US boat show moves to new location in 2025

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has confirmed the Chicago Boat Show is moving from McCormick Place to the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center (DES Convention Center) in 2025.

NMMA says the move results from market analysis, exhibitor demand and boater feedback. The Chicago Boat Show will hold its first edition in the new location from 8 to 12 January 2025.

“After consulting with stakeholders and in-depth analysis, the best path forward is producing the Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show at the DES Convention Center,” said Darren Envall, vice president of Midwest Boat and Sportshows for NMMA. “The more centralised Rosemont, IL location positions the show for growth, accommodating the expanding boating population across a broader Chicagoland region, from the city and surrounding neighbourhoods to the suburbs and exurbs of Chicago, and surrounding states.”

The DES Convention Center will host both large and small boats and exhibitors from a multi-state area spanning Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.

“We have so many great memories of the Chicago Boat Show at McCormick Place, but the time for a change is here,” says Jesse Gaengel, president of The Boat House. “We look forward to the revitalisation of the boat show at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center and exhibiting in 2025 and beyond to bring the best of boating to attendees.”

Located in the village of Rosemont, just 15 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, the DES Convention Center provides 840,000 square feet of exhibition space. The Chicago Boat Show joins other popular shows in the outdoor industry in making Rosemont its home, including the Chicago RV & Camping Show, Chicago Golf Show, and Travel & Adventure Show.

“The Chicagoland area is a hub for tourism and events, and the Village of Rosemont is no exception with its convenient location, close parking, and great amenities,” said Christopher Stephens, executive director of the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. “On behalf of Rosemont and the DES Convention Center, we are pleased and honoured to welcome the Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show to its new home and show exhibitors and both current and future boaters all that Rosemont has to offer. We look forward to carrying on this Chicago tradition and are invested in continuing this partnership with the NMMA.”

Envall adds: “We look forward to hosting the Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show at the DES Convention Center, providing critical business to the recreational boating industry and continuing as the best event for consumers to see and shop the region’s largest selection of boats.”

Marking its 93rd year as the destination for boaters and future boaters from across the Chicagoland area, the 2025 Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show will showcase hundreds of new boats for sale from the area’s leading dealers, from entry-level personal watercraft and aluminium fishing boats, to wake sport boats and luxury cruisers. The boat show will also host the latest in marine electronics and accessories, boater education and activities for all ages.