Inflatable Boat Makes Waves at Volleyball Tourney

Inflatable Boat Highlights Tournament's Heritage

When the Waupaca Boatride Volleyball Tournament started out over 30 years ago, it featured a boat ride after play. Since that time, the mid-July tourney has moved to a larger city (Oshkosh, Wisconsin), where it now includes more than 1,500 teams. Today it is the nation's largest outdoor volleyball tournament.

Along the way, however, the annual event has abandoned its once-popular boat ride.

But boats are still part of its name and heritage, and tournament director Eddie Zelhofer wanted to keep that tradition alive. So, he asked Landmark Creations to design and build a custom inflatable boat, much like the one that once hosted post-play parties.

The result is an impressive red speedboat: 12 feet high, 20 feet long, floating on billowy waves. Authentic in every detail, it even includes realistic "windows."

So far, the inflatable replica has made quite a splash, both at the tournament and on social media. "The inflatable was a way to bring a boat back into the mix," says Zelhofer. "By staging it next to our main court complex, it became a powerful marketing and awareness tool."

Why did Zelhofer turn to Landmark to put the "boat" back in "Boatride"? "They were easy to deal with throughout the research phase," he says, with "excellent customer service throughout the process."

Featured in Landmarketing Issue 60

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What Others Say About Landmark Creations

"Landmark Creations has been our go-to supplier for 15 years. Tom and his team are people we count on to make our products look good."

- J. Doyle, Scenery First

"[There was] fun, excitement, and encouragement for everyone to actually walk under/through [the arch] and it worked. We have cheerleaders and small children at the finish line by the arch handing out stickers, saying ‘I did it.’ Before we had the arch, [people] would straggle in anywhere."

- Jackie Allen, March of Dimes

"Thank you so much for getting the arch to us in time for our event! The arch looked great and we couldn't of been happier with the look. Looking forward to ordering another arch from you for our 2013 events!"

- Holly Vittengl, Gladiator Assault Challenge

"Since they were purchased, these Sonic areas have attracted a great deal of attention when using the cup at the store or at special events in the community. [...] You have been excellent to do business with, always letting us know about any special deals and shipping the items quickly so we can start putting them to work. I appreciate your attention to our group of Sonics and for handling your business in a very professional manner, always delivering any information I need when making a decision. Here is a special thanks, with a "cherry on top."

- Mason-Harrison, Jarrard Enterprises

"Our giant peach is brand new to us and will help us gain name recognition in our community at health fairs, county fairs, farm markets, school events and almost any event we take it to."

- Greg Stone, Peach Tree Healthcare

"Just wanted to say how much we LOVE our inflatables. We tested them in our lobby where they were, of course, an instant hit for school group photos. Our leadership was quite pleased with the durability and the realism."

- Mike Hennessy, Carnegie Science Center