Having been an exhibitor in boat shows for over 20 years,we have an insider 's insight on "boat shows" that many on here may not have.In late 80's/90's there were lots of tackle booths/factory rep booths highlighting new products.During this timeframe there were only 4 shows within reasonable driving distance of cental Ky-Louisville,Cincinnati,Indianapolis and Nashville.Shift to early 2000 era-to now timeframe,seemed shows popped up everywhere(deer,turkey,boat ,rv,etc).

With the vast number of shows popping up everywhere,this became a problem for exhibitors.All of us have a certain dollar amount budgeted for show promotions.Each exibitor has to decide where he can get the best bang for his buck.Factor in the internet explosion with info at your fingertips and the economic bust,many shows and exhibitors have disappeared.All these factors have contributed to an overall decline in show quality.

Consumers complain about the high cost of attending a show-parking,tickets to enter,food and drink cost after getting in show-very easy to drop $100 for day at show!These are valid concerns for anyone going to show----BUT as Paul Harvey said---"Here's the rest of the story"--It's expensive for an exhibitor to setup at a show'

Just figured up bill for the recent Cincinnati show--
10 x10 booth------------------------$850
Parking------------------------------$100
Motel--------------------------------$827
Eats---------------------------------$400
20 amp electric outlet--------------$110
Transportation cost-----------------$100

These expenses were for a 8 day show.If you needed internet service in show-$99.95 a day,we could go on and on at the inflated charges the Convention centers charge for services.Same inflated charges at Fairgrounds.Exhibitors have to sell enough product to cover expenses and hopefully make a profit to return next year.

The most complaints I hear about shows are lack of tackle dealers/no manufactor reps with new products.I see small bait makers at most shows every year but few are back next year.They can't move enough product to come back.Manufactors can't attend every show,cost would be unreal.

It irks me to have the shamwows,guttercover,basement sealer/junk booths at shows,but show promoters have to fill any open space.Don't want to be negative but I believe within 10 years shows as we have know will be a thing of the past.What shows that survive will be very specilized-boat show,rv show -no mixed variety that we all like to attend.