Miami International Boat Show, Miami Yacht Show announce joint marketing venture

The National Marine Manufacturers Association, owner of the Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show, and Informa, co-owners of the Miami Yacht Show with International Yacht Brokers Association, announced today a joint venture to showcase both events now being held in Miami on the same dates — Feb. 14-18, 2019 — creating the world’s largest display of boats for sale and ultimate destination for boating enthusiasts, bringing a combined $1.3 billion in economic impact to South Florida.

Prompting the partnership is the 2019 move of the Miami Yacht Show to downtown Miami at One Herald Plaza, across Biscayne Bay from the Miami International Boat Show at Miami Marine Stadium, which is also in closer proximity to Miami Yacht Show’s Super Yacht Miami at Island Gardens on Watson Island.

Combined, the shows will bring nearly 2,000 of the most sought-after boats, yachts and superyachts to Miami over President’s Day weekend.

The Miami International Boat Show will feature more than 1,400 new boats ranging in size from 10 feet to 100 feet, and the Miami Yacht Show and Super Yacht Miami will feature more than 500 new and brokerage yachts and superyachts ranging from 40 feet to over 320 feet.

The partnership includes a joint advertising campaign, a combination ticket for those looking to attend both events, and free shuttle bus transportation between shows. With the shows located along Miami’s Biscayne Bay, they are easy to access via dedicated park-and-ride lots, and public transportation, including Miami’s Metrorail and new Brightline train service.

The Miami Boat Show is also offering free water taxi service from Bayfront Park and American Airlines Arena; and the Miami Yacht Show will run VIP tenders between its Miami Yacht Show site and its Super Yacht Miami site.

The joint advertising campaign began Dec. 1 and runs through both events. With a singular advertising campaign, the shows are reaching a larger audience on a national, international and local level across television, radio, magazines, newspapers, outdoor, digital and social media.

The campaign touts the fact that with both shows now in Miami, boating enthusiasts have access to the largest display of boats and yachts in the world, creating the five biggest days in boating. A theme running throughout the campaign is, ‘Two Epic Shows. Two Thousand Boats’.

“This is the first time both shows—which are owned by two different entities—have come together to answer the question, ‘How can we work together for the greater good of the recreational boating community?’ ” said Thom Dammrich, NMMA president, which owns and produces the Miami International Boat Show.

According to Dammrich, the boating industry and the South Florida community belong to a cohesive eco-system.

“When we work together, everyone benefits. With our joint advertising campaign, we expect to attract more people to Miami than ever before, which will benefit the shows’ economic impact for Florida, the experience for show goers and exhibitors of both events, and our ability to put Miami on an international stage and showcase this city’s beloved boating lifestyle,” Dammrich explained.

The Miami Yacht Show is thrilled to partner with the Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show in this newly formed joint marketing campaign, said Andrew Doole, general manager and vice president of Informa Global Exhibitions, U.S. Boat Shows division.

“Collectively we create the biggest marine event in the world,” Doole said. “Our key focus continues to be the improvement of the customer experience. With the expansion of the Miami Yacht Show to our new site in downtown Miami, we are in closer proximity to our Super Yacht Miami show at Island Gardens and the Miami International Boat Show, creating a more cohesive experience for our mutual attendees and exhibitors.”

The Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show takes place Feb. 14-18, 2019 on Virginia Key at Miami Marine Stadium Park and Basin.

The show spans more than 90 acres, including 3.5 miles of docks, and features more than 1,100 exhibitors. More than 1,400 new boats ranging in size from10 feet to 100 feet in length, including offshore fishing boats, high performance boats, motor yachts, family cruisers, watersports boats, sailboats, personal watercraft and more, will be available to view, board, and buy.

The show is also home to the largest selection of marine accessories and equipment with more than 500 exhibitors showcasing thousands of the latest marine technologies, gear, apparel, and fishing tackle, plus the newest engines from the world’s leading brands.

The Miami Yacht Show takes place Feb. 14-18, 2019 at its new location at One Herald Plaza between the Venetian and MacArthur causeways as well as the Sea Isle Marina behind the Omni and  Marriott Biscayne Bay.

The Miami Yacht Show more closely links to its Super Yacht Miami event at Island Gardens on Watson Island and spans nearly 60 acres with an increase of over 70 percent space on land.

The new site boasts a massive 67,000 sq. ft. climate-controlled tent where more than 225 upland exhibitors can be on display.  The Show hosts nearly 500 new and pre-owned yachts in-water, ranging from motor yachts and superyachts, to offshore fishing boats and superyacht tenders; 40 superyachts are expected at the 2019 show with vessels ranging in size from 40 feet to over 320 feet in length.

To buy tickets, access transportation information, and learn about the boats and yachts at each show, visit MiamiBoatShow.com and MiamiYachtShow.com.