I was thinking the same thing allot of sold signs. Very small show I hope we dont lose it . AS bad as it was this year still gets me thinking about boating.

until they fail the credit appp

Plus a lot of dealers do it just to look like they're kickin ass and takin names.
Worked a show one yr across the isle from a competitor doing that. They had sold signs in almost everything! Was laughing about it w/a customer who pointed out his name on one of the signs
In all the shows I worked, no one in our crew ever sold a boat at the show. After the fact yes. At the show, no.

I dunno I think its picking up. Iv heard good things across the board from a lot of dealers. I don't think all the dealers would spend 20k on big floor plans to pretend sell boats. 3 big banks started lending on boats again!! That cant hurt!

pooh, poohing what they did at all and agree that things are picking up. Worked for a local dealer for a short time just recently and they did 113 boats last yr and had that # beat this yr w/2 mnths to go. Good stuff for sure!
My comments were more in regards to all the sold signs at the show. Everyone I worked with/for agreed there was about a 6 mnth gestation period. They may "sign" at the show but probably wasn't first time in your booth/store.
Several of the dealers I knew while working n Columbus said the only reason they do them is because their competitors did. Also a mentality (then anyhow) that if you weren't there you must be out of money. The fee's were going through the roof at the same time.
Several of them were doing there own local shows instead. They claimed much better bang for the buck and depending on their targets would agree. (I've worked them and the big ones)
The big shows are stupid expensive especially for a large display at a good floor location (by front door or bar). Heard stories of Miami dealers being bought just for their show space!
I know most guys spent days detailing boats prior, ton's of over time and extra staff, travel expenses etc., hotel/motel, parking, then same in reverse after show. Watched in Cols one yr as every one towed through pouring sleet on the way to set up at the show Most then paid professionals to re-detail them in the parking lot as they had no equipment there to do it themselves. $$$$$