Miami Boat Show Closes Another Successful Event

The 2025 Discover Boating® Miami International Boat Show  wrapped up its 84th edition after a five-day exhibition across six locations in Miami and Miami Beach. The event brought together consumers, industry leaders and government officials to connect, explore and shop the latest in recreational boating.

Governor Ron DeSantis joined officials from Miami-Dade County, the city of Miami, and the city of Miami Beach, along with representatives from the show’s owners, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), show producers Informa Markets and the International Yacht Brokers Association (IYBA), to officially open the event with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. I

The Miami Boat Show is an economic engine for the state of Florida and the U.S. recreational boating market, with nearly $1 billion in regional impact.

Despite continued headwinds after years of record growth in recreational boat unit sales and a softening in attendance, exhibitors expressed optimism with reports of boat buyers shopping the show for the latest innovations, reinforcing the 2025 market assessment issued by the NMMA in January. Exhibitors reported a high quality of leads generated during the show while acknowledging the evolving economic conditions shaping attendees’ sentiment.

As the show continues bringing the best of boating to South Florida each year, one of this year’s most exciting announcements is the much-anticipated return of the yacht showcase to Indian Creek in Miami Beach. Approved by the city of Miami Beach on February 3, this move enhances the experience for exhibitors and attendees while preserving the show’s multi-jurisdictional presence across Miami and Miami Beach. The plan leverages the city-owned waterfront along Collins Avenue north of 41st Street, incorporating strategic measures for traffic flow and sustainability. Meanwhile, the Miami Beach Convention Center & Pride Park, Museum Park Marina, Venetian Marina and IGY Yacht Haven Grande will continue serving as key venues.

As part of its ongoing commitment to marine conservation and community engagement, the show named Cupid Splash as its official charitable partner. Sponsored by Informa, Cupid Splash hosted a fundraising event benefiting the Biscayne Bay Recovery Fund, managed by The Miami Foundation. DBMIBS guests had the opportunity to support the cause by making a donation during the ticket check-out process. On Sunday, February 16, Cupid Splash culminated in a pledge-and-plunge challenge at Collins Park Beach.

On Thursday, Feb. 13, NMMA hosted the 2025 Miami Innovation Awards during the annual Industry Breakfast, recognizing 12 companies for their contributions to marine technology and innovation. Presented with Boating Writers International (BWI), the awards celebrate manufacturers introducing forward-thinking solutions. A full list of winners is available on NMMA.org.