NMMA to sell Toronto show
By IBI Magazine
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Canadian Boat Shows Inc yesterday sent out simultaneous press releases announcing the sale of the Toronto International Boat Show (TIBS). Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the releases said the sale is expected to close on March 31, 2010. Longtime NMMA employee and Toronto show manager headed a consortium that includes the Ontario Marine Operators Association (OMOA), Peter Kiddell of Canwest Shows and a group of investors. "TIBS is a world-class show, produced by a world-class team," said Al Donaldson, executive director of the OMOA, the largest recreational marine trade association in Canada, in the statement. "Our board of directors is delighted that the OMOA has been able to acquire an ownership position in this new venture." Donaldson will chair the CBSI board of directors. "Bringing ownership of the show back to Canada is a great opportunity for our industry," said Waddell in the statement. The company has retained the show team of Cynthia Hare, show manager; Scott MacInnes, sales manager; Kim Blair, operations manager; and Ruth Krentz, administrative manager. The NMMA said the recent acquisition of the New England Boat show prompted it to "reposition" its boat show portfolio. "Selling the Toronto show is a strategic decision that allows us to expand our reach in other markets and better position NMMA to best serve the industry for the long term," said NMMA president Thom Dammrich in the statement. "There are a lot of opportunities for NMMA and the recreational boating industry as the economy rebounds and we make changes to better align with shifts in the economic climate." NMMA said it would maintain its office in Canada, led by Sara Anghel, vice president for NMMA Canada. Over the last five years the Toronto International Boat Show has annually attracted more than 550 exhibitors and an average attendance of 90,000 visitors. The next show is scheduled to run January 8-16, 2010.
(10 March 2010)
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