Mar 26, 2024

On March 14^th, the NMMA announced that the Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show®, in partnership with Progressive Insurance®, is moving from McCormick Place to the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center (DES Convention Center) in 2025. The move of Chicagoland’s largest boating event is the result of thorough market analysis, exhibitor demand, and boater feedback, and positions the show for growth to meet the needs of the boating industry and attendees throughout the region. The Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show will dock in its new space, January 8-12, 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 & Sportshows for NMMA. “The more centralized Rosemont, IL location positions the show for growth, accommodating the expanding boating population across a broader Chicagoland region, from the city and surrounding neighborhoods 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. We look forward to the revitalization 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!” said Jesse Gaengel, President of The Boat House.

“SkipperBud’s is excited about the move to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, which opens many new opportunities and will elevate the show experience for both the dealer base and attendees,” said Terry Anderson, General Manager of SkipperBuds, Sequoit Harbor. “The dynamic show setting in Rosemont will complement highlighting new models from our brand portfolio, and our customers will have a new, more centralized venue to gather, meet up and enjoy the best boat show in the region.”

Centrally 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, is near a multitude of restaurants, hotels, shops and entertainment, and within close access to a number of major highways and public transportation offerings. The Discover Boating 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 honored 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.”

“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,” said Envall.

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 aluminum 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.

Visit ChicagoBoatShow.com for updates.