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Inflatable Boat Makes Waves at Volleyball Tourney

Waupaca Inflatable BoatInflatable 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

"The speed of production was remarkable. We now have eight Hot Stuff balloons that will travel all over the USA to invite people to try our great-tasting pizza."

- B. Eble, Hot Stuff Foods

"We had a very positive experience working with Landmark Creations and were very impressed with their service and how quickly we were able to receive our inflatable. The product is high quality and super easy to use, which makes a huge difference when setting up."

- Missy Keiper, Avera McKennan Foundation

“Everywhere it goes, folks go out of their way to catch a glimpse of the colorful inflatable.”

- B. Campbell, Enterprise Beverage Group, LLC

"[Our inflatable tunnel has] increased players & parents enthusiasm and recognition in the league for having a good program."

- W. Forrestal, Apex Sports Authority

"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

"Thanks so much, [the inflatables] look great. I am truly impressed. (So is the client.) I'll look forward to working with you in the future."

- W.C.P., CRN International