| USA. Strictly Sail cruises into Philadelphia in 2007 |
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| Wednesday, 01 November 2006 | |
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Boat show news: Nearly one hundred sailboats—ready to be launched for the 2007 boating season—will be on display at the 2nd Strictly Sail Philadelphia show, taking place January 18-21, 2007 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Early indications from the marketplace indicate that mid-January will be a great time to sell boats to the mid-Atlantic and Northeast customers. As the only all-sail indoor boat show on the East Coast, Strictly Sail Philadelphia is expected to attract upwards of 15,000 attendees. Sailing gear, electronics and charter information will be on display from the industry’s top sailing companies. Additionally, a full schedule of daily seminars and special events for sailors of all ages and abilities will be offered. “We’re excited to bring Strictly Sail back to Philadelphia for all of the Mid-Atlantic sailors,” said Kevin Murphy, national show manager for Sail America. “It offers sailors a unique opportunity because of its convenience to New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and beyond. We provide a family friendly atmosphere that attracts a lot of people—some who may already own a boat and are looking to outfit it and some who are looking to get on the water with a new boat for the start of the season.” Scot West, Philadelphia show chair, notes that 40% of the U.S population lives within four hours drive of the convention center. He rates the convention center “as one of the best in the country with dramatic entry ways, large display areas, wireless Internet access and a direct, indoor connection to the official show hotel.” West notes that “boat builders are all committed to the show and committed to making it a buying extravaganza. Hunter and Catalina again have huge displays planned. Beneteau is taking more space this year and Island Packet, Tartan, C&C, Jeanneau, Sabre, Caliber, Colgate 26 and many more have already committed to the Philadelphia show.” West emphasizes that the Philadelphia show is set up to generate strong sales. “Industry leaders are indicating that sales have dramatically picked up since mid-to-late summer, and most have experienced strong fall shows. Mid-January has always been ideal timing for selling boats to Mid-Atlantic and Northeast customers. Given that the market is reinvigorated, this year in Philly is set up to be a big selling show.” He also notes that while numerous boats on display are critical for a successful show, “so are the brands that are found on all of the boats and in the aisles of the aftermarket retailers.” He says the committee is pushing hard to bring in more booth exhibitors. The show committee is working on a plan to maximize the retail environment by having several featured retailers set up to sell anything/everything sailing-related right from the show floor, said West. Interested retailers are encouraged to call Sail America Sales Manager Lori Gleason at Lori@sailamerica.com. A phone and mailing sales campaign is just about to start and the show committee is also working on additional extra-push marketing ads in major sailing publications and websites. West said, “Philly has all of the key ingredients that set it up for success this year. HOWEVER, it is up to us, as the membership/exhibiting companies to MAKE IT GREAT. Strictly Sail Philadelphia is one of five Strictly Sail boat shows, and one of only three shows owned entirely by Sail America. Don’t kid yourself; Sail America needs YOU to make it successful.” |
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 01 November 2006 ) |
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