CEO DATELINE - Marine manufacturers association to sell boat shows, close West Coast offices
CEO DATELINE - Marine manufacturers association to sell boat shows, close West Coast offices
- March 2, 2016 |
-
Walt Williams
Consider joining CEO Update. Membership gives full access to the latest intelligence on association management, career advancement, compensation trends and networking events, as well as hundreds of listings for senior-level association jobs.
The National Marine Manufacturers Association will sell its Los Angeles and San Diego boat shows and stop producing its San Francisco show after failing to find a suitable site for the event, NMMA President Thomas Dammrich announced Wednesday. In addition, the association plans to close its West Coast offices.
In a statement, Dammrich announced the $55 million-revenue association has agreed to transfer ownership of the Los Angeles and San Diego shows to Duncan McIntosh Co., a publishing company and producer of Southern California boat shows. He noted the Los Angeles show has recently seen an 11 percent increase in attendance, but he didn't say why NMMA was selling the shows at this time.
As for the San Francisco boat show, Dammrich noted the most recent event in January was canceled because of unfavorable weather conditions. The association has also had a hard time finding a suitable long-term home for the show in Northern California.
"It was not an easy decision to make but after listening to our exhibitors and exploring our options for alternative host sites, it became clear we would not be able to produce the kind of event our attendees and exhibitors have come to expect from NMMA," he said.
NMMA currently produces more than 20 shows in cities across the U.S., according to its website. It also co-produces the International Boatbuilders' Exhibition and Congress in Tampa, Fla., and the American Boating Congress in Washington, D.C.
The association's decision to divest itself of the three shows means it will close its NWWA West offices later this spring. Dammrich didn't say how many staff would be let go as a result, but among those getting cut is NMMA Vice President Dave Geoffrey, who has been with the association for four years.
Dammrich said that despite the office closures, NMMA would continue to represent the industry before California lawmakers and regulators through its state government affairs team. The association's headquarters is in Chicago. http://bit.ly/1L69xAv
MORE CEO DATELINE