Biggest boat show in the US?

[votrechien]

Hi all,

I have a friend from Europe who is interested in coming over to the States to showcase a product he is developing.

What is the biggest/best boat show in America, one preferably with a strong showing by dealers/distributors/etc.? We're thinking IBEX- are we on the right track?

Thanks!
Dave

 

[saumon]

Re: Biggest boat show in the US?

IBEX is for boatbuilders, not really dealers/distributors. I'm pretty sure Miami, FL. is the biggest, consumer oriented show.

 

[capt sam]

Re: Biggest boat show in the US?

Miami Boat Show but it was held a few months ago.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Biggest boat show in the US?

Is this a big boat item, or small boat item?
New from manufacturer item, or consumer purchased item?
$400 item, or $20,000 item.

What the item is will dictate where he needs to go to market and get exposure.

If possible, he needs to get in touch with iboats.
Partner with them and have it showcased here on the site.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Biggest boat show in the US?

Miami Boat Show but it was held a few months ago.

I hear it was a success and they are thinking about having one every year now

Is this a big boat item, or small boat item?
New from manufacturer item, or consumer purchased item?
$400 item, or $20,000 item.

What the item is will dictate where he needs to go to market and get exposure.

If possible, he needs to get in touch with iboats.
Partner with them and have it showcased here on the site.

Good idea...

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Biggest boat show in the US?

There is also the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Shw (FLIBS) in late October, The Jacksonville Boat Show, and the Daytona Boat Show.

Just Google boat shows and see what good one gome up. They will list the previous year's attendances.

 

[180Fisherman]

Re: Biggest boat show in the US?

Not sure the biggest baddest boat show is the best place for a one man shop to try and market his product. As for getting in front of dealers I'd say boat show is the last place you want to go. They stick boobs in those boothes that barely know about their own products let alone can help your buddy with his.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Biggest boat show in the US?

Hi all,

I have a friend from Europe who is interested in coming over to the States to showcase a product he is developing.

What is the biggest/best boat show in America, one preferably with a strong showing by dealers/distributors/etc.? We're thinking IBEX- are we on the right track?

Thanks!
Dave

You don't need the biggest show, you need the one where new products are showcased. No question, that's Chicago McCormick Place in October. Hands down the winner. I can't imagine why nodody else thought of it.

 

[commander315]

Re: Biggest boat show in the US?

New York International Boat Show in Manhattan (February every year), Atlantic City, NJ International boat show. These are the most popular in the NE. THen there Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and some other good ones