Orlando Boat Show reports record-breaking attendance

The 2019 Orlando Boat Show recently wrapped up its 16th annual three-day event at the Orange County Convention Center which featured more than 60 exhibitors, and showcased nearly 500 boats. The show, hosted by the Marine Industry Association of Central Florida, featured a wide variety of boats including personal watercrafts, pontoons, jet boats and cruisers. 

Exhibitor space sold out quickly and comprised of 24 dealers displaying more than 85 different brands of vessels.

Show organizers reported attendance was exceptional with 38% more attendees than the Spring Orlando Boat Show and 7% over the previous record-breaking event. Many dealers expressed excitement about the large turn out, commenting that they needed to call in additional support to service the number of visitors to their exhibits. In addition, they reported collectively that they generated their highest amount of sales and leads at this show over all other previous appearances.

“The Orlando Boat show provides a great forum for prospective boat buyers to speak with local industry experts and compare a variety of vessels all under one roof.  What would otherwise take an individual weeks of research to collect and gather can be done in just a few hours,” said Joe Lewis of Mt. Dora Boating Center.

The show organizer, David Ray, increased the amount of multigenerational, interactive activities available for guests which received positive feedback from attendees when asked which highlights of the show they most enjoyed. 

Exit surveys paralleled 2018 data which identified wake boats and adaptive boats as generating the most interest and purchases among attendees. Manufacturers are continuing to accommodate consumer requests to produce boats that are modular in functionality and able to be easily adapted on the water to function for entertainment when in use or when the anchor is dropped. 

The Marine Industry Association of Central Florida has invested in campaign initiatives to further promote the opportunities and benefits to adopting a boating lifestyle in Central Florida and is thrilled to see an increase in boat sales. 

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