With cutting-edge marine technology and thrilling adventures, the event solidifies its position as a hub for boating enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
Miami, FL – February 20, 2024 – The Discover Boating® Miami International Boat Show® concluded its five-day event, drawing guests from around the globe to Miami and Miami Beach. Hosted across six iconic locations, centered around Herald Plaza and the Miami Beach Convention Center, the 2024 edition of the show set new benchmarks for innovation, excitement, and community engagement in the recreational boating industry. 
“We are thrilled to see the excitement and support from exhibitors, attendees, partners, and community leaders who have contributed to making this event one of the premier destinations for boating enthusiasts worldwide,” said Andrew Doole, President of U.S. Boat Shows with Informa Markets, who produces the Discover Boating® Miami International Boat Show®.
From February 14th to February 18th, attendees were treated to a comprehensive showcase of the latest marine products and trendsetting vessels spanning powerboats, sailboats, yachts, and more. With over 1,000 boats and numerous exhibitors, the event provided a dynamic platform for industry leaders and guests to connect and celebrate their shared passion for boating. Fans of the hit television show Below Deck were delighted to catch a glimpse of the cast and Captain Sandy mingling amongst the crowd. Additionally, football fans enjoyed spending time with wide receivers Braxton Berrios and Cedrick Wilson, along with running back James Cook, adding to the show’s overall guest experience.
This year, MarineMax, the world’s leading recreational boat and yacht retailer, announced robust sales across all brands at the 2024 event. Charles Cashman, Chief Revenue Officer of MarineMax, commented, “Buyers exhibited remarkable engagement with our sales team, creating a vibrant atmosphere at the Miami Beach Convention Center and Herald Plaza, which attracted a notable surge of larger boat buyers. Miami’s dynamic waterfront, paired with a demographic deeply interested in the boating lifestyle, perfectly aligns with our industry. The outstanding performance of our team and the satisfaction of our consumers underscore the excellence of this year’s event, making it a standout show.”
The Progressive® Boat Show Experience at Pride Park served as the ultimate boater’s destination, offering the fan-favorite Nautical Ventures AquaZone, and this year’s new addition – the Pride Park Pickleball Court, in partnership with the 2024 Miami Open. Guests of the show also received tips, advice and practical skills that cover everything from getting started and operating your boat to service, maintenance, and more at Fred’s Shed Interactive Learning Center and Hook the Future’s Kids Fishing Clinics with Captain Don Dingman. 
The show provided a platform for hundreds of debuts, spotlighting cutting-edge marine products, and vessels, among which was the world’s first prototype hydrogen-combustion outboard motor by Yamaha, plus other marine technologies including sustainable fuels, hybrid engines, and electric options. This underscores the industry’s dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship, which was illustrated during the Propelling Our Future event, which unveiled new research outlining multiple technologies needed to further propel recreational boating toward decarbonization. Sustainability partners at the show included Suzuki and Allini Water Filters.
At the Miami Beach Convention Center, Yachting Ventures and Seaworthy Collective launched the first-ever Blue Startup Pitch Event, sponsored by Volvo Penta, during the show. This event bridged the gap between the blue economy and marine leisure, featuring presentations from keynote speakers and panel discussions. The highlight was dynamic startup pitches evaluated by a panel of judges from South Florida, with StrawFish® and Kraken Travel emerging as the winners.
“The Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show is an international destination to shop the widest range of new boats and marine products entering the market, generating significant economic impact for the recreational boating industry,” said NMMA President & CEO, Frank Hugelmeyer. “This year’s boat show was a hub to see some of the latest next gen marine technologies, from sustainable fuels to more efficient boat hull and engine designs, plus hundreds of boat debuts and new marine innovations. We’re proud to showcase the best in boating, delivering an annual sales boon for boat and marine engine manufacturers and the thousands of marine businesses who exhibit year after year.”
For cutting-edge yacht designs to state-of-the-art onboard technologies, the show provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in the yachting world. Consumers had the opportunity to explore a diverse range of vessels, from sleek day cruisers to majestic superyachts, while engaging directly with industry experts to customize their boating experiences to their desires and preferences.
“Our event is pivotal for the yachting industry, showcasing not only the latest vessels and technologies but also driving conversations around evolving consumer preferences and market trends.” added Paul Flannery Chief Operating Officer of the International Yacht Brokers Association (IYBA). “As the premier gathering of yacht enthusiasts and professionals, the show plays a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of the luxury boating market, providing invaluable insights for both industry stakeholders and consumers alike.” 
Among the awe-inspiring vessels on display were Marguerite by the esteemed German shipyard Lürssen and Victorious crafted by AKYACHT, both representing the pinnacle of superyacht craftsmanship and the epitome of luxurious possibilities. Guests with tickets to SuperYacht Miami were able to witness these magnificent vessels firsthand.
A collaborative effort between Informa Markets, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), and the International Yacht Brokers Association (IYBA), the Discover Boating® Miami International Boat Show® historically draws visitors from approximately 35 countries worldwide to South Florida, generating an estimated $1.34 billion for the state annually. This mega-event injects millions into Miami-Dade County’s tourism and hospitality industry.
In its second year of collaboration with esteemed art exhibition Art Wynwood, presented by Art Miami, the 2024 Discover Boating® Miami International Boat Show® continued to connect and celebrate the fusion of boating culture and artistic expression. The exhibition returned for its 11th edition this year with over 50 galleries from around the world.
“As a leading arts destination, Miami continues to attract collectors and art lovers from around the globe. During the busy Presidents’ Day Weekend, Art Wynwood offers a unique opportunity for a diverse audience to explore cutting-edge mid-career contemporary art from premier international galleries,” shares Julian Navarro, Director of Art Wynwood. “We are thrilled with this year’s success–it was truly a celebration of creativity, culture, and community.”
Segments of the 2024 Discover Boating® Miami International Boat Show® will premiere on March 8th at 6:00 pm on FS2. Reruns across FS1, FS2 and FSR (Canada) will take place throughout March allowing audiences to enjoy from the comfort of their homes.
The Discover Boating® Miami International Boat Show® returns February 12th to February 16th, 2025, to Miami and Miami Beach for another unforgettable celebration of boating and yachting. For more information including updates on exhibitors, ticket sales, and special events, please visit https://www.miamiboatshow.com/.
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