CHICAGO — Informa Markets announced the launch of the Windy City Boat & Yacht Show, which will take place June 11-14, 2026, in Chicago’s Burnham Harbor. The in-water show will provide an immersive, accessible and world-class showcase in the Great Lakes region, where boats, interactive exhibits and VIP experiences will be featured on Chicago’s iconic waterfront.
The show is slated to feature more than 150 in-water boats, including power and sailboats, ranging in size from 30 to 90 feet, along with exhibit space for electronics, marine accessories and lifestyle products.
“Boat shows provide this unique opportunity, connecting a passionate boating community in one great location, while also providing a critically important step in the boat-buying process,” said Larry Berryman, Vice President, U.S. Boat Shows for Informa Markets. “At the Windy City Boat & Yacht Show, attendees will be able to experience the latest the industry has to offer, from new power boats and motor yachts to brokerage and sailing vessels, plus all the boating gear and nautical products that make a great day on the water. With the full support of our experienced team at Informa Markets, the leading producer of world class trade shows around the globe, our goal is to create another world-class event in Chicago that the entire Great Lakes boating community will embrace.”
Strategic Location
The choice to launch a boating show in Chicago, and the Greater Lakes region, was strategic given the region’s overall affinity for the boating industry and Chicago’s lakefront being home to the nation’s largest municipal harbor system.
“Chicago’s boating community has long expressed the need for an in-water show, and we’re excited to bring this vision to life at the perfect location,” stated Andrew Doole, President of U.S. Boat Shows for Informa Markets. “Burnham Harbor offers an unparalleled setting, where attendees can step directly into the show from land and water to experience hands-on learning and explore the latest marine innovations in a fully immersive environment. This event goes beyond showcasing boats; it’s about embracing the boating lifestyle in a way that seamlessly connects the water, the city, and the community – welcoming boaters of all skill levels to kick-off the season.”
Related. “Food Friday” — F&B Trends at McCormick Place
According to Amy Krueger, President of Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales, who spoke at the press conference announcing the launch, the Great Lakes region represents 34% of all registered boaters in the U.S. Krueger also signed the first vendor contract of the show at the press conference.
“We are incredibly pleased to host the launch of the Windy City Boat & Yacht Show at Chicago’s Burham Harbor,” stated Scott Stevenson, Executive Vice President Westrec SMI, Manager of the Chicago Park District Harbors. “As the largest and most accessible marina in Chicago, Burnham Harbor provides the perfect setting to welcome long-time boat enthusiasts as well as those learning about the Great Lakes boating experience.”
An Addition to a Growing Portfolio
The Windy City Boat & Yacht Show is the eighth event and first launch in Informa Market’s boating show portfolio, which recently added the Newport International Boat Show through an acquisition.
Informa Markets currently produces seven other leading boat shows: Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, Palm Beach International Boat Show, Newport International Boat Show, Suncoast Boat Show, St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show, and Monaco Yacht Show.
“We do believe that there is a tremendous market here. … The reason that we’re successful is the people in this room [the Chicago Park District, Chicago Harbors, Suntex Marinas and other partners and sponsors] and how we do it as a partnership,” said Ken McAvoy, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development at Informa Markets and President of Informa Markets’ South Florida Ventures division. “That’s why the Fort Lauderdale [show] has a more than $1.7 billion economic impact, and the Miami and Palm Beach shows have a $1 billion or more economic impact. So, let’s work our way up to that billion for the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois.”
