Post-Katrina Show a Success

March 2006 News

Dealers were apprehensive going into the New Orleans Boat Show this past weekend because of the lingering effects of Hurricane Katrina, but most came away pleased with the results, says show manager Barbara Sclafani.

 

"I'm really happy with the success the dealers had at this show," she said in a telephone interview. "Everyone was happy."

 

The show took place March 8 to 12 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. It had been rescheduled from Feb. 8 to 12 because of the damage to the original venue, the New Orleans Superdome, following Hurricane Katrina.

 

Sclafani said many of the area dealers were worried going into the show. Besides the uncertainty of the buying mood people would be in after having their lives turned upside down, many of the dealers were still recovering from the hurricane. Even those who didn't suffer much damage to their businesses are hurting because their employees have been displaced by the hurricane.

 

As expected, attendance was down this year by about 28 percent. But, while the crowds were smaller, Sclafani said those that came were in a buying mood.

 

"Sales were exceptionally strong," she said.

 

Many of the attendees were people from around the region who, Sclafani believes, had homes and boats damaged by the hurricane. The homes will take longer to rebuild, but buying a boat gives them more immediate satisfaction.

 

"I feel that people are trying to get their lives back to normal," she said.

 

Many dealers told Sclafani this was the best show they had in years, and they're "bending over backwards" to accommodate those sales. She said sales ran the gamut in terms of boat size. In fact, being relocated to the convention center proved advantageous because it allowed more room for bigger boats. This was the first time the show was able to accommodate boats in the 45-foot range.

 

"The exhibitors enjoyed the change and the attendees enjoyed the change," said Sclafani.

 

No decision has been made yet on whether the show will remain at the convention center in future years or return to the Superdome. "We'll have to see what happens," she said.
  • Like what you read?

    Want to know when we have important news, updates or interviews?

You Might Also Be Interested In...
News, Feature

BoatClass Expands to more than 35 Locations

BoatClass, a certified on-water boater training ha...
Web Exclusive
Feature, News

TowBoatUS Service Now in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

When boats break down on the water, TowBoatUS safe...
Web Exclusive
BoatUS
News

Introducing Revel Boats

Revel Boats is the newest pontoon brand that was i...
Feature, News

Earth-friendly tips for Earth Day

Mother Earth needs a little help from boaters, but...
Web Exclusive
BoatUS
Feature, News

Coming Up: Marine Service Technician Week

The week is dedicated to recognizing the exception...
Web Exclusive
Feature, News

Supersede Set to Transform Marine Grade Plywood Market

Supersede Marine Board addresses the gap in the ma...
Web Exclusive
Theresa Nicholson
Share

Send to your friends!

Click here to read the current issue.

Already a subscriber? Please check your email for the latest full issue link.