Electrification and hybrid propulsion
What electrification and hybrid propulsion means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The MINNEAPOLIS BOAT SHOW 2027 is set to take place from January 21 to 24 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. This premier event will feature a diverse range of boats, marine products, and engaging attractions for all ages.
With over 600 boats on display, attendees can explore the latest innovations in the boating industry and enjoy interactive features designed for families and enthusiasts alike. MINNEAPOLIS BOAT SHOW 2027 takes place in Minneapolis, United States.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The MINNEAPOLIS BOAT SHOW 2027 runs from January 21 to 24, 2027, at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event showcases a wide selection of boats and attractions for boating enthusiasts of all ages.
- 3Organiser: The show is organized by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include boaters, fishermen, and water sports enthusiasts from the Upper Midwest.
- 5Entry: Tickets are available online, with adult tickets priced at $13 in advance and $15 at the door.
Why visit
See and board boats in one indoor venue: the Minneapolis Boat Show brings Upper Midwest dealers and boat brands together at the Minneapolis Convention Center, giving visitors a chance to compare hull styles, layouts, power options and pricing without driving between dealerships. Attendees include boaters, fishermen, and water sports.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors can showcase their latest products to a targeted audience of motivated buyers, gain valuable exposure, and network with other industry professionals. This event showcases a wide selection of boats and attractions for boating enthusiasts of all ages. Attendees include boaters, fishermen, and water sports enthusiasts from the Upper Midwest.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Boaters looking to upgrade their vessels
Fishing enthusiasts seeking new gear
Families interested in recreational boating
Water sports participants and fans
Individuals planning to purchase a boat in the near future
Marine industry professionals and dealers
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Boat manufacturers showcasing new models
Accessory suppliers for boating enthusiasts
Dealers offering financing options
Service providers for boat maintenance
Marine equipment retailers
Local businesses related to water sports
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Powerboats and sailboats
Fishing boats and accessories
Personal watercraft and jet skis
Boating safety equipment
Marine electronics and navigation tools
Boat maintenance and repair services
Location & Facilities
Venue
Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55403-2710
Facilities
Parking
Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis 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: Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis Convention Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
General admission
Adult (13 & Older) - Online
13General admission
Adult (13 & Older) - Onsite
15General admission
Senior Day (62+) - Online Only
12
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Minneapolis, United States
Why it matters
On 2027-01-21 to 2027-01-24, MINNEAPOLIS BOAT SHOW 2027 in Minneapolis covering Powerboats and sailboats, Fishing boats and accessories, Personal watercraft and jet skis, Boating safety equipment, Mar gives marine buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published 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 Minneapolis Downtown Convention Center
4-star
Downtown / Convention Center0.2 mi to venueUSD 97 / night
Google Hotels listing showed a USD 97 rate labeled a great deal, 29% below usual, for the January 2027 stay window; guest rating 4.0 (144 reviews). Amenities include paid breakfast, paid Wi-Fi, paid parking, indoor pool, fitness center, restaurant, pet-friendly rooms and air conditioning.
Hilton Minneapolis
4-star
Downtown / Convention Center0.2 mi to venueUSD 175–220 / night
Guest rating 4.2. Amenities include paid breakfast, free Wi-Fi, paid parking, indoor pool, fitness center, bar, pet-friendly rooms and air conditioning. Rate was not captured in the snippet.
Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Downtown
3-star
Downtown / Convention Center0.2 mi to venueUSD 91 / night
Guest rating 4.1, listed at USD 91 for the January 2027 stay window. Amenities include paid breakfast, free Wi-Fi, paid parking, indoor pool, fitness center, bar, pet-friendly rooms and air conditioning.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Minneapolis-Dwtn (Conv Ctr) by IHG
3-star
Downtown / Convention Center0.2 mi to venueUSD 91 / night
Guest rating 4.2, listed at USD 91 for the January 2027 stay window; located next to the convention center.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Walk
Estimated costFree
Best forDowntown hotels (Sheraton, Hilton Minneapolis, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn Express Conv Ctr) to Minneapolis Convention Center
Captured hotels are listed about 0.2 mi from the convention center, a short walk. In winter, use the downtown skyway where it connects your hotel to the venue.
Light rail / bus (Metro Transit)
Estimated costApprox. USD 2.50-6.00 single journey depending on route and fare product; confirm current Metro Transit fares.
Best forMinneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis Convention Center
Meet Minneapolis and Metro Transit pages document light rail and bus connections to downtown; Moovit also lists the convention center route. Allow 30-45 minutes door to door depending on waiting and walking time.
Bus / light rail (Metro Transit downtown)
Estimated costApprox. USD 2.50-3.00 single ride; walking is usually easier for the 0.2 mi hotel cluster.
Best forDowntown Minneapolis hotels to Minneapolis Convention Center
Metro Transit operates local buses and light rail through downtown. Use the trip planner for the closest stop to the convention center and confirm service hours on the day.
Taxi / ride-hail
Estimated costApprox. USD 35-55 one way before tip; confirm the live app quote or meter fare at pickup.
Best forMinneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) to downtown Minneapolis and the convention center
Taxis and ride-hail are available at MSP and in downtown Minneapolis. Allow extra time during winter weather and peak show hours.
Ride-hail short trip
Estimated costApprox. USD 8-15 for a short downtown trip; confirm the app quote before booking.
Best forDowntown hotel to Minneapolis Convention Center
For the 0.2 mi hotel cluster, walking is usually faster and free. Use ride-hail only in severe cold, with heavy bags or for mobility needs.
Parking
Estimated costApprox. USD 10-20 per day depending on event and duration; confirm posted venue rates.
Best forMinneapolis Convention Center parking ramps
The convention center has on-site parking ramps, with additional downtown ramps nearby. Rates vary by event, so check the posted rate before entering.
Weather
The event window falls in mid-to-late January, deep winter in Minneapolis. Typical conditions bring daytime highs near 20-25 F (-7 to -4 C) and overnight lows near 5-10 F (-15 to -12 C), with snow and ice possible. These are seasonal norms, not a forecast; check a live forecast shortly before travel and allow extra time for winter movement between hotels and the convention center.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Downtown Minneapolis has broad coverage from major US mobile networks. International visitors should arrange roaming or an eSIM before arrival, and exhibitors should confirm internet and power packages with the venue or organiser rather than relying on public Wi-Fi for transactions. Bring a US-compatible charger and a power bank for long days on the show floor.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Smart casual is common at US consumer boat shows and marine trade gatherings; comfortable shoes help for walking the exhibition halls and downtown Minneapolis.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in US restaurants, bars and taxis; budget extra beyond the listed price for sit-down meals and rides.
Getting around downtown
Downtown Minneapolis is walkable and the convention center sits among hotels, restaurants and the light rail network; use Metro Transit for longer trips and the skyway system in winter where available.
Upper Midwest boating season
Minneapolis-area boating is seasonal because lakes and rivers freeze in winter; the January show is when buyers plan for spring launch. Conversations often focus on storage, winterization and making the most of a short summer season.
Payments and cards
Most downtown businesses accept major cards, and contactless payment is common. Carry a backup card for parking, transit and meals, and check with your hotel about any incidental holds.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Captured Google Flights samples for 2027-01-21 departures into MSP showed Chicago ORD from USD 179, New York JFK from USD 375 (with LGA alternatives from USD 260), and nonstop DFW and LAX options around 2.5 to 3.5 hours; compare round trips returning 2027-01-25. Fares are for one adult including taxes and fees, exclude optional bag charges, and fluctuate, so re-check before booking. For a January event, build in a weather buffer and consider a refundable or changeable fare if you are connecting through winter hubs.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Minneapolis; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Minneapolis Convention Center: Downtown / Convention Center: Sheraton Minneapolis Downtown Convention Center; Downtown / Convention Center: Hilton Minneapolis; Downtown / Convention Center: Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Downtown.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps, including Uber and Lyft, generally operate in Minneapolis and are a practical option for airport and downtown trips. Use the designated pickup zones at MSP and confirm the app price before booking; at peak event times, walking or Metro Transit may be faster.
Public transit: Metro Transit runs light rail and buses across Minneapolis and Saint Paul. The Blue Line connects MSP with downtown Minneapolis, and the Green Line links downtown Minneapolis with Saint Paul. Use the Metro Transit trip planner for the Minneapolis Convention Center, pay via the app or contactless where available, and confirm service hours and fares on metrotransit.org before travelling.
Parking: The Minneapolis Convention Center has on-site parking ramps, and additional downtown ramps serve the surrounding blocks. Rates vary by event and duration; confirm the posted daily rate before entering and allow extra time on show mornings. In winter, keep a scraper and gloves in the car and check for snow emergency or ramp closures.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: January 2027
Temperature: Typical January conditions in Minneapolis bring daytime highs near 20-25 F (-7 to -4 C) and overnight lows near 5-10 F (-15 to -12 C); specific 2027 temperatures were not captured in this run. Check a live forecast before travel.
Seasonality: January is winter in Minneapolis, so precipitation usually falls as snow rather than rain. Snow, ice and short daylight hours are possible; the season can also bring clear but very cold days. Confirm the forecast close to departure and allow extra time for slippery pavements and winter driving.
Packing: Pack a heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, gloves, hat, scarf and waterproof insulated boots for walking between downtown hotels and the convention center. Show floors are heated, so wear layers you can remove indoors. Add hand warmers, a power bank and a small bag for show materials; if you plan to walk at night, bring a warm hat and traction-friendly footwear.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at MINNEAPOLIS BOAT SHOW 2027 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Buy tickets online if you are attending as an adult or senior: captured tiers listed USD 13 adult online and USD 12 senior day online, lower than the USD 15 onsite adult rate.
T-2
Book a downtown Minneapolis hotel within the convention center cluster and confirm the January 21-24, 2027 stay dates; the captured options are about 0.2 mi from the venue.
T-3
Book flights into Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) and compare fares for January 21 outbound and January 25 return.
T-4
Check the Metro Transit trip planner for the route from MSP or your hotel to the Minneapolis Convention Center, and note light rail and bus travel times.
T-5
Check the organiser site for show hours, hall layout and any seminar or activity schedule you want to attend.
T-6
Check the January forecast and pack winter layers, insulated boots and gloves for walking between downtown hotels and the convention center.
T-7
Confirm registration or ticket delivery and badge pickup details, and plan to arrive early at the convention center on opening day.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Minneapolis Convention Center
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2MINNEAPOLIS BOAT SHOW 2027 registration concourse
Minneapolis Convention Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Minneapolis Convention Center
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 13 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 13 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether MINNEAPOLIS BOAT SHOW 2027 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For MINNEAPOLIS BOAT SHOW 2027, what is your primary role on the show floor?
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 Powerboats and sailboats and Fishing boats and accessories solutions and benchmarking suppliers at MINNEAPOLIS BOAT SHOW 2027 in Minneapolis.
Min. budget
$605.00
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 Powerboats and sailboats and Fishing boats and accessories products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,722.00
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 Minneapolis show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is the Minneapolis Boat Show in 2027?
The captured 2027 dates are January 21-24 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in downtown Minneapolis. Confirm final show hours and any move-in or preview events on the organiser site before booking travel.
What can visitors see at the Minneapolis Boat Show?
The show is a consumer boat show with boats on display alongside fishing and water sports gear and marine accessories. Use it to compare dealers, boat layouts and equipment in one indoor venue rather than visiting separate dealerships.
How much are Minneapolis Boat Show tickets?
Ticket tiers captured for the upcoming edition listed adult admission at USD 13 online and USD 15 onsite, with a senior day (62+) online ticket at USD 12. Confirm current pricing, fees and any child or multi-day options on the organiser ticket page before buying.
Is the Minneapolis Convention Center walkable from downtown hotels?
The captured downtown hotels, including the Sheraton, Hilton Minneapolis, Hilton Garden Inn and Holiday Inn Express near the convention center, are each listed about 0.2 mi from the venue. Walking is practical in good weather; in January, check whether your hotel connects to the convention center through the downtown skyway.
How do I get from MSP airport to the Minneapolis Convention Center?
Metro Transit light rail and bus routes connect Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) with downtown Minneapolis, and taxi or ride-hail is a faster door-to-door option outside peak traffic. Allow roughly 30-45 minutes by transit and confirm live schedules and fares before travelling.
Is parking available at the Minneapolis Convention Center?
The convention center has on-site parking ramps, with additional downtown ramps nearby. Rates vary by event and duration, so confirm the posted daily rate before entering and allow extra time on show mornings.
What is the weather like for the January show?
Mid-to-late January is deep winter in Minneapolis, with typical daytime highs near 20-25 F (-7 to -4 C) and overnight lows near 5-10 F (-15 to -12 C). Snow and ice are possible; check a live forecast before travel and pack winter layers.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
The captured ticket tiers include an onsite adult rate, so door sales were listed for the upcoming edition. Online purchase was listed at a lower adult price, and availability can change; check the organiser site before making the trip.
Glossary
- Bowrider
- A runabout-style powerboat with an open bow seating area ahead of the windshield; common for day boating and water sports.
- Pontoon boat
- A boat supported by pontoons, usually with a flat deck and high seating capacity; popular for relaxed family cruising.
- Center console
- A fishing-oriented powerboat with the helm console amidships, leaving walk-around deck space for anglers.
- Outboard motor
- A self-contained propulsion unit mounted on the transom, including engine, gearcase and propeller.
- Sterndrive
- An inboard engine coupled to an outdrive unit through the transom; different from a fully outboard or inboard setup.
- Beam
- The widest width of a boat hull, used when comparing trailerability, dock space and interior room.
- Deadrise
- The angle of a hull bottom measured at the transom; it affects ride softness and stability in chop.
- Dealer
- A business that sells new or used boats, often representing one or more manufacturers and providing service and warranty support.
- Marine accessory
- Equipment added to a boat for safety, comfort, fishing, docking or water sports, such as electronics, covers, fenders and tow gear.
- Boat show
- An indoor or outdoor exhibition where dealers and manufacturers display boats, gear and services for buyers to compare in person.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- MINNEAPOLIS BOAT SHOW 2027
- BOAT 2027
- BOAT Minneapolis 2027
- Minneapolis United States
- Boat Show Minneapolis 2027
- Powerboats and sailboats
- Fishing boats and accessories
- Personal watercraft and jet skis
- Boating safety equipment
- Boat Show B2B Trade Expo Minneapolis
Trust footer
Sources
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References
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Publishers
0
Date checked
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Minneapolis Boat Show
- event_website
- event_social
- event_social
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Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.