fbpx

Ship-Shape Show

Miami International Boat Show fixing obstacles created by move

By Martin Lenkowsky

Organizers of the 2017 Miami International Boat Show do not expect the same growing pains visitors faced last year when the show’s main site moved from the Miami Beach Convention Center to its new location on Virginia Key.

Ben Wold, the show’s executive vice president and manager, says three aspects last year needed improvement: transportation, food and beverage, and sanitation. This year, they’re getting it.

Organizers also are adding more water taxis to make it easier to get around. Although the number of routes has been cut from last year’s seven to four this year, the number of vessels has increased from 17 to 25. The water taxis are free for those with tickets or exhibit badges.

In addition, dozens of shuttle buses will be circulating from fewer locations to make transportation more efficient and serve more people. Five bus routes will connect the show to Bayfront Park, AmericanAirlines Arena, the Hyatt Regency Miami, Marlins Park and the Yachts Miami Beach show along Indian Creek Waterway. (For those without prepaid parking, Wold recommends using Marlins Park.)

A new catering company, Great Performances, will provide more food choices this year—150 items. “We want people to have a wide variety of choices,” he says. “There will be five main food areas. We don’t want more than five or six people in line at the same time.”

As for sanitation, organizers have doubled the number of bathroom trailers. “They’ll be better identified with big red balloons,” Wold says.

The Miami International Boat Show, now in its 76th year, will be split between two locations—Miami Marine Stadium Park and Basin on Virginia Key, and Miamarina at Bayside Marketplace. The Bayside location is home to Strictly Sail Miami, an event in conjunction with the boat show that will feature approximately 130 sailboats and the newest in sailing gear and daily seminars.

Organizers say a total of more than 1,300 new boats will be on exhibit, with more new models on display than in previous years. They expect more than 100,000 boating enthusiasts from around the world coming to see powerboats, sailboats, cruisers, yachts, navigational equipment and waterproof boating gear. ♦

2017 Miami International Boat Show

WHEN: Feb. 16-20, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily

WHERE: Miami Marine Stadium and Basin, 3501 Rickenbacker Causeway, on Virginia Key; Strictly Sail Miami, Miamarina at Bayside Marketplace, 400 Biscayne Blvd.

TICKETS: $40 per person on Feb. 20 and $25 a day the rest of the show; two-day passes (Friday-Monday) $45; five-day passes $100; free admission for ages 15 and younger

INFO: miamiboatshow.com (also for advance parking purchases)

You May Also Like

Yacht Haven Park and Marina in Fort Lauderdale Undergoes Luxurious Upgrades and Renovations

Yacht Haven Park and Marina in Fort Lauderdale recently underwent numerous luxurious renovations and upgrades to transform into one of the nation’s premier motorcoach and yachting destinations. The luxury motorcoach and yacht resort, located along the south fork of the New River, features 222 motorcoach sites, waterfront views and a marina that can accommodate vessels up

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Returns for 63rd Edition

The 63rd Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) will take place across five days at seven locations in Broward, including the Broward County Convention Center (BCCC) and the Bahia Mar Yachting Center. The yearly show, owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) and produced by Informa Markets, will feature numerous boating and yachting exhibitions that showcase numerous

Report Reveals 2022 Palm Beach International Boat Show Generated Over $700 Million in Sales

Exhibitors at the 40th Palm Beach International Boat Show of the show brought in $725 million in sales, according to an economic impact report conducted by Thomas J. Murray & Associates. The event, which took place in March along Flagler Drive’s waterfront, generated over $1 billion in Florida, resulting from marine industry sales and travel/entertainment

Miami International Boat Show Generated Over $955 Million in 2022

In February, the 2022 Discover Boating® Miami International Boat Show® helped cement its status as a critical economic engine and tourism booster for Florida after the show’s producers revealed vast financial numbers. An economic impact report by Thomas J. Murray & Associates announced that the show generated more than $955 million, created over 5,000 jobs,

Other Posts

Boatsetter Aims to Bring Yachting to the Masses

“Boating is one of those experiences everyone should be able to have,” says Jaclyn Baumgarten, CEO and co-founder of the online marketplace Boatsetter. So, in an effort to share her passion, she founded a Fort Lauderdale-based company that “enables anyone, anywhere to book incredible experiences on the water, whether they are looking for a day

Sea Tow Forecasts Summer Boating Trends From Annual Member Survey

To help gauge how boaters feel about recent trends in the marine industry and how fuel prices impact their boating habits, Sea Tow released its Spring 2022 findings from its annual member survey. The data helps SeaTow learn about its members’ needs to ensure services meet demands. The survey generated over 7,800 responses and captured feedback on

Informa Markets Expands Corporate Sustainability Efforts in South Florida

Informa Markets’ commitment to producing some of South Florida’s top boating and yachting events also extends to conservation efforts to help strengthen and protect Florida’s natural resources and marine life. Informa Markets and its U.S. Boat Show division recently made a $300,000 contribution to the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida to support the nonprofit organization’s effort to preserve

OneWater Marine Finalizes Acquisition of Denison Yachting

One of South Florida’s premier yacht broker companies was recently acquired by OneWater Marine Inc. (NASDAQ: ONEW) with the purchase of Denison Yachting. The acquisition of Denison Yachting will help increase the OneWater portfolio featuring superyacht sales, yacht charters and ancillary yacht services, including yacht management and crew placement. In 2021, the Denison Yachting managed over 1,000