Sustained advocacy by the Ohio Marine Trades Association helped preserve one of Northeast
Ohio’s signature consumer shows and protect the region’s consumer-show economy
CLEVELAND – August 19, 2026 – The Progressive Cleveland Boat Show remains at the I-X
Center January 14–17, 2027, continuing a tradition that has connected generations of Ohio
families with boating and the water for more than four decades.
Today’s announcement marks a significant victory for the Ohio Marine Trades Association, its
members and the hundreds of businesses that depend on Northeast Ohio’s consumer and
trade-show industry. It also reflects Haslam Sports Group’s commitment to preserving these
longstanding events while plans move forward for its new enclosed stadium in Brook Park.
When the future of the I-X Center and its major shows became uncertain, OMTA, led by
President Michelle Burke, became one of the region’s leading public advocates for keeping the
shows alive. Burke authored two letters to the editor, appeared in television interviews and
other news coverage, communicated directly with civic and business leaders, and collaborated
with fellow show producers to underscore the economic and community consequences of
losing these events.
The message remained consistent: These shows are not simply events. They are a vital part of
the infrastructure that supports dealers, manufacturers, contractors, union labor, vendors,
restaurants, hotels, tourism businesses, trade associations and thousands of jobs across
Northeast Ohio.
“This was never just about saving one boat show,” Burke said. “It was about protecting the
businesses, jobs and communities that depend on these shows. We never gave up because the
stakes were simply too high, not only for the recreational boating industry, but for the many
industries and small businesses that rely on Northeast Ohio’s consumer shows.”
The 2026 Cleveland Boat Show had been expected to be the show’s final year at the I-X
Center. Rather than accept that outcome as inevitable, OMTA continued making the economic
case for preserving the I-X Center as a home for large-scale consumer events.
“We kept asking a fundamental question: Why would Cleveland allow some of the largest
consumer shows in Ohio to disappear without first understanding their full economic impact?”
Burke said. “We continued speaking up, bringing people together and advocating for a
workable bridge to the future. Today’s announcement demonstrates what can happen when
organizations, business leaders and the community remain committed to finding a solution.”
OMTA credits Haslam Sports Group with recognizing the importance of Northeast Ohio’s consumer
and trade-show industry and providing both an immediate solution at the I-X Center and a long-term
home in the new enclosed stadium.“Advocacy alone could not reopen the doors,” Burke said.
“It also required a partner willing to listen, understand the value of these shows and act.
Haslam Sports Group did exactly that.We’re grateful they recognized what these events mean to
exhibitors, attendees, local businesses and the Northeast Ohio economy. We look forward to working
together to build an exceptional show and a strong future for these events.”
“We are tremendously grateful they listened, recognized what these shows mean to exhibitors,
attendees, local businesses and the Northeast Ohio economy, and acted,” Burke continued.
“We look forward to working together at the I-X Center and ultimately beginning an exciting
new chapter at the stadium.”
The return to the I-X Center is especially meaningful as the Cleveland Boat Show celebrates its
70th anniversary in 2027. The show has been held at the venue for more than 40 years and has
grown into Ohio’s largest indoor boating event, traditionally welcoming approximately 40,000
attendees and featuring hundreds of boats, marine businesses, educational programs and
family attractions.
“For seven decades, this show has introduced families to boating, supported Ohio marine
businesses and helped drive our industry forward,” Burke said. “Returning to the I-X Center is
more than a homecoming. It is proof that when an industry speaks with one voice, stands
together and refuses to give up, remarkable things can happen.”
Additional information regarding tickets, exhibitors, attractions and special 70th-anniversary
programming will be announced in the coming months.
About the Ohio Marine Trades Association
The Ohio Marine Trades Association (OMTA) is the statewide organization representing Ohio’s
recreational boating industry. OMTA works to support marine businesses, promote access to Ohio’s
waterways and advocate for policies that strengthen boating, tourism and outdoor recreation throughout
the state.
Media Contact:
Todd Sheppard
Whistle Communications
todd@whistlepr.com
440.308.8868
