Hartford Boat Show Caps Off Another Successful Event

The Hartford Boat Show (HBS20), produced by the Connecticut Marine Trades Association (CMTA), was held January 16 to 19 at Mohegan Sun, and included approximately 15,000 visitors from every part of the state.

CMTA Executive Director Kathleen Burns said that overall attendance at HBS20, at about 15,000, was up approximately five percent over the 2019 show. She added that the holiday weekend dates, ease of access of Mohegan Sun from across the state, and the lower 2.99% sales tax on boats, motors and trailers all combined to make HBS20 an energized and optimistic experience for both exhibitors and visitors.

HBS20 exhibitors attaining Connecticut’s Clean Marina Program certification were designated throughout the Show. The CMTA is the managing organization of the program which was developed in conjunction with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Every year the CMTA presents its highest honor, the Jeanne Czel Person of the year award, for outstanding service to the show, the association and the boating community. At a reception for members and exhibitors the evening before the show’s opening, Dawn Schieferdecker formerly of American Boating Services and past CMTA Chairman, and Stephen Tagliatela of Saybrook Point Inn Marina & Spa received the award.

The CMTA was also awarded its Best in Booth Displays to a four exhibiting companies. The judging was done by an independent representative of the show’s advertising and public relations agencies who spent two days walking the show and assessing every booth. The winners were:

• First Place Best Boat Display – Candlewood East Marina
• Second Place Best Boat Display – Brookfield Bay/Lakeview Marine
• First Place Best Booth Display – New England Bow & Thruster
• Second Place Best Booth Display – Blackhall Outfitters

In 2021, The CMTA’s Hartford Boat Show will return to Mohegan Sun, January 14 to 17.