The Story Behind the Show
JBM Celebrating 25 Years Managing Boat Shows.
By: Jacqui McGuinness of JBM & Associates
People always ask me, “How did you get into the boat show business?” I usually chuckle and say, “It’s a funny story.”
My career began in the radio and newspaper industries in Massachusetts. Eventually, I worked as part of the opening team at the Ft. Lauderdale Convention Center and then opened the Rhode Island Convention Center. Years later, I moved to Charlotte for a job producing large conventions world-wide. That decade of my career gave me great skills that would later prepare me for the consumer show industry.
In 2001, I moved to Charleston and opened JBM & Associates. I got a phone call from the GM of the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center. “How do you feel about producing a boat show?” He asked. I told him I had no idea what that meant but would meet with the dealer association.
Savannah Boat Show
I still recall the moment I walked into Duncan’s Boats. I had my corporate portfolio and walked into the conference room to find 8 boat dealers, By the looks on their faces, they didn’t know what to make of me.”
This was 25 years ago. On 9/11, Jim Duncan and I had to meet at the Coliseum to sign the facility contract and the three of us, stared at the TV together for hours. I wondered if I was doing the right thing trying to pull off a boat show during such a tragic time. I realized that people needed to come to the boat show to forget about problems and at least for a day, dream about life on the water, enjoying their family and friends. That’s the essence of boat shows and why they continue in the world of social media. You cannot create a boat show on a screen.
The following year, I started the Savannah Boat Show and then did one in St. Augustine and eventually, we started the Charleston In-Water Boat Show, Wilmington Boat Show, and then the Jacksonville In-Water Boat Show for several years before Covid shut us down. We have been managing the Columbia Boat Show for several years.
My team and I have been together for a long time. Debbie Taylor has worked side by side for 20 years, Chelsea Rosamond for 10 years and our newbie, Calli Jackson, one year full-time. We are a tight team who respect each other and our customers. Surviving the housing collapse and recession, Covid-19, multiple hurricanes, construction issues, tornado warnings and ice and snowstorms. The number one trait we are known for is our resilience and ability to figure things out on the spot.
Currently, we are producing the Charleston Boat Show, the Columbia Boat Show and the Savannah Boat Show. With the new IGY Savannah Harbor Marina and the expanded convention center, we are also expanding that show and it’s one of the few boat shows that combine in-water exhibits and inside exhibits. Savannah, being a major destination, adds to the appeal for attendees.
Lessons learned:
Hire people with the same passion.
Treat people with respect.
Realize that something WILL go wrong, but it’s all about how you handle it.
Always take accountability.
Trust the process.
Be creative.
Be accessible on-site.
Laugh a lot!