The “Chicago Boat Show,” inaugurated in 2015, is an annual event held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont. Organized by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, this event has evolved into a central meeting point for outdoor enthusiasts and boating aficionados. The name of the fair represents not just a title but also promises a comprehensive experience in the world of water sports and outdoor activities..
At the heart of the fair are boats and water sports, featuring a wide array of products and services. From the latest boats to equipment for fishing, hunting, and other outdoor activities, visitors find everything they need for their adventures. The fair serves as a marketplace where brands and models can be directly compared, which is particularly valuable for newcomers to boating.
The Chicago Boat Show typically presents a variety of boat types to suit different interests and activities. These include fishing boats, sailboats, motor yachts, personal watercraft (PWCs), speedboats and motorboats, pontoon boats, cabin cruisers, inflatable and rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), canoes and kayaks, as well as classic and vintage boats, and specialty boats. The specific selection of boats varies each year depending on exhibitors and industry trends. The fair offers a comprehensive insight into the boating industry, from practical fishing boats to luxurious yachts, ensuring there’s something for every boating enthusiast.
The Chicago Boat Show is particularly significant for the city of Chicago and the surrounding region as it attracts not only local but also international visitors, promoting the maritime culture and industry of the area. Highlights include interactive experiences like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, a bumper boat pool for kids, and a mechanical wave surfing simulator. Educational offerings include technical workshops and DIY sessions for boat owners of various experience levels. The “Build-a-Boat” competition, where participants construct boats from aluminum foil, is another highlight that fosters creativity and engineering skills.
Exhibitors at the fair come from various industries specializing in water sports and outdoor activities. The main target audience comprises professionals from these industries as well as general outdoor enthusiasts and families. As part of a series of fairs held at different locations, the Chicago Boat Show has a wide reach and significance in the boating industry.
In conclusion, it’s important to emphasize that the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center, as the venue, is ideally accessible due to its modern facilities and central location in Rosemont. It symbolizes the city’s connection to water and its role as an important hub for outdoor and water sports activities.
The Chicago Boat Show will take place on 5 days from Wednesday, 08. January to Sunday, 12. January 2025 in Rosemont.
Additional Details
Registration email/URL - https://www.chicagoboatshow.com/
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Date And Time
Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 07:00 PM
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In the heart of winter, when the Midwest is blanketed in snow and the lakes are iced over, there’s a place where enthusiasts can still indulge their love for boating. Welcome to the Chicago Boat Show, an annual event that has become a beacon for those passionate about life on the water. This year, the show is set to take place at a new venue, the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center, from January 8-12, 2025.
Venue
The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center is a premier event venue located in the village of Rosemont, Illinois, just a stone’s throw away from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. Opened in 1975 and named after the late Mayor Donald E. Stephens, who was instrumental in transforming Rosemont into a vibrant entertainment and business hub, the center has become synonymous with large-scale trade shows, expos, conventions, and other major events. Spanning over 840,000 square feet of flexible exhibit space, the facility offers exhibitors and attendees an abundance of room to showcase products, network, and host seminars. With customizable conference rooms, spacious meeting areas, and cutting-edge audiovisual support, the convention center prides itself on its ability to cater to a wide variety of industries, including technology, healthcare, automotive, hospitality, and more.
Beyond its versatile event spaces, the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center benefits from its prime location in a bustling suburban enclave. Rosemont itself is home to numerous hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options, ensuring that visitors attending events are within walking distance of just about anything they need. The nearby Parkway Bank Park entertainment district features casual and fine dining, a movie theater, a bowling alley, and even an indoor skydiving facility, providing plenty of after-hours fun. The area is also well-known for the Fashion Outlets of Chicago, a large two-story shopping complex that appeals to out-of-town guests looking for some retail therapy. The convention center’s proximity to O’Hare International Airport is another major draw, making it easy for both domestic and international travelers to fly in and out with minimal commuting time.
Traveling to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center is convenient whether you opt for public transportation or prefer to drive. If you are arriving by air, the venue is a short distance from O’Hare International Airport. Taxis, rideshare services, and shuttles are readily available at the airport’s designated pickup areas; the drive typically takes less than ten minutes depending on traffic. If you’re driving yourself, the convention center is situated near major expressways, such as Interstate 90 (I-90) and Interstate 294 (I-294). Visitors can follow the signs for Rosemont and exit near River Road; the center is located at 5555 N. River Road. A large parking garage adjacent to the facility offers ample space, but it’s always wise to arrive early during large conventions to secure a spot.
For those traveling from downtown Chicago or other parts of the city, public transit via the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is a viable option. The CTA Blue Line connects downtown Chicago with Rosemont. Simply ride the Blue Line to the Rosemont station, which is about a 10-minute walk or a brief cab ride from the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Pace buses also serve the surrounding area and can provide connections from various Chicago suburbs.
All in all, the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center’s ideal location and top-notch amenities make it a go-to destination for event organizers and attendees alike. With its spacious facilities, easy access to transportation, and a host of nearby entertainment options, the center continues to play a vital role in hosting successful and memorable conferences, expos, and exhibitions in the greater Chicago area.