Set your pace. With over 250 exhibitors, 800 vessels, an indoor exhibition, and an afloat showcase all to comb over and enjoy, the 2022 Seattle Boat Show (seattleboatshow.com) taking place this month from February 4-12 is a marathon event, not a sprint. Here are a few insider tips to navigating the nine-day extravaganza with ease.
#1. BE A WEEKDAY WARRIOR
Weekends are an easy time for many to come to the show, but naturally those days are also the busiest. Instead, plan to come mid-week and you’ll find dealers, brokers, and factory reps have more time to give you their undivided attention. (As an extra bonus and new for 2022: Get two for 1 admission on Tuesday, February 8th).
#2. SCORE SOME FREEBIES
Do you have a good relationship with a local broker or dealer? Ask them for tickets to the show. They are usually happy to oblige.
#3. PARK IT OVER THERE
Parking is notoriously expensive at the event center garage, but Seattle Boat Show attendees get $5 discounted parking at Bell Street Pier Garage located just across the street from Bell Harbor Marina. Consider starting your show day at the marina and then hop the free shuttle to Lumen Field Event Center. (To receive your discount, simply show your coupon on the way out of the garage. The coupon comes attached with e-tickets or can be picked up at the box office and shuttle pick-up/drop-off locations.)
#4. SCHEDULE YOUR SEMINARS
Download, print out, and study a copy of the fishing and boating seminars in advance of the show. You may find there are seminars on multiple days that you want to attend, in which case a nine-day pass for $36 will be your best deal.
#5. ENJOY THE AFTER-SHOW
Can’t make all the seminars on your wish list? New this year, all seminars are being recorded and will be available on demand post show for three months. You can watch as many as you want, as many times as you want, with the Seminar Ticket Package ($99) that includes nine days admission to the show, Boat Show University webinars and a boatload of goodies, including a BoatUS Basic Membership and 2022 Waggoner Cruising Guide..
#6. BRING THE FAM
Make it a family outing: Kids 17 and under are always free, and then even dogs will be allowed on Thursday, February 10th at Lumen Field Event Center, and every day at Bell Harbor Marina. (Be sure they “arf!” at our girl, Pearl!)
