Hartford, CT -- Celebrating the 49th year of this award winning Boat Show, CMTA was proud to host the annual event February 8 - 11, 2018 powered by Evinrude BRP.  Attendance levels rebounded strongly after last year's show was hampered by snow and ice. 

Attendance was up 33% over 2017, 14% over 2016 and 25% over 2015.  Thousands of guests strolled the aisles packed with boats and accessories - including record setting crowds on Saturday and Sunday.

        

Numerous dealer reports indicated that sales were strong and goals set for the Show had been reached as year over year sales jumped.

This year's show was highlighted by special presentations, a nod to the industry's future and celebration of waterfront enhanced communities.

Opening Ceremonies

CMTA Chairman Ron Helbig and HBS18 Committee Chair Phil Gaudreau welcomed an energetic group of members, sponsors and partners to officially cut the ribbon, dedicated to Winter Olympic TEAM USA.  Included were:

• CMTA Boards of Directors & CMTA Boat Show Committee Members
• Sponsors:  Jess Callabero, Evinrude BRP Presenting Sponsor; Kevin Muffler, Geico; Richard Piscotano, Renewal by Anderson "Windows to the Future: Sponsor; Matthew Barnes, Leaffilter, Entertainment Sponsor; Melvin Burkey, Shoreside Docks, Paddler's Paradise Pool Sponsor; Anthony Dipetro, Capitol Equipment and Andy Pye, Summit Handling, Equipment Sponsors. Scott Bates, Chairman, CT Port Authority "Destination CT" sponsor.
  
• DEEP Guests:  Susan Whalen Deputy Commissioner; Michael Lambert, Bureau Chief, Kyle Overturf, Environmental Police
• State Representative, William Petit, Plainville
• Stonington First Selectman, Rob Simmons
• Thompson Public Schools Superintendent Melinda Smith, Teachers, Volunteers and Members of the Boat Building Program
  

Special Presentations

Two very special presentations were made during HBS18.  The first during opening Ceremonies to the Thompson Public Schools Boat Building Program to which CMTA donated $1,000 to the program which was matched by sponsor Renewal by Anderson.

On Saturday, Bobby Kolodziej was awarded a $2,500 Scholarship to be used towards tuition for technical and computer training that he wishes to use to advance a marine career.  His parents and grandparents and employer Crocker's Boatyard were on hand for the surprise presentation!

Other Great Participants

CMTA was pleased to welcome other groups to HBS18 this year including Hartford-based Our Piece of the Pie.  OPP students volunteered all weekend as well as staffed our complimentary coat check.  Exhibiting their wood-work projects, their big news was selling their hand-built canoe to a CT based customer.  The instructors and staff were ecstatic to sell their project boat that will continue to help fund their important operations to keep kids off the street and focused on building and other interests!

The CT Port Authority was a new sponsor hosting our CPA Pavilion Destination CT.  Participants in this designated area were attractions and water-enhanced communities such as the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, NL Port Authority and Town of Stonington who launched their brand new website at the Show!

The Big Winners!

CMTA was proud to award The Best in Booth Displays to the Following Great Looking Exhibitors!

The judging was done by an independent representative of our advertising agency who spent two days walking the show and assessing each and every booth. 

Congratulations

• First Place Best Boat Display - A & S Boats
• Second Place Best Boat Display - Bass Pro/Cabelas
• First Place Best Booth Display - Brewers/Safe Harbor & Yacht Sales
• Second Place Best Booth Display - Three Belles Marina             
  

      

 

We're working on a video recap of four great Show Days in Hartford!