“Surf’s Up” at the 2012 Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show

Posted by gengberg on January 11th, 2012

‘Surf’s Up’ at the 2012 Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show

Show celebrates 40th anniversary with big stories, visuals: hundreds of boats parade through Minneapolis, new ways to get your ‘feet wet’ inside the convention center, compelling business angles and the best of the outdoors

Minneapolis, Minn. - January 10, 2012 - The 2012 Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show opens its doors at noon on January 19 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. As national reports surface of new boat sales on the rise, the 40th annual boat show is poised to wow attendees and reinvigorate exhibitors.

25 percent larger in 2012, the Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show not only includes hundreds of new boats and accessories to cover, but also show-stopping on-water attractions offering great visuals and fun features, stories of boating icons who have exhibited at the show for nearly all of its 40 years who have kept the boating industry thriving and growing in the Upper Midwest, and more.

Here’s a breakdown of visuals, angles and other stories not to be missed at the 2012 Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show

* BOAT SHOW MOVE-IN - Don’t miss the sight of giant boats crossing the streets of downtown Minneapolis in the middle of winter. The boat show move-in is a logistical marvel. Don’t miss the opportunity to report on the biggest boats moving in approximately 8:00am Monday, January 16. Contact show PR for move-in schedules and the best shot opportunities.
* INDOOR MARINA & YACHT CLUB - For the first time in its history, and in the Midwest, the 2012 show is featuring the Marina & Yacht Club Experience -featuring boats and marine equipment as they were meant to be experienced, in the water! The exhibit features a lifelike setting complete with water, docks, a lift, trees, and boats for every lifestyle and budget, including some of the largest vessels on display.
* RIDE THE WAVES ON FLOWRIDER MOBILE - Visitors will get the unique chance to test their water sports skills indoors on Flowrider Mobile (see video), or “MoFlo” - a new aquatic sport with the look of surfing, the ride of snowboarding, the tricks of skateboarding, and boards derived from wakeboarding. As 15,000 gallons of water move at 25mph on a wave ramp, Flowrider Mobile not only provides a thrill ride, it also tests the skills, balance and tenacity of anyone who loves to skate, surf, wakeboard, bodyboard or surfboard. This is the first time the Flowrider Mobile has appeared at any show in the United States.
* DIY AT FRED’S SHED - This interactive learning center will host DIY seminars filled with practical, professional advice for those interested in maintaining, repairing or upgrading their boat or engine. Free, daily seminars and talk-show format clinics at Fred’s Shed will cover a variety of topics, from fiberglass repair and fuel economy to installing marine electronics and general detailing. Fred’s Shed has great opportunities for interactive visuals, as well as how-to stories on boat maintenance and repair.
* 40th ANNIVERSARY - The history of the show is alive and well with icons of the Minnesota boating industry on hand to discuss the evolution of the show, including Dave Perkins, the original founder of the Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show, and long-time exhibitors from nearly four decades of the show.
* ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC BOAT DISPLAY - Step back in time to admire the beauty and craftsmanship of vintage craft. Among the variety of boats on display will be the award-winning “Stella,” a 1907 Fay & Bowen Standard Launch from the Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum (presented by the Bob Speltz Land-O-Lakes chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society).