Atlantic City Boat Show 2024
The Atlantic City Bow Show 2024 kicks off this week on New Jersey's famed Atlantic coast.
February 26, 2024
The Atlantic City Boat Show, in partnership with Progressive Insurance, is a premier event for boating enthusiasts and professionals alike, taking place at the Atlantic City Convention Center from February 28 to March 3, 2024. Not to be confused with the AC In-Water Power Boat Show that takes place in September (this year between Sept. 5-8, 2024), this wintertime indoor show offers an extensive array of boats and boating accessories catering to all interests within the marine community.
Above: Atlantic City, New Jersey hosts the annual Atlantic City Boat Show at its convention center. Photo licensed from Pond5.
Unique Features and Boat Types
The Atlantic City Boat Show is unique for its broad spectrum of boats ranging from luxury yachts and fishing boats to family cruisers and personal watercraft. The 2024 edition promises to showcase a diverse lineup of vessels, allowing attendees to browse, compare, and purchase their ideal boat directly from the show. Moreover, the event is not just about boat sales; it includes interactive exhibits and activities designed to enhance the boating lifestyle for all ages.
History and Evolution
The Atlantic City Boat Show has a long-standing history as a key event in the boating industry calendar, drawing visitors and exhibitors from across the nation and beyond. Over the years, it has evolved to include not just boat displays but also educational seminars, hands-on activities, and entertainment, making it a family-friendly event that celebrates the boating lifestyle.
What's New in 2024
The 2024 edition of the show introduces new attractions such as the Discover Boating Beach Club and the appearance of Twiggy, the waterskiing squirrel, emphasizing the show's commitment to providing fresh and engaging content for attendees. There will be live music, cocktails, and beach games; and Fred's Shed How-To Center, offering boating tips and DIY advice. Attendees can also learn the art of casting from fishing pros, experience paddle sports with on-water demos, and listen in on expert-led fishing seminars. The show will also display classic and race boats, offer boat-building activities for kids, and host a photo opportunity with "The Big Catch," a 10-ft. tuna.
Above: The convention center hosts this large indoor boating event in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Image created using OpenAI's Dall-E.
These additions, along with a focus on conservation and eco-friendly practices highlighted in Conservation Village, demonstrate the show's ongoing dedication to promoting a sustainable boating lifestyle. The Atlantic City Boat Show remains a must-visit event for anyone interested in the boating industry, offering a comprehensive look at the latest trends, technologies, and lifestyle enhancements in boating. Its combination of educational content, entertainment, and shopping opportunities makes it a standout event, continuously attracting a diverse audience year after year.
Directions to The Atlantic City Boat Show
From Airports
Visitors traveling by air can arrive at the Atlantic City International Airport, which is the closest airport to the convention center. From there, options include renting a car, taking a taxi, or using rideshare services for the short drive to the event.
Driving
For those driving to the show, Atlantic City is accessible via the Garden State Parkway and the Atlantic City Expressway. Parking is available at the convention center and nearby facilities.
Public Transportation
Public transportation options include NJ Transit services, which offer train and bus connections to Atlantic City from various locations in New Jersey, Philadelphia, and New York. The Atlantic City Rail Terminal is directly connected to the convention center, providing convenient access for those opting to travel by train.
Where Is The Biggest Boat Show In The US?
Miami hosts the biggest boat show in the world in terms of the sheer number of boats displayed, while Fort Lauderdale hosts the largest in-water boat show. Both generally attract around the same amount of attendees— somewhere around 100,000 visitors—and both have a wide variety of boats.
The Miami International Boat Show, aka MIBS, consists of countless boats and yachts displayed at 6 different locations throughout the city, including a network of temporary docks at One Herald Plaza, the world-famous Miami Convention Center, superyachts at Island Gardens and more. MIBS is a sprawling event with huge crowds and tons of different types of boats and marine products to explore.
Produced by Informa, The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, aka FLIBS, is often referred to as "The Great Boat Show on the Seven Seas" and boasts a huge in-water boat display on an extensive network of docks. There is also an indoor component in various large-scale tents. FLIBS is the bulk of the show is on the water and There are more superyachts displayed at FLIBS than at MIBS and the show consists of three million square feet of of exhibitor space and 90 acres.
In comparison, the Atlantic City Boat Show attracts around 40,000 visitors each year.
