The 2014 Ottawa Boat & Sportsmen’s Show, on its 39th year, still proved to be the best place to purchase a boat in the region. Despite facing a trend of declining attendance affecting similar shows across the country, exhibitor support remained high, with the Show reporting consistent exhibitor numbers throughout the past years, including legacy exhibitors who have participated in the Show since its inception in 1975.

The Show also faced additional challenges in the inclement weather that caused flooding in much of downtown Ottawa, along with coinciding with the closing weekend of the Olympics. Despite these hurdles, the Show attracted considerable attendance of core and qualified consumers over its 4-day run. Exhibitors have also reported positive feedback, generating strong boat sales and customer leads heading into the 2014 selling season.

“The Ottawa Boat Show saw similar trends to other shows I have participated in during the 2014 season.  We did seem to find lighter traffic during the weekdays but still managed to write business and found qualified consumers. We were extremely busy on both Saturday and Sunday with traffic and sales to match. Legend Boats was quite pleased with our results from the ever-growing Ottawa Show. 

This show has served our Eastern Ontario dealers quite well in setting up their year moving forward.” – Jesse Davis, District Sales Manager, Legend Boats
“Even though the Show was slower than normal we have received several inquiries as well as visits from previously booked customers promising to return this fall.

We even had one booking with deposit for a group of 12 people!” – Barb and Wayne, Owner/Operators, Kipawa Lodge
“The Ottawa Boat and Sportsman show has been part of the George's Marine & Sports marketing plan for over 28 years and we continue to use it as our premier kick off to the boating season. The new EY facility gives us a first class facility with great move in access and just a stone’s throw to the Ottawa airport. This show allows us to reach our market over a very hectic 4 days ensuring that our summer season is set to be successful.

George's will without a doubt be in attendance in 2015” Jeff Wilcox, President, George’s Marine