Newport International Boat Show announces future plans to incorporate new hotel into show

Newport International Boat Show plans © Andrew Golden

Newport Exhibition Group, owners and producers of the Newport International Boat Show, announced today that plans are underway for integrating the boat show with the new Hammetts Wharf Hotel that will be built on the show grounds. Ensuring minimal impact on the show, the same number of exhibitors will be accommodated by leasing additional space and increasing the size of existing tents. The in-water portion of the show will not be affected.

"Over the past few months, we have received many questions about the boutique hotel being constructed on a portion of the Newport Yachting Center site and its effect on the Newport International Boat Show," said Nancy Piffard, Show Director of Newport Exhibition Group. "First, there are no site changes to the 2018 Show, it is business as usual. Secondly, and most importantly, the Newport International Boat is here to stay; we have a long-term lease with the Newport Yachting Center owners. Construction of the hotel will begin shortly after the completion of this year's show and will continue through the Newport International Boat Show 2019. The proposed finish date of the hotel is June 2020 and we are excited to see how it benefits the Newport waterfront and the boat show."

Though the future build will relocate some of the exhibitors, the hotel, when complete, will have a positive appeal for the show in a variety of ways. It offers convenient lodging for exhibitors, sponsors and attendees, conference rooms for meetings and seminars, plus a new restaurant and outdoor cafe for networking.

In 2019, for safety purposes, outside construction will be halted from pre-show stage-in through stage-out. No commercial vehicles will be on the show grounds and fencing will surround and contain the construction site.

"Not only will our new hotel bring unique luxury accommodations, facilities and restaurants to Newport but, like the rest of the town, it will become an integral part of the Newport International Boat Show," said Sam Bradner, Partner of Peregrine Group LLC, the Hammetts Wharf Project Manager. "We look forward to working closely with Newport Exhibition Group to ensure minimal impact during construction, as well as becoming an active show participant once we open our doors."

The Newport International Boat Show will take place September 13-16, 2018 on the Newport Waterfront along America's Cup Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island. One of the largest in-water shows in the country and the kick-off to the boat show season, the event will host exhibitors from around the world with an exceptional assortment of boats of every type and style, plus a variety of accessories, equipment, electronics, gear and services for boaters. For more information on the 48th Annual Newport International Boat Show and to purchase advance discount tickets, please visit www.newportboatshow.com.