Newport Exhibition Group, owners and producers of the Newport International Boat Show, announced today its plans for the 2014 State of the Industry Press Conference. This year, the event will take place on Friday, September 12th at 8:15 a.m. in Sunset Lounge at the end of Commercial Wharf. The new format will feature a lively question and answer session among a panel of industry experts.
Open to members of the press and individuals attending the Newport International Boat Show, attendees will be welcomed to the city by The Honorable Henry F. Winthrop, mayor of Newport.
Following The Mayor, five executives from various marine segments will answer questions presented by an emcee about their view of the industry. The segments are Boating Gear, Engine Manufacturers, Marine Electronics, Powerboat and Sailboat. Once the question and answer period is complete, Brad Read, executive director of Sail Newport, will give a brief presentation about the Volvo Ocean Race and its planned, first-ever stopover in Newport next May. The press conference will conclude with the announcement of the Newport for New Products and Edson Star Award winners.
“We are excited to roll out this fresh approach to our annual State of the Industry Press Conference,” said Nancy Piffard, Show Director of Newport Exhibition Group. “Editors and attendees will hear each expert’s thoughts on current trends related to their segment of the industry, as well as what the future holds for the boating market. It’s an exciting time to be in Newport and this highlight of the show should not be missed.”
Expected to draw tens of thousands to historic Newport, the Newport International Boat Show will take place Thursday, September 11th through Sunday, September 14th, 2014 on the Newport Waterfront along America’s Cup Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island. One of the largest in-water boat shows in the country, the event will host nearly 750 exhibitors from around the world with an exceptional assortment of boats of every type and style from 15 to 110 feet, and a wide variety of accessories, equipment, electronics, gear and services for boaters.
Online tickets are available through the Newport International Boat Show website. Children under 12 are admitted free any day when accompanied by an adult. On Friday, visitors with a valid Military or Newport County Resident ID receive half price admission. For more information on the 44th Annual Newport International Boat Show and to purchase tickets, please visit www.newportboatshow.com.
Event updates will be posted as they become available and communicated on the show’s Twitter and Facebook accounts: @NewportBoatShow and www.facebook.com/newportboatshow, respectively.