When the 53rd annual Baltimore Boat Show opens to the public today, its economic impact on the city will be a favorable shot in the arm.
“Visitors will be experiencing the city while here,” said Nancy Hines, vice president of the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association. “They will shop and have lunch [and] enjoy the Inner Harbor.”
The association estimates 25,000 to 30,000 visitors to the Baltimore Convention Center for the region?s largest show.
With at least 500 boats from more than 50 regional exhibitors on display, city businesses are not the only recipient of tourists? dollars.
“We estimate that dealers and exhibitors will generate 30 percent of their annual revenue from boat show participation,” said Michael Duffy, National Marine Manufacturers Association?s Northeast regional manager and the show?s producer.
Presented by NMMA, the world?s largest producer of boat shows, the 215,000-square-foot exhibit showcases powerboats for on the spot sale that range in size from 10 to 42 feet.
In addition to the watercraft, more than 100 vendors? booths will be displaying and selling the latest in fishing and boating gear, including rods and reels, navigational devices, trailers and accessories.
Brian Schneider, owner of Trade Winds Marina in Middle River, is exhibiting for the 19th time.
Schneider, who will bring six of his select boats, 20 to 32 feet in length, said most of the time the show has been profitable to his business.
“We try to sell on the spot, but we hope we have a good lead system so we can follow up and takecare of [buyers] after the show,” he said.
But the boat show also exposes Baltimore to those who would not normally come into the city, Hines said.
“The boat show keeps them coming,” she said. “Last year we had 24,156 visitors, which was up 59 percent over 2004.”
And the boat show keeps growing.
It is anticipated that next year?s set up will require the Convention Center?s total exhibit space of 300,000 square feet.
