Ultimate Guide to the Minneapolis Boat Show

The Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show returns to the Minneapolis Convention Center January 23-26, 2020 with the best deals on new model boats and gear! Four days of boating fun and the ability to see hundreds of different brands, all on the same day. Come find your dream boat and everything that goes with it. 

Ticket Info -

You can purchase tickets in advance online, or at the show. If you are a boat owner or in the market to purchase a boat this year you could qualify for free tickets to the show ! 

Getting to the Show -

The Minneapolis Convention Center is located in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. Downtown Minneapolis is compact and easy to navigate, and the airport is a mere 15-minute cab ride away. Minneapolis has an expansive public transportation system to our unique skyway system, you'll find Minneapolis a joy to get around. Convenient parking options are located all around the Minneapolis Convention Center ranging from $5.00-$15.00. The skyway system makes it easy for you to get from your car to the show.

Make the Most of Your Day, Plan Ahead -

Before you leave the house, ditch the cowboy boots and heels. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes that are also easy to slip on and off. You will have a lot of walking to do and some booths may require you to remove your shoes before boarding a boat. Dressing in layers is also a good idea, the temperature in the convention center can fluctuate frequently.   

Pace yourself, there is a lot to see. Trying to cover everything in a few short hours can be very overwhelming. Set realistic expectations about what you want to see because if you try to do it all, you'll either be wiped out or stressed out. 

If you don't know where to start when you get into the show, pick up a show guide to find dealers and products you want. No idea what you want? Talk with a River Valley Marine Product Specialist to match you with the type of boat that will fit your needs.

Make sure to carry your cell phone with you, and be ready to snap lots of pictures. Yes, you'll want to take some of the boats but also getting picture of price signs and build sheets will help you remember important details later on. 

Making a Deal -

Boat shows give you the ability to comparison shop, boat shows provide the opportunity to make some of the greatest deals. If you're willing and able to sign an agreement on the spot, you may be able to bargain for an unusually good deal. When you're comparing similar models from different brands make sure to consider price factors. One manufacturer may call item “A” a standard feature that's included in the price, while another might call it a cost-adding optional feature. By the time you get all the features you want, this can make a huge difference in the final price of any particular boat.

Smartest Buy -

Boating is meant to be fun, so it should begin with the buying process. If negotiating a deal isn't your style, there is an easier way to buy a boat. Get started by finding a River Valley booth at the show. The sales process begins with getting to know you, then finding the right boat based on your needs and budget.

DECEMBER 18, 2019 | BY RUTHIE JOHNSON