In its 77th year, the 2018 Progressive® Insurance Miami International Boat Show™ delivered another successful five-day event over Presidents Day Weekend, February 15-19, with 1,100 exhibitors and 1,400 boats on display on land and in-water. New to 2018, sail joined power in one location as Strictly Sail Miami moved to Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin, creating the ultimate destination for boating enthusiasts.
The show’s attendance rose three percent in 2018 to 97,391, with attendees from an estimated 35 countries around the globe, providing a direct boost to the local tourism industry. More than $3 billion in product was on display this year, and exhibitors reported strong sales on everything from fishing equipment and sailing gear to new yachts.
“It was a successful 2018 edition of the Miami Boat Show as exhibitors reported some of the best sales they’ve seen in years,” said Larry Berryman, manager of the Miami International Boat Show. “We are proud to host the greatest boat show in the world right here in Miami, delivering an estimated $854 million into Florida’s economy, and we will continue to enhance the show to provide a world-class experience for our guests, exhibitors and the community.”
The move of Strictly Sail Miami from Miamarina at Bayside to Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin added further convenience for show attendees and exhibitors.
“Our goal was to create one of the premier power and sail events in the world in a single, streamlined location,” said Kevin Murphy, sail manager for the Miami International Boat Show. “With more than 70 sailboats and catamarans on Pier 9, as well as the new Sail Accessory Pavilion and Sailor’s Cove, exhibitors and attendees were pleased with the addition of the sail component for an all-in-one location at this iconic venue.”
A new, all-inclusive VIP experience also launched at this year’s show, featuring a luxury lounge and outdoor deck. More than 2,500 people purchased VIP passes and the enhanced VIP experience received positive feedback from exhibitors and attendees.
In the show’s third year on Virginia Key, visitors again embraced the boat show’s park and ride model, utilizing water taxi and shuttle bus transportation to and from the show and designated offsite locations.
“Each year provides new learnings and this year, with the addition of the sailing community, we recognized opportunities to further improve our transportation plan for 2019,” noted Berryman. “We’re in the process of gathering feedback from our partners, exhibitors and attendees and are eager to take the feedback and apply it to next year’s show.”
Special thanks to the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County Police Departments, including the Marine Patrol, and the City of Miami Fire Department for their help in delivering another successful Miami International Boat Show.
The 2019 Miami International Boat Show will again be held over Presidents Day Weekend, February 14-18, at Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin.
About the Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show: The Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the world’s largest producer of boat shows and the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. The boat show generates $854 million of economic activity each year and supports full-time employment for approximately 6,000 Floridians NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. For more information, visit www.nmma.org.