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The NMMA and Massachusetts Marine Trade Association (MMTA) released today the results of the first economic contribution study of the Discover Boating New England Boat Show, revealing its substantial impact to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the recreational boating industry, and the adverse effects of the show’s recent move from its traditional February timeframe to early January.

Conducted by the Recreation Marine Research Center at Michigan State University, the study concluded that restoring the boat show’s traditional February dates could substantially boost its economic contribution and is critical to the vitality of the show, resulting in approximately a 32% increase in jobs, 35% more in wages, 31% in additional statewide sales, and a 31% boost in tax revenues.

“The findings from this study reinforce the longevity and success of the New England Boat Show has a direct correlation with dates, and early January dates are not sustainable to the survival of this 70-year tradition,” said Jon Pritko, vice president of Northeast Boat Shows for the NMMA. “The revenue generated from the show for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and recreational boating industry are significant financial impacts and warrant serious consideration for a return of the show to February.”

Other important findings in the study include:

• If the February timeframe is restored, it is estimated the New England Boat Show could support 490 Massachusetts jobs with wage and salary support of just under $20 million. It would also contribute an estimated $28.9 million to annual gross state product on economy-wide transactions of $61.2 million.
• Show vendors attribute an average of 13.9% of annual sales to the New England Boat Show, with some reaching 40%. Estimated sales generated during the show in 2024 amounted to $58.7 million, with an additional estimated $85.1 million occurring post-show.
• Show vendors reported substantial negative effects on both direct sales and follow-up sales due to the lower attendance and January dates.
• The 23,300 attendees in 2024 spent approximately $2.3 million in Massachusetts during the five days of the show, based on tourism spending figures from the Massachusetts Department of Tourism.
• Beyond the boat show’s direct financial impact, the recreational boating industry in Massachusetts generates $5 billion in annual revenue, supporting more than 1,000 businesses and 17,600 jobs.
• If the boat show returns to its traditional February dates, attendance is expected to rebound more than 30,000 to pre-pandemic numbers over the course of two years.

Access the study’s Executive Summary and full report here.

NMMA and our industry partners continue to work with decision makers and stakeholders, urging the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to consider the significant economic benefits to the Commonwealth and return the New England Boat Show’s dates to its traditional February dates.