Visitors get a bird’s eye view of the boat show.
Nearly 2,000 people attended the inaugural Lake Lanier Boat Show the weekend of October 14-16. Organizers and boat dealers said they are pleased with the turnout.
“It was an amazing show for our first time,” said Tabor Reins, president of the Marine Trade Association of Metropolitan Atlanta. “The turnout was great, the weather cooperated and attendees were engaged with our dealers.”
“It gave us as dealers a chance to get back to the basics of connecting boaters with boats, plus it allowed people to see boats in the water, and that’s how it should be,” he said. “It was a fun atmosphere for visitors and with such great weather, we’re hearing that everyone had a successful show.”
Dealers brought more than 200 boats, including 2022 in-stock inventory and preview boats for the 2023 model year.
Atlanta Marine sold or placed orders for 16 boats, a combination of 2022 and 2023 boats.
“We had a great deal of foot traffic and that’s just what we wanted,” said Kelly Seagroves, marketing manager for Atlanta Marine’s six locations. There was a steady flow of people and they were really interested in the new models.
“When I told people that we’d be back again in March, they were so excited,” she said.
Atlanta Marine’s Vice President of Sales Larry Sosnow agrees. “The company set goals for this show and it exceeded our expectations. We’re really excited for the March show.”
The beautiful weather contributed to the success of the show.
“Everything really came together for the weekend,” said Grass Shack co-owner Michael Prince. “All our 2022 models were sold before we got there, so it was a great time to showcase our new 2023 products. Many people placed orders for next spring.”
The show has given the organization insight into further possible expansion and improvements for the weekend of March 3-5, 2023, also to be held at Margaritaville.
“We’re already at work for the March show, bringing in more marine-related vendors for accessories and other boating needs, plus more food trucks and activities for families,” said Heidi Moore with the Marine Trade Association of Metropolitan Atlanta and general manager of Skier’s Marine.
“March will be the perfect time for people to purchase or order their boats for the 2023 season,” Reins said. “And it’s a great way to kick-off recreation for next spring, summer and fall.”
