Chicagoland's Largest Annual Boating Event Cruises into the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont

Published: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 10:00 am
By: Noreen Heron

Chicagoland's Largest Annual Boating Event Cruises into the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont

Chicago's largest and longest-running annual boating event is back! The Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show®, in partnership with Progressive Insurance®, the annual Midwest boating tradition, is moving from McCormick Place to the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center (DES Convention Center), docking January 8-12, 2025. Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased by clicking here.

Marking its 93rd year as the premier destination for boaters and future boaters from the region, the 2025 Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show will showcase hundreds of new boats for sale from the area's leading dealers, from entry level personal watercraft and pontoons, to wake boats and luxury cruisers. Featuring more boats to shop, the boat show is the ideal place to browse, compare and take advantage of show-only deals on your first or next boat. Visitors can also gear up on the latest boating accessories, marine electronics, and on-the-water must-haves from top brands in the business.

“We are excited to host the region’s premier and longest-running annual boating event at our new home in Rosemont! The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center offers easy access for attendees, whether joining us from the city, suburbs and beyond, plus a wide array of surrounding entertainment to make a day, or weekend, out of your visit,” said Darren Envall, Vice President of Midwest Boat Shows for NMMA. ““The boat show is the ultimate annual tradition for boating aficionados and aspiring captains to explore, compare, and shop the best in boating all under one roof, plus enjoy a taste of summer on the water.”

Beyond the boats, the 2025 boat show highlights include fun for all ages [SS1] :

Paddlefest Pool: Enjoy stand-up paddleboarding where leading instructors will supply everything needed for a trial session.
Bumper Boats: A splash-tastic adventure awaits for children of all ages who will enjoy a thrilling adventure while spinning, whirling, and bumping into fellow boaters.
Discover Boating Beach Club: Kick back with your crew and discover the best of boating with live music, island-inspired cocktails and mocktails, beach games, and more.
Fred’s Shed: Tips, tricks, and DIY advice for every boater—from first timers to experienced captains! Stop by and ask any questions ahead of boating season.
Huck Finn Trout Pond: A show tradition! Guests are invited to introduce their youngsters to the fun of fishing with a catch-and-release pond onsite! Children 12 years and younger fish for free!

WHERE:

DES Convention Center

5555 N River Rd., Rosemont, IL 60018

WHEN:

Wednesday, January 8: 2 pm - 8 pm
Thursday, January 9: 11am - 8pm
Friday, January 10: 11am - 9pm
Saturday, January 11:10am - 8pm
Sunday, January 12:10am - 5pm

TICKETS:

Tickets must be purchased online here.[SS2]

Adults (13+): $13 in Advance, $15 On-Site
Children (12 and below): FREE Admission
Active Military: FREE with proof of active Military ID onsite in the Show Office

INFO:

For more information, to purchase tickets or explore the many helpful resources on the show’s website including a Boat Finder to help attendees prepare with information on boats that will be displaying this year, please visit https://www.chicagoboatshow.com/. For a deeper look into the show including behind the scenes content, please connect on Facebook orInstagram.

ABOUT DISCOVER BOATING BOAT SHOWS

Discover Boating boat and sport shows are owned and produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), in partnership with Progressive® Insurance. The NMMA is the leading trade organization for the North American recreational boating industry and largest producer of boat and sport shows in the U.S., which connects the recreational boating industry with the boating consumer year-round through Discover Boating.

Powered by the National Marine Manufacturers Association and the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, Discover Boating connects boaters and future boaters with experiences, resources and community to enhance their boating journey and expand the industry in the U.S. and Canada. For nearly two decades, Discover Boating has led the North American recreational boating industry’s consumer outreach efforts, attracting millions of people to boating and helping them get on the water and become boaters. Industry stakeholders can follow along and share Discover Boating content from DiscoverBoating.com and @DiscoverBoating on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

ABOUT PROGRESSIVE

Progressive Insurance^® makes it easy to understand, buy and usecar insurance,home insurance, and other protection needs. Progressive offers choices so consumers can reach us however it's most convenient for them — online atprogressive.com, by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE, via the Progressive mobile app, or in-person with a local agent.

Progressive provides insurance for personal and commercial autos and trucks, motorcycles, boats, recreational vehicles, and homes; it is the second largest auto insurer in the country, a leading seller ofcommercial auto,motorcycle, andboat insurance, and one of the top 15 homeowners insurance carriers.