SARASOTA, FLA. (May 3, 2019) — Days after the three-day run of the Suncoast Boat Show, exhibitors reported higher-than average sales amid the backdrop of a strong economy.
The show, which took place at Marina Jack from April 26-28, featured more than 400 power boats on display — the most ever in its 37 years. The extraordinary selection of powerboats in water and on land encompassed almost 65,000 square feet adding to the total exhibit space of 246,000 square feet.
“Our goal is always to create a welcoming environment for attendees and an even more convenient backdrop for exhibitors,” said Chris Fleming, Director of Business Development, Informa Markets U.S. Boat Show, the owner and producer of show. “The success of the show is due in large part by the great economy and large selection of inventory.”
In addition to having more boats in the water, the show brought in new exhibitors, including adoptable dogs from Satchel’s Sanctuary, and brought back its popular kids’ fishing clinics Sunglasses, sports gear and boat toys of all types rounded out the varied mix of product on display.
“I’ve been doing this show for at least eight years, and this was a fantastic year for us,” said Jason LeFevre, general manger for MarineMax, which exceeded its sales goal by two boats. ”We saw an affluent crowd that was eager for new boats or an upgrade.”
Boat selections at the show ranged in price from $50,000 to $12 million.
Andrew Maryott with Galati Yacht Sales said the intimate feel of the show and the quality of attendees made it “one of the best shows we’ve ever had.”
“This is the last major boat show before our prime boating season,” Maryott said. “This show specifically has been very busy. It’s a much slower paced show, a lot smaller and more comfortable. This boat show was awesome.”
About the Suncoast Boat Show
The 37th annual Suncoast Boat Show is the premier boat show across the region. The Suncoast Boat Show is owned and produced by Informa Markets, U.S. Boat Shows division which also produces the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (the largest in-water boat show in the world), Palm Beach International Boat Show, Miami Yacht Show and the St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show. For more information visit www.suncoastboatshow.com and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @Suncoastboatshow.
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world’s leading exhibitions organiser, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.