Leading the prominent 2019 Northeast winter boat show schedule, the Hartford Boat Show (HBS50) will dock at the new Earth Expo Center at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, January 17 through 20, 2019 showcasing every aspect of Boating Under the Sun.
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Produced by the Connecticut Marine Trades Association (CMTA) and powered by Evinrude/BRP, the event is celebrating its 50th anniversary and will feature over 125 exhibitors covering approximately 150,000 square feet of the new Earth Expo Center at Mohegan Sun, in the center’s ballroom, breakout rooms, casino and parking lot (weather permitting), 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 in the expo center has sold out. Additional sponsors include Helly Hanson, Renewal by Andersen, and the Connecticut Port Authority.
“Being able to secure early January dates for the show at Mohegan Sun allows the Hartford Boat Show to return to its original timing when it previously led the Northeast boat show schedule, and we are pleased to be able to take advantage of the amazing space created at the new Earth Expo Center which is extremely family friendly. It is also logistically ideal for exhibitors moving boats into the facility and allows many to expand their booths to include more and larger watercraft,” said Kathleen Burns, Executive Director, CMTA. “It is especially meaningful since this is the 50th anniversary of the show.”
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. HBS50 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.
According to the CMTA, early January is the most advantageous time for placing new boat and equipment orders. “It’s really the best timing for purchasing, with many dealers offering season and show promotions, and delivery timing to meet the opening of the boating season in the state,” Burns said.
Throughout the show, visitors will also find special areas highlighting various aspects of boating and the business of marine trades in the state. Learn Everything Under the Sun is a new interactive learning center which will feature an ongoing series of open sessions on boat maintenance and boat safety. New boaters will find a dedicated section offering helpful tips for those just embarking in the sport. 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, the CMTA Foundation and scholarship programs.
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 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.
