Electrification and hybrid propulsion
What electrification and hybrid propulsion means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show 2027 is set to take place from February 19 to 28 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.
This premier event will feature over 750,000 square feet of exhibits showcasing the latest in boating, outdoor gear, and travel opportunities.
Attendees can explore a wide range of products and services, attend seminars, and enjoy interactive demonstrations.
TL;DR
- 1Scale and Focus: This event features over 750,000 square feet dedicated to outdoor activities, boating, and travel.
- 2Organiser: Hosted by Renfro Productions, more information can be found on their official website.
- 3Buyer Authority: The show attracts outdoor enthusiasts, families, and adventure seekers looking for the latest in boating and travel.
- 4Entry: Tickets are available online and at the box office, with special discounts for groups.
- 5Location: Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show 2027 takes place in Indianapolis, United States. Venue: Indiana State Fairgrounds. Scheduled 2027-02-19 to 2027-02-28.
Why visit
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a vast array of boating and outdoor products, attend informative seminars, and participate in interactive demonstrations. This event is perfect for families looking to plan their next adventure and for outdoor enthusiasts seeking the latest gear and information.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will gain access to a targeted audience of outdoor enthusiasts and potential customers. The show provides an excellent platform for networking, showcasing products, and generating leads in the boating and travel sectors. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Boat manufacturers and dealers, Outdoor gear and accessory suppliers, Travel and tourism companies. Position your offer across boats and watercraft, fishing gear and accessories, camping and outdoor.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Boat buyers comparing pontoons, deck boats, aluminum fishing boats, wake boats and cruisers from Indiana and Great Lakes dealers
Anglers shopping rods, reels, tackle, sonar and trolling motors ahead of spring bass, walleye and salmon seasons
Families planning summer lake weekends, camping trips and Indiana state park or reservoir getaways
Travelers researching fishing lodges, resorts, guided trips and out-of-state hunting and fishing outfitters
RV and towable shoppers comparing travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers and tow vehicles
Kayak, canoe and paddle-sports paddlers looking at hulls, paddles, PFDs and roof racks
Dock, lift and waterfront property owners sourcing hoists, mooring systems and marina services
Outdoor club members, conservation group volunteers and licensed hunters and anglers
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Boat builders and franchised dealers showing pontoons, deck boats, bass boats, wake and ski boats, aluminum fishing rigs and cruisers
Marine engine, trailer, propeller, trolling motor and marine electronics suppliers
Fishing tackle retailers, rod and reel makers, lure brands and custom rod builders
Travel and tourism boards, fishing lodges, resorts, charter captains and hunting and fishing outfitters
RV dealers and camper, travel trailer and toy hauler manufacturers
Kayak, canoe and paddle-sports brands with hulls, paddles and safety gear
Dock, lift, marina and waterfront service providers
Outdoor gear, apparel, footwear and accessory retailers
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Pontoon and tritoon boats
Deck boats, bowriders and runabouts
Aluminum fishing boats and bass boats
Wake, ski and surf boats
Cruisers and cuddy cabins
Outboard and sterndrive engines, propellers and trailers
Trolling motors, sonar, chartplotters and marine electronics
Fishing rods, reels, tackle, lures and custom rod building
Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and paddling safety gear
Docks, boat lifts, hoists and marina services
Travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers and tow vehicles
Fishing lodges, resorts, charter trips and guided hunts
Outdoor apparel, footwear, camping gear and accessories
Location & Facilities
Venue
Indiana State Fairgrounds
1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205
Facilities
Parking
Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Indiana State Fairgrounds for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
February 19 – 21 & 24 – 28, 2027:1:00 PM – 8:00 PM daily
February 22 & 23CLOSED
February 24 – 25:12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
February 26:12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
February 27:10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
February 28:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
General admission
General Admission
16General admission
Children (ages 6-12)
10General admission
2-Day Ticket
26
Who runs the show
Organisers
Renfro Productions
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Indianapolis, United States
Why it matters
Attending Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show 2027 on 2027-02-19 to 2027-02-28 in Indianapolis lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Connected helm and telematics
What connected helm and telematics means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainable materials and refit
What sustainable materials and refit means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Experience-led watersports demand
What experience-led watersports demand means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Supply-chain regionalisation
What supply-chain regionalisation means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing
3-star
Keystone CrossingRated 4.0 by guests; amenities include free Wi-Fi, paid parking, indoor pool, air conditioning, fitness center, breakfast, bar and restaurant. Listed among 134 Fairgrounds-area results with a deal flagged versus usual rate.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Indianapolis Downtown
3-star
Downtown IndianapolisGuest rating 3.4; free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, air conditioning, pet-friendly, fitness center and restaurant. Flagged as a great deal versus usual rate.
Drury Inn & Suites Indianapolis Northeast
3-star
Indianapolis NortheastHighest guest rating in the capture at 4.5 among 3-star options near the Fairgrounds corridor.
Comfort Inn & Suites Indianapolis Northwest - College Park
4-star
College Park, Indianapolis NorthwestGuest rating 3.5; free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning, pet-friendly and fitness center.
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Northwest Indianapolis
2-star
Indianapolis NorthwestGuest rating 3.0; free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, indoor pool, air conditioning, fitness center and restaurant. Budget option.
Candlewood Suites Indianapolis by IHG
2-star
IndianapolisGuest rating 3.9; extended-stay style amenities including free Wi-Fi, free parking, indoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning, pet-friendly and fitness center.
Clarion Pointe Indianapolis Northeast
3-star
Indianapolis NortheastGuest rating 3.7; free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, air conditioning, fitness center, accessible rooms, business center, kid-friendly.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Taxi / rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from IND to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forIndianapolis International Airport (IND) to Indiana State Fairgrounds
Airport is roughly 20 miles from the fairgrounds district based on the captured map view. Rideshare pickup is at the terminal.
Public bus (IndyGo)
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forDowntown Indianapolis transit center to Indiana State Fairgrounds
IndyGo fixed-route service connects downtown with the fairgrounds corridor; check current route numbers and times before travel.
Car / rental
Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forAirport or hotel to Indiana State Fairgrounds
On-site parking is typical at the fairgrounds; parking fees were not captured.
Weather
February in Indianapolis is deep winter. No climate normals were returned by the weather capture (the National Weather Service page only showed current national headlines), so plan for cold, changeable conditions and check a local forecast close to the show. Confirm temperatures and any winter storm advisories with the National Weather Service Indianapolis office before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Winter show week
Mid-February in Indianapolis is deep winter, so the walk from parking to the pavilions is the coldest part of the day. Wear boots and a warm coat, and expect heated halls indoors but chilly loading and queue areas.
Fairgrounds campus
The show spreads across Indiana State Fairgrounds buildings rather than a single convention hall. Check the pavilion map before you go, wear comfortable shoes, and allow 10-15 minutes to walk between halls.
Boat-buying culture
This is a consumer show where dealer conversations are expected and encouraged. Bring your slip length, garage height, tow rating and passenger count so quotes are comparable, and ask each dealer what the show price includes for freight, prep and trailer.
Family attendance
The show draws families as well as dedicated anglers and boaters, with children's tickets published at USD 10 for ages 6-12. Strollers are common, and children's life jackets and fishing tackle are regular purchase categories.
Payment and cash
Card payment is standard at the box office and at most booths, but keep some cash for parking, concessions and small tackle purchases. Deposits on boats are handled directly with each dealer, with terms set by that dealer.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Google Flights captures show direct and connecting services into Indianapolis (IND) from New York JFK, Los Angeles LAX and Chicago ORD for a 19 February 2027 arrival. Chicago ORD-IND showed the shortest hops (about 1 hour 7 minutes to 1 hour 18 minutes) while LAX offered nonstop options at roughly 4 hours. Google flagged New York and Chicago prices as currently high, and advised that the cheapest booking window for LAX-IND is usually between early November and early February. Fares include taxes and fees for one adult; bag fees are extra.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Indianapolis; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Indiana State Fairgrounds: Keystone Crossing: Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing; Downtown Indianapolis: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Indianapolis Downtown; Indianapolis Northeast: Drury Inn & Suites Indianapolis Northeast.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Indianapolis; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: IndyGo operates the local bus network in Indianapolis; downtown routes connect toward the Indiana State Fairgrounds corridor. Fares and route numbers were not captured on an official page, so confirm current schedules and single-ride pricing on the IndyGo site before travelling. Rideshare and taxi are practical for airport-to-fairgrounds transfers of roughly 20 miles.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Indiana State Fairgrounds; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: February 2027
Temperature: February in Indianapolis is deep winter: typical daytime highs around 2-6 C (mid 30s to low 40s F) and overnight lows around -7 to -2 C (low 20s to upper 20s F). Snow, ice and wind are realistic across the ten-day run, and the state fairgrounds lots are outdoors. The pavilions are heated, but plan boots, a warm coat and gloves, and check the National Weather Service Indianapolis forecast in the days before you travel. Confirm current conditions and any winter weather advisories before leaving for the show.
Seasonality: February falls in Indianapolis winter, when precipitation can arrive as rain or snow and cold snaps are common. The capture did not return monthly normals; check the National Weather Service forecast for the show week rather than relying on a seasonal average.
Packing: February 2027
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show 2027 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Day 14 before: check the show dates and daily opening hours on indianapolisboatsportandtravelshow.com and confirm which pavilions at the Indiana State Fairgrounds are in use
T-2
Day 12 before: buy tickets in advance if online pricing applies; published gate rates are USD 16 general admission, USD 10 for children ages 6-12 and USD 26 for a two-day ticket
T-3
Day 10 before: list the boats or RVs you want to board and note your slip length, garage height, tow vehicle rating and passenger count for realistic comparisons
T-4
Day 9 before: review the seminar and stage schedule and block the sessions you want, since speakers run against each other across the run of the show
T-5
Day 8 before: check the National Weather Service forecast for Indianapolis and plan boots, a warm coat and gloves for the outdoor walk from parking to the pavilions
T-6
Day 7 before: book lodging if you are traveling in; February rates near the fairgrounds and downtown move once show week begins
T-7
Day 5 before: confirm parking entrances and lots on the fairgrounds map and decide whether to arrive at opening or mid-afternoon
T-8
Day 3 before: set a budget and a financing pre-approval if you plan to order a boat at the show, and note that deposits are dealer-specific
T-9
Day 2 before: download tickets or save the confirmation email, and pack a tote for brochures, spec sheets and business cards
T-10
Day 1 before: charge your phone for booth photos and dealer callbacks, and confirm rideshare or IndyGo return options from the fairgrounds
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Indiana State Fairgrounds
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show 2027 registration concourse
Indiana State Fairgrounds
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Indiana State Fairgrounds
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 16 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 16 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show 2027 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Boats and watercraft solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show 2027 in Indianapolis.
Min. budget
$526.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Boats and watercraft products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,367.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Indianapolis show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Where is the Indiana State Fairgrounds relative to Indianapolis International Airport?
The Fairgrounds sits in Indianapolis, and the airport-to-fairground span shown in the Google Maps capture for the metro area is roughly 20 mi. Allow extra time in winter weather and confirm the current drive time before departure.
What hotel areas work best for a Fairgrounds event?
The Google Hotels capture for the Fairgrounds lists options across Downtown Indianapolis (La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham), Keystone Crossing (Sheraton), College Park and the Northeast corridor (Drury Inn & Suites, Clarion Pointe) and the Northwest side (Days Inn & Suites, Comfort Inn & Suites, Candlewood Suites). Downtown puts you near restaurants; the Northeast and Northwest clusters sit closer to the Fairgrounds.
How early should I book flights to Indianapolis for a February event?
The Google Flights capture for Los Angeles to Indianapolis shows the usual cheapest booking window as roughly 7 November to 5 February for a mid-February trip, while the New York and Chicago routes were flagged as currently high priced. Book early for winter travel and keep a buffer day before the show opens.
What is the weather like in Indianapolis in February?
February is winter in Indianapolis, with cold days and a mix of rain and snow possible. The weather capture in this pack did not return monthly climate normals, so use the National Weather Service forecast for the show week when packing.
Glossary
- Pontoon
- A flat-decked boat supported by two or more sealed aluminum tubes, popular on Indiana lakes and reservoirs for seating capacity and stability. At the show, dealers display pontoons from entry-level fishing layouts to triple-tube performance models with 200 hp-plus outboards.
- Deck boat
- A bowrider-style boat with a wide, open bow and boarding ladder, positioned between a pontoon and a conventional runabout. Buyers often compare deck boats against pontoons for tubing, swimming and family day use.
- Fish-and-ski
- A crossover aluminum or fiberglass boat rigged for both casting decks and tow sports. It is a common first-boat category for Midwest buyers who split weekends between fishing and tubing.
- Outboard motor
- A self-contained propulsion unit mounted on the transom, rated in horsepower and offered in four-stroke or direct-injection two-stroke versions. Show displays usually pair hulls with a factory-rigged outboard and list the horsepower rating on the spec card.
- Trolling motor
- A bow- or transom-mounted electric motor used for slow, quiet positioning while fishing, rated in pounds of thrust and often paired with sonar and GPS anchor features.
- Marine electronics
- Chartplotters, fish finders, sonar modules, GPS and networked displays. At the show these are usually demonstrated on rigged boats or at accessory booths, with compatibility questions about existing transducers and wiring.
- Boat slip
- A rented or owned berth at a marina, priced by length and season. Buyers comparing boats often check overall length with platforms and outboards against the slip length they hold on their home lake.
- Show special
- A price, package or financing offer that a dealer quotes for orders placed during the show dates. Deals are dealer-specific, so compare the total rigged price, freight, prep and trailer rather than the headline number alone.
- Towable RV
- A camper that hitches to a tow vehicle, covering travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers. Buyers need the trailer's gross weight rating and their vehicle's tow rating to compare units realistically.
- Outfitter or guide service
- A booked fishing or hunting trip run by a licensed operator, often sold at the travel aisles of the show. Confirm license requirements, season dates and what is included in the trip price before booking.
- Indiana DNR
- The Indiana Department of Natural Resources, which administers state fishing and hunting licenses, reservoir access and state park rules. Booths and seminars at the show often reference DNR seasons and licensing.
- Factory-authorized dealer
- A dealer contracted by a boat or engine builder to sell new units and perform warranty service. Buyers should confirm warranty coverage and the nearest authorized service center before ordering.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Ford Indianapolis Boat Show 2027
- Boat and Travel Show Indianapolis
- Indiana State Fairgrounds events
- Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show 2027
- Ford Indianapolis Boat 2027
- Sport 2027
- Sport Indianapolis 2027
- Travel Show Indianapolis 2027
- Indianapolis United States
- Boat Show Indianapolis 2027
3 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.