Miami will be the place to be over President’s Day weekend as more than 100,000 boating enthusiasts from around the globe are expected to flock to the Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show. Recognized as one of the world’s largest, 2017 marks the show’s second year at the iconic Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin, where it will unveil a number of elements expected to further solidify Miami’s position as the boating capital of the world.
Building on its 2016 success, the Miami Boat Show will unveil a number of enhancements in 2017—from transportation and product offerings to food and beverage—while maintaining all the elements that make the Miami Boat Show such a beloved experience for attendees and exhibitors. Highlights and enhancements include:
In-Water Selection Expands 35 Percent.
Organizers anticipate more than 1,300 new boats on display throughout this year’s show with more new model debuts than ever before. What’s more, the number of boats in-water is expanding 35 percent to an estimated 550 boats and yachts—all located in the show’s state-of-the-art, eco-friendly marina. From sport fishing boats and high performance boats, to personal watercraft and wake sport boats, family cruisers and luxury yachts, there is something for every lifestyle and budget.
Boat Show Partners with Miami Open Tournament Caterer.
The 2017 Miami Boat Show encourages attendees to come hungry. The show has selected Great Performances, renowned caterer for world-class events such as the Miami Open, and will feature a variety of new dining options. Great Performances is expanding its relationships with Miami restaurant favorites, such as The Knife Steakhouse, Latin Café, Puntino Pizza and Sushi Maki to establish on-site eateries, in addition to operating its own proprietary concepts, reflecting its commitment to the use of fresh, local ingredients and Miami’s rich culinary culture.
New Yacht and VIP Experience to Dock at Pier 9
The Miami Boat Show is launching a new yacht and VIP experience, offering show goers the chance to browse, board and buy more than 100 new luxury yachts ,making it one of the largest yachting exhibitions in the country. A list of yacht exhibitors and model information are available upon request.
Attendees seeking the VIP treatment will also have access to everything from premium bites and live music, to concierge services, VIP parking, and an exclusive on-water VIP lounge aboard the 111-foot Biscayne Lady.
More Strictly Sail
In addition to the Miami Marine Stadium footprint, the Miami Boat Show’s second location, Strictly Sail Miami, will once again dock at Miamarina at Bayside and this year feature approximately 130 sailboats, a large selection of sailing and power catamarans, dozens of daily seminars, and the newest sailing gear. Visitors to the Miami Boat Show can access Strictly Sail Miami by free water taxis or shuttle buses, running until 7p.m. daily.
More On-Water Experiences
After its success in 2016, the Miami Boat Show will once again offer sea trials, where interested shoppers can take the boat of their dreams for a spin in Miami’s open waters. This year, more boat exhibitors will participate, giving boat buyers a chance to test-drive a number of options. In addition, following last year’s popular sold-out on-water boating skills workshops, the show will offer its Discover Boating Hands-On Skills Training with more daily power boating and sailing courses. Space is limited; advance registration is recommended.
More Support for Miami, Local Community
The 2017 show is once again expected to deliver a substantial economic impact, greater than two Super Bowls, at an estimated $597 million. More than 100,000 attendees from approximately 35 countries across the globe are expected at the 2017 Miami Boat Show, continuing to bolster tourism and put Miami on an international stage. The show directly employs 6,592 people full-time while supporting an estimated 55,000 jobs created by the Florida boating industry.
More Parking and Transportation Options
Come to the show by land or sea! With the popularity of park-and-ride in 2016 an estimated 80 percent of attendees parked at designated offsite locations and traveled to the show via shuttle bus or water taxi, the Miami Boat Show will offer seamless transportation to and from Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin. With learnings from the first year at Miami Marine Stadium, the show has improved its transportation plan with even more efficiency including:
Water Taxis: The number of water taxis will increase by more than 47 percent in 2017. In addition, the capacity of water taxis will increase, holding from 50 to 350 people, larger than most of the water taxis used during the 2016 show. Water taxi pick-up and drop-off locations will be streamlined from seven to four– American Airlines Arena, the Hyatt in downtown Miami, the W Hotel (formerly Viceroy) in downtown Miami on Brickell, and Bayfront Park (Strictly Sail location) – to meet the high demand for water transportation. More and larger water taxis concentrated on fewer routes will provide frequent service to and from the Show.
Shuttle Buses: To meet the demand of show goers looking to get to and from the show quickly and easily, dozens of shuttle buses will circulate at all times from fewer locations than in 2016 to provide a more efficient transportation experience—getting more people to and from the show in less time. There are four departure locations throughout downtown Miami—Marlins Park, American Airlines Arena, the Hyatt in downtown Miami, and Bayfront Park (Strictly Sail location). An expanded shuttle service will also run between the Miami Boat Show and the Yachts Miami Beach show on Collins Avenue. What’s more, there will be new mini buses transporting show goers to and from parking on Virginia Key that will now operate with a direct route to and from the show’s front entrance rather than looping around the entire Rickenbacker Causeway.
Parking: Abundant parking options with an estimated 10,000 parking spaces, will again be available for show attendees in downtown Miami with easy access to water taxis and shuttle buses. Downtown lots include Marlins Park and American Airlines Arena. Reserve parking ahead of time at MiamiBoatShow.com.
Convenient parking on Virginia Key will again be available and can be reserved and prepaid in advance at MiamiBoatShow.com. Parking on Virginia Key will be designated in four key lots with general parking, exhibitor parking, new VIP & handicapped parking at the Miami Seaquarium, and valet parking near Whiskey Joe’s.
Learn more about the Miami Boat Show at www.miamiboatshow.com.
