The sold out 74th annual Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show, which took place over President’s Day weekend in the lovely Florida yacht charter location – Miami, attracted 96,009 visitors from all over the world – a one percent increase over 2014. The event featured more boats than ever before, hundreds of product launches, as well as a new high-end and state-of-the-art Accessory Pavilion that was custom built on the Convention Center’s outdoor exhibition area. Early reports from exhibitors in every market segment indicate the show generated strong sales – in many cases, record sales – helping to kick start momentum for the recreational boating industry in 2015.
Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show 2015
Exhibitor reports: “We wanted to thank you for a great show this year! My five booths sold a combined 67 boats! My manufacturers are very pleased with our performance (Wellcraft, Glastron, Cobalt, Seafox & Forest River). I know it’s early, but I wanted to let you know that the manufacturers I represent will be back and some want more space.” Jim Sabia, Top Notch Marine
“This year exceeded our expectations. We sold 16 boats and have two more under contract. Miami is always a great show for us. We look forward to another great year next year.” Lana Lohe, CNB Lagoon
“We’ve done better this year than we have in the past couple of years and are already thinking about how to configure our booth for next year to make it even better.” Bob Meagher, Doyle Sailmakers
“We eclipsed our targeted sales number, and those are signed deals! We still have many more to work – the show has been fantastic.” Sean Halley, Boston Whaler
“We had an amazing show. We knew it would be good – but it was beyond our wildest dreams. The 53’ was so well received. So exciting! We’ll be back.” Terri Nuechterlein, HydraSports Custom
As the industry follows up on leads from the 2015 show, plans are already well underway for 2016. The Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show will celebrate its 75th year at Miami Marine Stadium Park and Basin – one of the most beloved and historic boating destinations in South Florida – located on Virginia Key off the Rickenbacker Causeway, just across from downtown Miami; the Strictly Sail Miami portion of the show will stay at Miamarina at Bayside.
The City of Miami is investing $16 million to rejuvenate the Park and prepare it for the 2016 boat show. Additionally, NMMA will build customized docks and erect state-of-the-art structures to accommodate land exhibitors. The vast area of water, which is the size of the Washington Mall, will accommodate more than 700 boats including large boats in the deep water basin. On land, large, cutting-edge temporary outdoor structures will be both air-conditioned and open-air and will span Marine Stadium Park.
Other elements of the new site announced by NMMA include plentiful parking in downtown Miami and near the show with quick water taxi and shuttle bus rides directly to the show. Additionally, water taxis will be stationed at numerous ports and hotels throughout Miami to take attendees to and from the show quickly and efficiently. The show will also offer the ability for private boats to dock at the show and have access to launch services. With an abundance of hotels nearby, experiencing the show will be easier than ever. What’s more, the show will offer a hassle-free VIP experience, allowing exhibitors the opportunity to attract and engage customers in a new way.
