CLEVELAND, Ohio – November 13, 2024:  Marketplace Events (MPE), North America’s largest business-to-consumer show producer, today announced the acquisition of the Northwest Sportshow in Minneapolis from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the leading trade association for the North American recreational boating industry and world’s largest boat show producer.

The NMMA produces trade events and nine Discover Boating consumer boat shows around the country.

Marketplace Events, which already produces two successful and longstanding home shows in the Twin Cities, has been aggressively acquiring in the sport and outdoor category.  The Northwest Sportshow will be the 19th show the company has purchased in this category since March 25 of this year. The acquisition brings the total number of events produced by the company to 114, including 68 home shows, 19 sport/outdoor shows, 16 holiday shows, and 11 trade events.

“We are excited to continue our expansion in the outdoor category,” explained Mark White, CEO of Marketplace Events, “A show of this quality, in a market like Minneapolis where we have deep roots and a long history of success, will help us provide a top-notch experience for exhibitors and attendees.”

“Marketplace Events has a long track record of producing quality consumer events, and with its expansion into the outdoors sector and experience in the Minneapolis market, will continue to produce a successful Northwest Sportshow for visitors and exhibitors,” said Darren Envall, Vice President of Midwest Shows for NMMA. “NMMA remains committed to the Twin Cities market with a focus on the Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show, which closely precedes the sportshow, and we will continue to explore opportunities to strategically broaden the Discover Boating boat show portfolio in other markets to further engage target audiences.”

The 2025 Northwest Sportshow is scheduled to run March 13-16, 2025, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The show will be led by veteran show managers Bruce Evans and Dan DeJaeger, both from Minneapolis. “Both have strong ties to the community and a long history of producing and marketing successful events in Minneapolis,” explained White.

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ABOUT MARKETPLACE EVENTS

Marketplace Events creates vibrant expositions connecting enthusiasts with experts, products and services in dynamic face-to-face environments.  The company produces more than 100 business-to-consumer and trade shows in North America including almost 70 home and garden shows, 18 sport and outdoor shows, 16 holiday shows and 10 regional trade shows.  The 100+ combined events, in 53 markets, currently attract 30,000 exhibitors, 2.5 million attendees and another 5 million unique web visitors annually. The company produces some of the most successful and longest-running shows in North America, including market-leading shows in Seattle, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal—some of which have thrived in their markets for more than 75 years. For a full list of upcoming events visit marketplaceevents.com/our-shows.

ABOUT NMMA

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading trade organization for the North American recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce approximately 85 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, marine accessories and gear used by millions of boaters in North America. The association serves its members and their sales and service networks by bringing them together to expand domestic and international sales and marketing opportunities, support access to waterways, explore new technology and business solutions, and ensure a sustainable future for the recreational marine community. As the largest producer of boat and sport shows in the U.S., NMMA connects the recreational boating industry with the boating consumer year-round. Learn more at www.nmma.org and get engaged with us on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Shelly Gepfert, CMO
ShellyG@MarketplaceEvents.com | 828.275.7646