NMMA Acquires 4 New Boat and Sport Shows

The Chicago-based National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has reached an agreement to acquire the Chicagoland Fishing Travel & Outdoor Expo, the Greater Philadelphia Outdoor Sportshow, the World Fishing & Outdoor Exposition, and the Saltwater Fishing Expo from the American Sportfishing Association (ASA).

As the largest trade association representing the recreational boating industry, NMMA already owns and operates more than 20 consumer boat and sport shows across the United States.

“The ASA shows will make an outstanding addition to our lineup,” said NMMA vice president Ben Wold. “This partnership with ASA will bring together leaders from both recreational fishing and boating industries to create the strongest selling consumer shows for both recreational boating and fishing products.”

With the acquisition, NMMA will bring on two full-time employees from the ASA – show manager Tod Alberto and assistant show manager Julia Bubar – to run the new events. The group will also maintain the former ASA show office in New Hampshire.

The acquisition of the shows marks the beginning of a new partnership between NMMA and ASA designed to better coordinate marketing efforts aimed at growing participation in boating and recreational fishing. Moving forward, the ASA Consumer Show Committee will provide strategic direction to help NMMA expand the fishing component at its shows, while NMMA will support recreational fishing through an annual donation to the Keep America Fishing fund for the next five years. The two groups will also work together on common advocacy issues.