This year’s Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show came to its end on Monday, February 17, closing on the same note it opened with during Wednesday’s GE Capital Commercial Distribution Finance and NMMA special session – ‘Riding a Wave of Optimism’. The event brought five productive days for the recreational boating industry, filled with industry meetings, new product introductions, as well as heavy sales across the show’s three locations.
Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show 2014
Winter storms on the East Coast did keep some visitors away from the show and attendance was down 6% to 94,980, compared to 102,118 in 2013. Exhibitors are reporting that even though traffic was lighter, they had strong sales and were happy to see quality buyers at their booths. Many exhibitors from both the power boat and sailing sectors touted the 2014 Miami Boat Show was the best show they have had in years.
“We had a very successful show, we saw many more qualified buyers this year,” Aaron Krenzer, Cobalt Yachts.
“The 2014 Miami International Boat Show attracts the most diverse, multi-cultural population focusing on new technology and products that appeal to the vast majority, while combining a great selection of products at competitive prices. All of this is a recipe for a successful boat show,” Jose Chao, Crook & Crook.
“It was our first time in the show and we had a great experience. We picked up 7 dealers and sold 8 boats. It couldn’t have been better. Looking forward to 2015,” Anthony Kalil at Barracuda Boats.
“What a great show! As I have been telling people, this was the best Miami show I’ve experienced in terms of leads,” Jason Johnson, Marine Travelift.
“Thursday and Friday were good days. This is our best show in years. Not our best Strictly Sail Miami show but our best overall show,” John Franta, Colligo Marine.
“We had a great show. We sold 14 boats and our team is very happy,” Dino Smith, Beneteau.
“This is our first year here and we had a good show. We will be back next year,” Scot Watson, Indiantown Marina.
“Perfect weather, perfect venue and a perfect experience. We had a great show at the Strictly Sail Miami location – one of our best shows of the year,” Scott Williman, Selden Mast.
The 2014 Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show made waves in the media, attracting nearly 500 press to the show. Highlights included an all-day shoot with Fox News Network and coverage on every Miami network news affiliate, plus dozens of new placements internationally.
