The National Marine Manufacturers Association announced a partnership with Informa Markets to merge the Miami International Boat Show and Miami Yacht Show, including Superyacht Miami, creating one of the largest marine events in the world.
The joint production will be branded the Miami International Boat Show and is scheduled to debut Feb. 16-22, 2022.
“For 80 years, the Miami International Boat Show has served as the recreational boating industry’s flagship event and a prized platform to showcase world-class products and innovations to nearly 100,000 people across the globe,” NMMA president Frank Hugelmeyer said in a statement. “With NMMA’s new partnership with Informa Markets, together, we will take the show to the next level and deliver an unforgettable experience for our members, attendees, exhibitors and the local community for decades to come. “
The in-water events will be centered in downtown Miami at Sea Isle Marina, One Herald Plaza and Island Gardens Deep Harbour on Watson Island. The portion of the show that’s off the water will be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
There will be no longer be a show presence at the Miami Marine Stadium and Park on Virginia Key, where MIBS has been staged the last five years.
“Our industry and organization are incredibly grateful to the city of Miami for providing a home for our show these last five years at the Miami Marine Stadium and Park, and we look forward to bringing this exciting new event to both downtown Miami and Miami Beach,” Hugelmeyer said in the statement.
According to the agreement, Informa Markets will handle show management, with NMMA contributing guidance and other logistics. In addition, both will retain ownership of their respective events: NMMA keeps MIBS, and Informa Markets shares co-ownership of the Yacht Show and Superyacht Miami with the International Yacht Brokers Association.
“We are appreciative that the NMMA shares common goals, and we are honored to work with them to enhance our collective events, including an unbelievable week-long experience for recreational and luxury boating enthusiasts in Miami,” said Andrew Doole, Informa Markets president of U.S. boat shows.
Organizers said a significant traffic management plan is a critical element the team will develop in collaboration with the city of Miami and Miami Beach, with a wealth of transportation options at both locations.
Informa and the NMMA will open a joint office in Miami to begin planning for the show and other Florida-based events. As part of the agreement, the pair will also partner on the NMMA’s Tampa Boat Show, Informa’s St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show, and the Suncoast Boat Show.
“The marine industry is a truly special community, and one we are dedicated to nurturing and growing,” Doole said. “This year, despite innumerable challenges, our community proved its resilience, and the passion we have seen from manufacturers and buyers alike has strengthened our resolve to create even more meaningful experiences for boating and yachting professionals and enthusiasts.”
“NMMA made a wise decision in partnering with Informa,” Correct Craft CEO Bill Yeargin told Trade Only Today. “This decision reduces risk to NMMA and allows the organization to focus more attention and resources on the promotion of boating and advocacy. I fully support this change which will be good for the marine industry and the NMMA.”
The Miami International Boat Show and Miami Yacht Show generated a combined estimated annual economic impact of $1.34 billion, according to organizers.
