The National Marine Manufacturers Association has launch another Discover Boating boat show to be held in Dallas in March 2027.
NMMA has secured 300,000sq ft at the venue under a lease through 2029 to run the DTX Boat Show at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas from 18 to 21 March 2027.
Further shows are scheduled for 16–19 March 2028 and 1–4 March 2029, ahead of the convention centre’s planned expansion and renovation in 2030.
Texas ranks third in the US for boating expenditure, with more than 625,000 registered boats.
Recreational boating contributes more than $11.8 billion annually to the state economy and supports over 38,000 jobs, according to NMMA. Dallas–Fort Worth accounts for about 179,000 registered boats and $1.9 billion of economic impact.
Strong boating market
Plans include boat and marine technology displays, boating education and activities linking prospective buyers with dealers, marinas and other marine businesses.
“Texas is one of the strongest boating markets in the country and North Texas has an enthusiastic boating community and a growing population of potential buyers that have historically been underserved,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, NMMA president and chief executive.
And he said NMMA intends to establish the event as an annual marketplace for boat manufacturers and regional dealers.
Brendan Bailey, general manager of MarineMax Dallas and MarineMax Dallas Yacht Center at Pier121 Marina, said North Texas had ‘long wanted a show that reflects the size, energy and opportunity of this market’.
Toby Blackney, regional manager at One Water Marine, said the programme would extend beyond boat displays through visitor activities and a focus on technology and innovation.
“North Texas has the lakes, the customers and the passion for boating,” said Jeff Rose, principal of Waterview Marinas.
And he said bringing dealers and marinas together would give buyers a place to compare boats, examine technology and obtain ownership advice. Darren Envall, NMMA vice-president of Midwest/Midsouth Boat & Sport Shows, will manage the inaugural event.
