Exhibitors at the recent Fort Lauderdale Boat Show have reported strong sales. Show organisers reported that gate attendance for the entire show was up 28 per cent from the prior year pushed up by five days of sunshine.
The gate was the highest since the show in 2006, and exhibition space at this years show was the largest it has ever been, with returning exhibitors expanding their show presence over that of last year.
Efrem Zimbalist III, CEO of Show Management, the company that manages and produces the show said “Commitments made by owners and organisers to bring enhancements to our exhibitors and guests, coupled with fantastic weather and confident buyers, made for a very successful weekend.”
Pietro Goglia of the Italian Trade Commission, representing 12 exhibitors in the Yachting Pavilion, reported a strong show from all participating companies. He said, “Interest from the American market in our Italian-made products and services was strong, and many of us returned to Italy with leads and contracts.”
Italy was one of more than 20 countries represented at this year’s show. The largest in-water boat show in the world, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show attracts an international audience of more than 100,000 marine professionals and enthusiasts, spanning more than 3 million square feet of space over six locations.
This was a very successful boat show for the Ferretti Group America, who had more than 20 new yachts on display the largest number of new yachts in the show from one manufacturer. They claim to have placed nine yachts under contract during the show.
Cheoy Lee, exhibiting a 46 metre expedition yacht said, “It was our best boat show to date.”
The boat show is seen by many as a barometer of the local and national economy, and this year saw a strong increase in sales, an increase in attendees, and 10-to-15 per cent increase in food and beverage consumption over the past few years.
Perhaps this is what is meant by a Beer Market!