Newport International Boat Show Map 2022

An illustrated guest map for the show, settling into its new angle

Artist, Illustrator, Designer: John Potter - Escape Key Graphics

Client: The Newport Exhibition Group
I'm the guy who makes these maps. If you plan on attending the show please visit the show's website to make sure you're getting all the latest information on The Newport International Boat Show at http://www.newportboatshow.com/

About The Show

The Newport International Boat Show takes place each September across more than seventeen acres in historic downtown Newport, Rhode Island. The show spreads across multiple interconnected sites including the Newport Yachting Center, Hammetts Hotel, Perry Mill Wharf, Bowen's Wharf, Bannisters Wharf, and Market Square. The venue is dense with small, charming buildings, and the line between the show and the surrounding neighborhood is softer than at most other shows I work on.

It is one of the oldest and most respected boat shows in the Northeast, drawing attendees from all over the region.

For 2022

This map is the revised version for the 2022 show. It builds on the new angle I established the previous year, with the view looking inland from the harbor rather than from offshore.

By 2022, that new angle had settled in. The map was no longer brand new, but it was still finding its rhythm. The main work this year, as in most years, was updating the floating dock and land exhibitor placements. The show changes slightly each season, and the map needs to reflect those changes accurately.

I also made small adjustments to the labeling and fine tuned the colors to keep the map feeling fresh. The axonometric style means buildings and objects do not shrink with distance, so everything has equal visual weight. That makes the dense Newport layout easier to read, and I continued to refine that balance.

The client also supplied updated logos and sponsor graphics, which I worked into the design. These details might seem small, but they help the map feel current and connected to the show's overall branding.

Why A Map Matters

Maps like this are more than just wayfinding tools. Yes, they help attendees figure out where they are and where they want to go. But a well made map also does marketing work.

It gives potential visitors a real sense of the event before they arrive. They can study the layout, see what is where, and start imagining themselves walking the docks. That builds anticipation and excitement. A map is unique visual information that lifestyle photography cannot replace.

For exhibitors and sponsors, being on the map means being part of that pre show experience. And for show organizers, a consistent map year after year becomes a recognizable piece of the event's identity.

What I Can Do For You

If you have an event or any venue that needs a clear, detailed, and attractive map, I can help. I have been making maps like this since 2012 for boat shows, resorts, marinas, and more. Contact me and tell me about your project. I would be glad to do the same kind of work for you.