The event was held Feb. 7-15 at the Cobo Convention Center in downtown Detroit, owned by the Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA), a non-profit association representing marine businesses throughout Michigan. More than 250 exhibitors trailered in 1,000 model boats to display at the event. Canada's impressive floor display was used for the sea lamprey booth, and was well equipped with bilingual panels of photos and captions, maps and a parasitic sea lamprey and lake trout mount. The highlight of the display, however, was the live tank of very toothy adult sea lampreys.

Thousands of boat show visitors from Michigan and Canada dropped by to browse the 400,000 sq. feet of exhibit space at the Cobo Center over the course of the nine-day show. Much to their disbelief and distaste, many of them found more than they bargained for among the great deals at the show. As visitors walked through the pontoon boat display and rounded the corner of towering cabin cruisers, they came face to face with one of the most unsightly invaders of the Great Lakes. Although many visitors came with heroic stories of catching sea lampreys during fishing excursions, others were not familiar with the parasitic fish or its destructive feeding habits. Sea lamprey representatives were at the booth to answer questions and explain the complex life cycle and native origin of the invasive species. Families received maps, posters, and coloring books that illustrated the different aspects of sea lamprey management.

Large events geared toward outdoor enthusiasts, such as the Detroit Boat Show, provide incredible opportunities to interact with the community and promote awareness of sea lamprey management in the Great Lakes.