Attracting a wide range of marine exhibitors, Miami International Boat Show 2015 showcased 2,000 booths this year to a global audience. Since its inception in 1941 with just 50 boats under a tent in Dinner Key, a Miami complex in Coconut Grove.
This present day multi-venue event, with 3 locations to be exact, reaches its capacity year after year at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Growing from its original 50 boats to its current 1,500 boats on display.
The Miami International Boat Show is a heaven to any boating enthusiast. After just a few moments with the event’s show manager, Kathy Rig Joel, reviewing activities and the beautiful Miami weather, it’s clear that Miami and all those attending were winning at life during their launch this past President’s Day. Not only important to the boating world, but Kathy informs us that it is also a huge economic generator for South Florida reaching an economic impact of over $1 Billion during its 5-day run.
With over 100,000 people walking through its doors–and tents, this world-class marina experience is well-known for two things: the event’s international crowd, with approximately half of its guests flying in from Europe & Latin America, and its constant unveiling of innovative products, the newest in maritime gadgets and toys. As Kathy puts it, “Any gadget imaginable,” can be found at this event.
For those of you dying to know more, this upcoming 2016 President’s Day Weekend expect to see the event at its new, larger location at Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basi, with no changes to its other locations. The event launches Thursday, February 11th, where its new venue invites more than 1,200 boats on land and in the water with over 700 slips. Additional perks of the new site include a closed and open-air tented exhibit spaces for everything from marine accessories and electronics to apparel, and a deep water basin accommodating the larger boats.
With the ability to grow at the Miami Marine Stadium location, planning is already under way as Kathy reveals that the event’s static nature may evolve as the new space may bring on an integration of events in the next few years.
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