Boating showcase changes its name

Miami Yacht Show makes its debut Presidents Day weekend

MIAMI BEACH —The Yachts Miami Beach boat show — one of two major boating showcases running annually in South Florida during the Presidents Day holiday weekend — will debut a new name in 2018 for its 30th year, organizers announced Wednesday.

The rebranded event, dubbed Miami Yacht Show, is scheduled for Feb.15-19 along the Indian Creek Waterway from 41st to 54th streets in Miami Beach.

The annual event typically has more than 500 new and preowned yachts, as well as marine products and accessories on display. There are also floating cocktail lounges, food venues and live music.

A new website, MiamiYachtShow.com, has launched. A new online platform, Boat Show Market Place, is also imminent. It will enable visitors to pre-plan their actitivies and schedule exhibitor appointments before arrival.

In a news release, Mary Bender, vice president of marketing for Informa Exhibitions, the show's producer and co-owner, said the event is constantly evolving and adapting to best serve its audience.

"The new name and logo were designed to follow suit with our portfolio of boat shows,” Bender said. “We worked collaboratively with our stakeholders throughout the process and expect the new brand to be well received in the yachting community."

Informa also manages the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, which marked its 58th run earlier this month with about $7 million in enhancements, including signage, new docks and exhibit flooring. The company also produces the Palm Beach International Boat Show held annually in March. It owns and operates the Monaco Yacht Show.

Other improvements added at the Miami production will include an enhanced layout to make show navigation easier and a VIP Experience ticket package with food and beverage inclusions and a dedicated concierge, Informa said.

Admission prices for 2018 have yet to be released. Last year, the previously free Miami Beach event charged a $20 entry fee.

Another annual staple set for the same President’s Day weekend is the Miami International Boat Show, which will take place at the Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin on Virginia Key. The 77 year-old show is owned and operated by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, a Chicago-based trade group for the recreational boating industry.