There were great crowds on opening weekend, and we're hearing positive feedback about strong retail sales across the show.
 
As returning exhibitors know, and for those of you joining us for the first time, we provide attendance updates a few times throughout the 10 days.
 
Due to the demands of the show team tending to consumers, exhibitors, features, missing children and First Aid calls, compiling accurate ticket counts is still underway, Those number will be communicated in Tuesday's Show-Day Exhibitor News.

Shown here, Tod Girvin of Central Marine won $100 on Saturday when he sold a boat, entered a ballot into the 2018 Buy a Boat & Win program, and his ballot was drawn.

 

A total of 70 boats were sold Sunday by dealers who submitted ballots

 

Sunday's winner will be announced in the next newsletter.

 

Click the button below to see how you could win $100, and your customer can win $10,000 toward his or her boat purchase - large or small - at this year's show! 

 

After unsafe ice conditions cancelled their traditional New Year's Day plunge into Lake Ontario, about 150 members of the Toronto Polar Bear Club accepted our invite to move the Polar Bear Dip to The Lake yesterday.

 

Media out in force to cover this year's historical dip included CTV, Global, YTV, CBC and CP24 broadcasting live. 

 

If you missed the fun, you can watch our Facebook Live video here.

 

Although we have a week remaining in the show, we need to begin preliminary plans for move-out.

 

Reminder: Occupational Health & Safety regulations are the same during move-out as they were during move-in.

• Storage crates will be returned to your exhibit space by Monday, January 22, at 8am.
• On Monday, January 22, all exhibitors report to the staging yard for a vehicle window card and building access. If you require a badge, please visit the Show Office (Salon 103) before Sunday at 6pm.
• Main Hall access is restricted during move-out - not all doors are open.
• Freight-free aisles will be maintained.
• There is limited access to the show floor; you are encouraged to bring a dolly to the show to transport materials.
• Personal protective equipment must be worn - particularly when accessing high-activity zones (safety shoes, hard hats, fall-arrest equipment).

 

CRANES & FORKLIFTS: 

• If you need a crane or forklift to help lift boats, please click here to download the request form, complete it, and return it to the Show Office (Salon 103) by 8pm, Tuesday, so we can begin creating the schedule. Printed forms are available at the Show Office for those who do not have access to a printer.
• If we don't receive a crane service form from you, we will assume you do not require assistance from the show's equipment.
• It's important that exhibitors adhere to target times for move-out, as it is vital to getting everyone out on deadline. There will be a full move-out on Sunday evening with the majority of booth exhibitors leaving between 6 and 9pm.
• On Friday, boat exhibitors will receive specific target times for their move-out, with designated crane and forklift times for their boats.

 

Many boat companies located near the roll-up doors will be given target times for Sunday's move-out. This is necessary in order to get the cranes into the building to begin lifting boats Monday at 8am sharp!

 

The Industry Building and East Annex must be completely vacated by 6pm, Monday; and the Main Hall, by 6pm, Tuesday.

 

If you have questions regarding move-out, please leave a message at the Show Office for move-out coordinator Shawn McConnell (416-574-9826), who will come by your display to talk to you.

 

A popular boat show tradition and media draw, Anchors Aweigh returns to The Lake Tuesday morning at 11:30am, with first-responders braving the chilly waters for a competitive relay race. 

 

Promoted to the media and public, Water Safety Awareness Day is filled with water safety education.

New this year at The Lake are daily entertaining shows for the World Championship Indoor Sea Flea Races!

 

Driven by skilled operators, these cool, single-person hydroplane boats are often DIY-constructed, and powered by a small motor.

Located in Salon 102 (just west of the Show Office), the Exhibitor Lounge offers a quiet break from the show, FREE internet service, a microwave for your use, soup, salad, sandwiches, a hot dish of the day, and a selection of beverages.

 

Today's hot dish is beef cottage pie for $14.50. 

 

View today's menu. 

The Tuesday Sheraton and Westin shuttles will begin running at 8am to accommodate those attending the NMMA Canada Industry Breakfast. 

If an emergency requiring paramedics arises, please alert any of the following and explain the location.  

We will radio paramedics and direct them to the location. 

 

If the situation is non-urgent, you can also direct the individual to the Show Office (Salon 103), where paramedics can meet them.