NMMA acquires Mid-Atlantic Boat Show

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has announced its acquisition of the Mid-Atlantic Boat Show in Charlotte, North Carolina, from Southeast Productions.

NMMA — a trade association representing boat, marine engine and accessory manufacturers in North America — says the acquisition is intended to expand its Discover Boating portfolio of industry-owned boat shows. The Mid-Atlantic Boat Show, now in its 52nd year, is the largest boat show in the Carolinas and operates in one of the USA’s significant boating markets.

The news comes less than a month after NMMA sold the Northwest Sportshow in Minneapolis to Marketplace Events (MPE), North America’s largest business-to-consumer show producer.

Frank Hugelmeyer, NMMA president and CEO, states: “The Mid-Atlantic Boat Show is the dominant boating event in the region and presents enormous opportunities to engage target audiences, foster sales and complement our regional advocacy efforts.

“A show of this calibre, in one of the top boating markets in the country, is capable of attracting a diverse and wide-ranging group of potential boat buyers. With Discover Boating’s marketing resources at the helm, we are excited to partner with the recreational marine industry in the Carolinas to break new ground for our industry and exhibitors.”

Les Gray, president of Southeast Productions, says: “For over 50 years, the Mid-Atlantic Boat Show has provided the Queen City and surrounding market with a showcase of the best the marine industry has to offer. NMMA has a long track record of producing quality boat shows throughout the country, from Chicago and Atlanta, to New York and Miami, and we felt they were just the organisation needed to elevate the show to new heights. We have full confidence the Mid-Atlantic Boat Show will continue to be the Carolinas’ most desirable boating sales event for years to come.”

The 2025 Mid-Atlantic Boat Show is scheduled for 6–9 February at the Charlotte Convention Center. The event will be managed by NMMA’s Darren Envall, vice president of Midwest/Mid-South shows, with Nate Gaw serving as sales manager.

Following this acquisition, the NMMA now owns and produces ten consumer boat shows annually in major U.S. markets.