many shows at least in Florida. I am curious though as to how many shows have been cancelled and where they have been cancelled. I know florida is tough but is the rest of the countrie's marine dealers this bad?

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