Coming to the Memphis Cook Convention Center in downtown Memphis, Tenn., early next year, the new Memphis Boat Expo is set to take place January 12-14, 2018. Produced by Turnbow Inc., and presented by Cobalt, Mastercraft, Southaven RV & Marine and Boat Warehouse, the Memphis Boat Expo is expected to feature the largest display of boats, watercraft and more in the Mid-South region. Tabbed “The Boat Show That Rocks,” organizers anticipate visitors from Tennessee, Mississippi, Missouri, Alabama, Arkansas and more.

The Memphis Cook Convention Center is going to host a boat show in January.

“We plan to raise the bar for boat shows and expos,” said Jeff Turnbow, the expo producer and marketer. “This downtown boat expo is focused on giving visitors much more of what they expect. We will show more related products and services. We want to pack the Cook Convention Center with boats, featuring the best prices and incentives to buy. Our January date allows us to premier the latest and greatest in the entire boating industry. Aside from having the best selection of boats, look for a totally new expo experience.”

Kevin Kane of the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau said he can’t wait to see what the boat show brings.

“The recent revitalization of the Pyramid and Bass Pro area, Cook Convention Center and The Pinch area are contributing to a new surge in consumers pouring into downtown Memphis,” Kane said. “We are very excited about the boat expo.”

According to a 2016 Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract from the National Marine Manufacturers Association, unit sales of new powerboats increased six percent in 2016, and are expected to increase an additional six percent in 2017—a trajectory NMMA anticipates to continue through 2018.

“Economic factors, including an improving housing market, higher employment, strong consumer confidence, and growing disposable income, are creating a golden age for the country’s recreational boating industry,” noted Thom Dammrich, president of NMMA. “Summer is a busy selling season for our industry, and we expect steady growth to continue across most boat categories through 2017—and into 2018—to keep up with the acceleration in demand for new boats.”

The Memphis Boat Expo will begin with Friday’s VIP Preview Party that features a special performance to be announced at a later date. Saturday is going to include a concert from the former lead singer of Journey, Steve Augeri, while Sunday’s theme is all about Faith, Family and Freedom with a talk by Navy Seal Chad Williams, the author of Seal of God.