Commercial Marine Expo announces plans to return to New Bedford, Apr. 26-27, 2017
NEW BEDFORD, MA – Building on the success of this year’s Commercial Maine Expo (CME), held on the State Pier here Apr. 27-28, show organizers have already announced plans to make CME an every-year event.
“We will be returning to New Bedford and the State Pier next Apr. 26-27,” said CME’s Anne Green. This marks a significant change for what has been an every-other-year event for a long time.
The move immediately had its supporters.
“As evidenced by me signing a contract for space and leaving a deposit for the 2017 show, exhibiting at CME will again be part of our marketing plan in 2017,” said Randy O’Neill, MOPS Insurance, an exhibitor at this year’s show.
Green said this year’s CME drew about 1,000 attendees – up from past years.
Nearly everyone had high marks for the opening night reception, hosted by R.A. Mitchell Co., which was a fundraiser for the newly opened New Bedford Fishery Heritage Center.
“The event not only raised $4,300 to support our initial exhibit, but it was a great way for us to introduce the Fishing Heritage Center to the industry. We look forward to hosting many more fishing industry events in the months to come,” said Laura Orleans, the center’s executive director.
While the reception was a great way to relax and network a bit, the primary aim of CME was to connect suppliers with customers, and vice versa.
On that score, there was also success.
“I was interested in purchasing a trawl monitoring system for my fishing vessel and was able to talk to all the reps from various manufacturers,” said John Berglin, owner/operator of the fishing vessel Mary Elizabeth.
“I loved seeing the latest products from the vendors, and enjoyed looking at and hearing about the OXE diesel outboard. Nobody was pushy and no Ginsu knife vendors,” said attendee Peter Spang of Turnstone Marine Survey LLC.
“We got a kick out of the Ginsu knife quote because we did have a few exhibitors like that try to get in,” said CME’s Green.
“Although it was difficult to say no to the additional booth sales, we wanted to focus on keeping the show specific and pertinent to the commercial marine industry.”
Exhibitors seemed to appreciate that commitment.
“We very much enjoyed the show and made some good contacts,” said exhibitor Kenneth J. Humanic, president of E&K Group, a winch manufacturer and supplier from Pennsylvania.
This year’s show was barely over when work began for next year’s event.
“Exhibitors are already signing up to attend next year’s show and plans are underway to include more active demonstrations, more workshops, and social gatherings,” Green said.
For more information visit <www.comarexpo.com>. /cfn/
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