The New England Boat Show is a highlight of the marine industry calendar, drawing crowds eager to explore the latest vessels and connect with fellow enthusiasts. But what if you couldn’t make it to Boston? Or what if you wanted to revisit your favorite boats after the show ended? That’s where 3D Boats comes in. We partnered with NMMA and Discover Boating to create a truly immersive 3D virtual tour of the 2025 New England Boat Show, and this article takes you behind the scenes of this exciting project.
A Collaborative Effort:
This ambitious undertaking was a true collaboration between 3D Boats, NMMA, and Discover Boating. Our shared vision was to create an online experience that captured the energy and excitement of the show, making it accessible to a wider audience. From initial planning meetings to on-site execution, teamwork was essential to the project’s success. We worked closely with the NMMA and Discover Boating teams to understand their goals and ensure the virtual tour met their specific needs.
The Technology Behind the Magic:
Creating a seamless and interactive 3D environment of this scale requires cutting-edge technology. Our team utilized LiDAR and Laser cameras, to create detailed 3D scans of the show floor and the individual boats. These cameras rotate and capture multiple images, which are then processed and stitched together to create a navigable 3D model.
Challenges and Triumphs:
Capturing the New England Boat Show in 3D was no small feat. Imagine navigating a bustling convention center filled with thousands of attendees, while simultaneously ensuring every boat and exhibit is captured accurately. Our team faced challenges ranging from lighting variations to crowded spaces, but their expertise and dedication allowed them to overcome these obstacles. One of the biggest triumphs was capturing over 200 boats in 3D! Each boat was meticulously scanned, ensuring every detail, from the gleaming hull to the intricate interior, was faithfully represented.
A Glimpse into the Process:
The process began with careful planning. We mapped out the show floor, identifying key areas and prioritizing the boats we needed to capture. Our team of 8 technicians then worked tirelessly throughout the show, strategically positioning the LiDAR scanners and capturing thousands of individual scans. Back at our studio, the real magic happened. The scans were processed, aligned, and stitched together to create a seamless 3D model. Hotspots were added to provide additional information about each booth, creating an interactive and informative experience for users.
The Benefits of Virtual Tours:
The resulting 3D virtual tour offers numerous benefits for both attendees and exhibitors. For those who couldn’t make it to Boston, the virtual tour provides a chance to experience the show from afar. For attendees, it’s a valuable tool for revisiting their favorite boats and exploring models they might have missed. For exhibitors, it extends their reach beyond the physical show, generating leads and increasing brand visibility.
The Future of Boat Shows:
The 3D virtual tour of the New England Boat Show represents the future of how people experience these events. It’s a testament to the power of technology to connect enthusiasts with the boats they love, regardless of location. We at 3D Boats are proud to be at the forefront of this innovation, helping the marine industry embrace the digital age.
Explore the Tour!
Ready to experience the New England Boat Show in 3D? Visit the virtual tour HERE
