Featuring all aspects of Boating Fun Under the Sun in Connecticut, the Hartford Boat Show (HBS20) will lead the prominent Northeast winter boat show schedule when it harbors at the Earth Expo Center at Mohegan Sun January 16-19, 2020. This is the second year that the 51-year-old Hartford Boat Show will dock at the casino property in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Produced by the Connecticut Marine Trades Association (CMTA) and powered by Evinrude/BRP, the Hartford Boat Show will feature over 125 exhibitors covering approximately 150,000 square feet of the Earth Expo Center, with over 400 boats and water craft being featured. Over 35 dealers, representing at least 95 different brands of boats, motors and trailers are participating. All available exhibit space has already sold out. Additional sponsors include Helly Hanson/Landfall, Renewal by Andersen, and KinderCare.
“The boat dealers are very excited to be returning to Mohegan Sun for a second year,” said Kathleen Burns, CMTA Executive Director. “The location proved to be a crowd-pleaser for our 50th anniversary event last January. It is very easy for exhibitors to get in and out of, and visitors enjoyed the facility all weekend long. Despite any forecast, people can come and make a weekend out of it, enjoy Mohegan Sun’s restaurants, free parking, great accommodations, and even take a long weekend due to the Monday holiday,” she continued.
The Hartford Boat Show exhibitor list reflects every element of recreational boating in the state, for those enjoying Connecticut’s waterways from the sound to the lake and rivers, as well as experienced navigators to new boaters. HBS20 visitors can expect to see boats, jet skis, personal watercraft, paddle sports, kayaks, marinas, motors, slip rentals, servicing, fishing gear, educational programs and materials, insurance, trailers, electronics, sanitation, air conditioning, attire, nautical home décor, decking, dock building, winter storage, financing, shore side activities, destinations and attractions and boating food and beverage.
“The combination of our early dates leading the boat show season, the fact that the location draws from throughout the state and that the state has a 2.99% sales tax on boats, trailers and motors, are all working together to create a highly energized event,” Burns said. She added that January is the optimal time for placing new boat and equipment orders and preparing for warmer weather. Many dealers will be offering season and show promotions, with delivery timing to meet the opening of the boating season.
You can find The Fisherman Magazine at booth #BR352, located in the Ballroom, directly off the main hallway after you enter the show.
Because the Hartford Boat Show is produced by the industry trade association, in addition to the vast boat and product showings, every year specific aspects of recreational boating and industry initiatives are featured. HBS20 will include special sections and programs focused on marine trades workforce development, boat safety, and environmental projects, as well as the importance of the business of boating to Connecticut’s economy.
This year the Show celebrates family boating with a special Kid’s Cove section dedicated to youth and boating activities. Children’s professionals from KinderCare will lead activities for the junior skippers including boating art activities, fishing, sand art, sea themed jewelry making and more. The Seatow Foundation will be sponsoring an exciting Passport to Safety Scavenger Hunt which will promote safe boating by learning safety fun-facts throughout the Show.
Tickets for the Hartford Boat Show may be purchased at HartfordBoatShow.com. Pre-show online tickets are $13. During The Boat Show, general admission is $15, with children under 12 accompanied by an adult admitted free. A Senior/Military one-day pass is $10. A Two Day Pass allowing access to the show any two days is available at $20. Group sales for groups over 15 people may be arranged by contacting CMTA Show Staff at 860-767-2645.
