The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has inked a deal to transfer ownership of the Northwest Sportshow to Marketplace Events.
The trade association, the largest boat show producer worldwide, said the sale is part of a strategic plan to broaden the Discover Boating boat show portfolio in other markets to engage with additional target audiences.
“Marketplace Events, which already produces two successful and longstanding home shows in the Twin Cities, has been aggressively acquiring in the sport and outdoor category. The Northwest Sportshow will be the 19th show the company has purchased in this category since March 25 of this year,” the company said in a media release.
The acquisition reportedly brings the total number of events that the company produces to 114, including 68 home shows, 19 sport/outdoor shows, 16 holiday shows, and 11 trade events.
“We are excited to continue our expansion in the outdoor category,” explained Mark White, CEO of Marketplace Events, “A show of this quality, in a market like Minneapolis where we have deep roots and a long history of success, will help us provide a top-notch experience for exhibitors and attendees.”
Darren Envall, VP of Midwest Shows, NMMA, said that Marketplace Events has a long track record of producing consumer events and, with its expansion into the outdoors sector and experience in the Minneapolis market, will continue to produce a successful Northwest Sportshow for visitors and exhibitors.
“NMMA remains committed to the Twin Cities market with a focus on the Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show, which closely precedes the sportshow, and we will continue to explore opportunities to strategically broaden the Discover Boating boat show portfolio in other markets to further engage target audiences,” Envall stressed.
The 2025 Northwest Sportshow will run at the Minneapolis Convention Center on March 13-16, 2025. Veteran show managers Bruce Evans and Dan DeJaeger, both from Minneapolis, will lead the show. “Both have strong ties to the community and a long history of producing and marketing successful events in Minneapolis,” explained White.
Image courtesy NMMA
