FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kathleen Burns
Executive Director, CMTA
kathleen@ctmarinetrades.org
Phone: 860-767-2645
BOATING UNDER THE SUN AT THE HARTFORD BOAT SHOW JANUARY 17-20, 2019 PROVIDES A BREAK FROM THE WINTER FREEZE
Over 400 Watercraft, 125 Exhibitors, 95 Brands of Boats, Motors and Trailers Anchor Show at Mohegan Sun
ESSEX, CT – DECEMBER 17, 2018 – Powered by Evinrude/BRP, the 50th Hartford Boat Show (HBS50) will cruise into the new Earth Expo Center at Mohegan Sun leading the Northeast’s winter boat show schedule, January 17-20, 2019. Presented by the Connecticut Marine Trades Association (CMTA), the event will feature over 400 watercraft and 125 exhibitors and is expected to draw over 14,000 visitors.
All available exhibit space in Mohegan Sun’s new expo center has sold out for the Hartford Boat Show, and watercraft will also be featured in the center’s ballroom, breakout rooms, and casino, and the show’s hours have been expanded from past years. Over 35 dealers, representing at least 95 different brands of boats, motors and trailers are participating. The show also features personal watercraft such as jet skis, kayaks, inflatables, wakeboards, paddle boats and boards, as well as fishing gear, marinas and boatyards, other marine services, electronics, boating accessories, marine schools and educational programs, and shore side activities such as destinations and attractions and food and beverage.
Evinrude has been a lead sponsor of HBS50 for over a decade, and this year is joined by Helly Hansen and the Connecticut Port Authority leading the fleet of sponsors and exhibitors. The Evinrude/BRP Pavilion will feature the company’s fuel efficient E-TEC G2 outboard engines, which can help boaters trim their gas bills and reduce their carbon foot print, releases low emissions.
“Mid January is the perfect time for an indoor boat show, and with our expanded space at Mohegan Sun, we have been able to create some new special areas and activities that are going to be particularly fun for families and new boaters,” said Kathleen Burns, Executive Director, CMTA.
Welcome to Our Waters Workshop (W2OW) is an interactive learning center which will feature an ongoing series of open sessions on boat maintenance and boat safety. Workshop topics will include trailer maintenance and repair, fuel quality, propeller performance, cabin cruiser systems analysis, outboard maintenance, carburetors, and fishing tips. Marine service expert Larry Jenc will be presenting many of the sessions and throughout the program will be conducting one-on-one service consultations. In addition, new boaters will find a dedicated section offering helpful tips for those just embarking in the sport. The new Kids Cove is a dedicated activity area with childcare services available.
The Windows to the Future section, sponsored by Renewal by Andersen, returns to the show as a demonstration arena featuring schools and boat building and educational programs from across the state. Also returning is the Boating in Connecticut Workforce area highlighting career opportunities in marine trades, and the ever-popular Blackhawk Fishing Charter Fighting Chair Challenge.
“The timing of the show and the space at the new expo center have allowed us to include a number of new exhibitors that we would not have been able to accommodate previously,” said Burns. “Having representation across all aspects of recreational boating and being able to be inclusive, is especially important for HBS50 because it is a show produced by the industry, and really does showcase all aspects boating throughout the state,” she added.
Over 23 new exhibitors are joining HBS50, including AY Custom boat builders, Arrigoni Design chairs, Atlantic Marketing, Canadian Electric Boat Co., Eastern Yacht Sales, Hale Propeller, Harbour Light, Intercoastal Financial Group, L&L Electronics, Landfall Navigations, Navico electronics, New England Bow Thruster, Maritime Solutions, PMW Marine, Sea Tow Central, Tim Bassett Marine, and Trident Funding. Approximately 82% of HBS50 exhibitors are Connecticut based companies representing all regions across the state, and showcasing the diversity of the business of recreational boating in the state.
Tickets for the Hartford Boat Show may be purchased at www.hartfordboatshow.com. Pre-show online tickets are $12. During The Boat Show, general admission is $14, with children under 12 accompanied by an adult admitted free. A Two Day Pass allowing access to the show any two days is available at $20. A Senior/Military one-day pass is $10. Group sales for groups over 15 people may be arranged by contacting CMTA Show Staff at 860-767-2645.
The Hartford Boat Show will be open Thursday, January 17 from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm; Friday, January 18 from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm; Saturday, January 19 from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm and Sunday, January 20 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
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About The Hartford Boat Show: Now in its 50th year, the Hartford Boat Show features the newest boats on the market including center consoles, fishing boats, luxury cruisers, sport and ski boats, sailboats, personal watercraft, paddle boats and boards in addition to fishing gear, marinas and boatyards, other marine services and boating accessories. Produced by the Connecticut Marine Trades Association (CMTA) the show is open to the public January 17-20, 2019 at the Earth Expo Center at Mohegan Sun, and will feature over 125 exhibitors, 400 boats and watercraft, as well as educational seminars, boating personality appearances, and demonstration areas. www.hartfordboatshow.com
About Connecticut Marine Trades Association (CMTA): The CMTA is a not-for-profit trade association representing boating and related marine industries throughout Connecticut, from the Long Island Sound to the state’s rivers and lakes. Founded in 1954, the CMTA has over 330 member businesses and is dedicated to the well-being of the industry by promoting the interests of recreational boating, improving industry condition, monitoring legislative and regulatory issues, and advancing boating education throughout the state. www.ctmarinetrades.org
(Editor’s Note: Past Hartford Boat Show photos and background materials are available upon request. CMTA Executive Director Kathleen Burns is available for interview. For additional information, contact Diane Greco at 914-666-4150 or tactixdg@verizon.net)
