Elmhurst Resident Manages Chicago Boat, RV & Sail Show

ELMHURST, IL — Elmhurst resident Keith Ogulnick has managed the Chicago Boat, RV & Sail Show for 12 years. The Chicago Boat, RV & Sail Show is in its 87th year and is a tradition for many in the Chicago area every winter. The show takes place at McCormick Place and this year will be held from Jan. 10 to 14.

Ogulnick is passionate about the show and said, "It's the middle of January, people are suffering from post-holiday blues, and it's such a cool thing to come into the city and start daydreaming about warmer weather."

The show is often considered a family event, and offers food and beverage, hands-on activities and educational seminars about all kinds of topics.

Ogulnick, who calls himself a proud Elmhurst resident, said he enjoys managing the show every year.

""It's been a blast. I've been running trade shows for my whole career, and I've never had as much fun as the boat show."

Some of this year's events include: a Boating Skills Virtual Trainer, Fred's Shed Interactive Learning Center, Huck Finn Trout Pond, Captain Bill and the Floaty Boat, and Chicago Maritime Arts Center Build-a-Boat.

Ogulnick said things have changed over the years at the show, especially with the recession in 2008.

"Things have bounced back now, people are spending money again," he said. "People have come to realize that you can't put a price tag on family fun and memories. Now people are back to getting on the water and the road."

Ogulnick also added that technology continues to change and makes boating more enjoyable.

"The beauty of a show like this is that people can touch and feel and get a sense of what the boat has to offer."

When asked his favorite thing about the show, Ogulnick was quick to say, it's the families.

"I love watching the families. The beauty of boating is it gets families together, family time together."

Photo provided.