Chicagoland In-Water Boat Show at Michigan City
NEWS RELEASE
PLANS FOR NEW EVENT DRAWS ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION MICHIGAN CITY, IN — Plans for a reengineered boating event were unveiled to an enthusiastic group of marine dealers and local agency representatives last week at a special luncheon presentation, and all came away agreeing the new event should be a winner. “From the name to the programming, we’re going to create a new event that is a boating festival unique to the Lake Michigan region,” announced Bryan Ralston, the new director of marketing for the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association that produces the event. “We know the days of just displaying new boats and expecting large crowds to come are gone,” he explained. “Today, people want more for their limited time. It’s now all about believing they’ll have a great experience if they attend an event, and that’s precisely what we’re going to give them.” The new event will take on a distinct rendezvous atmosphere, including entertainment from a full list of musical and comedy acts on stage; a hands on kids activities center; a full schedule of fishing seminars and casting contests for cash prizes; a hole-in-one competition out to an island for prizes, among other activities. Food always plays an important role at a good rendezvous, too. According to Ralston, plans call for a food truck rally and dockside dining; a floating “watering” hole; a craft beer sampling event; a special wine tasting party; adjacent restaurant fine dining, and similar features. “But make no mistake,” Ralston emphasized, “while we’re featuring things we’ve never done before, boats and marine products are still the stars of this show. All these features will surround the in-water displays, land exhibits and accessory tents that make up the only in-water boat show now held annually on Lake Michigan. The tri-state market is huge and our clear objective is to deliver a large, qualified audience to our exhibitors at this new show.” Applause and support for the plan came from across the group that included major dealers like: Spring Brook Marina, Freedom Boat Club, BASA’s Marine, Skipper Bud’s, Huber’s Marine, B&E Marine, to name some. Local agencies, too, including the LaPorte County Visitors Bureau and the Michigan City Port Authority pledged all out support. The 2016 show is set to run Thursday – Sunday, August 11-14. Exhibitors selecting space now are receiving special incentives, emphasized Ralston. For more information contact: Bryan Ralston (440) 899-5009 Ext 15 or bryanralston@lemta.com