Following an extensive analysis of exhibitor feedback and in-depth discussions with both exhibitor and show committees, the New York National Boat Show will move to a new set of dates beginning this year. The new dates are December 13-21, 2008, nearly two weeks earlier than originally scheduled.

After five years of less-than-ideal dates that straddled the Christmas and New Years holidays, the earlier date pattern opens up new marketing opportunities for the long-standing show, as well as the ability to piggyback off continuous holiday media attention. The earlier dates are also likely to ensure increased consumer attendance, as the show's boating demographic is home preparing for the holidays instead of vacationing out of town, which has been the case with previous years' dates.

"This change represents a significant development in ongoing efforts with the City and State of New York to relocate the show to a more favorable timeframe," says Ben Wold, executive vice president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), which owns and produces the New York show. "At exhibitors' requests, we've worked hard to find a date pattern that better accommodates the needs of show participants and attendees alike, and we think given the pre-holiday buzz encompassing the Big Apple at Christmastime, this new time slot could be a winner."

"We're excited to participate in the New York show this year," says Scott Crutchfield, vice president of sales for MasterCraft Boat Company. "The previous date pattern made it difficult to attract the local consumer we were accustomed to seeing in New York. We're certain these new dates will spur renewed interest in the show and deliver enthusiastic boaters to the Javits Center."

"Christmas shopping will never be the same in New York," echoes New York exhibitor Marc Hannah of Follansbee Dock Systems.  "They say timing is everything; what a difference a few weeks will make!"

The show will retain its nine-day format at Manhattan's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, and space renewal applications will be mailed to exhibitors sometime in mid-May.