Monday, September 22, 2014

FT. LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW PLANS FOR GROWTH

FT. LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW PLANS FOR GROWTH

Sorry, no photo associated with this article. Through past blogs we know just how huge this show is economically each year. It is bigger than a Super Bowl, and it happens every year! How about these numbers: 90,000 local jobs and $500 million dollar economic impact. But like every business in Florida these days, they have plans to grow. The plan is to attract new businesses, both locally and internationally, that are outside the marine industry. The owner of the show, Marine Industries Association of South Florida, is partnering with the Greater Ft. Lauderdale Alliance, who is Broward’s public-private economic development agency and the official tourism marketer for Broward County. They are going to sponsor a lunch on Oct. 30th, which is the show’s first day, to promote the show and the economic impact it provides the entire state. The people attending the lunch will be a mix of foreign diplomats from 18 different countries along with local company executives from several different businesses. It is an invitation only lunch, and 220 people are expected. Attending countries that were mentioned include Brazil, Canada, Chile, Columbia, France, Italy and Norway. Fittingly, the lunch will take place aboard the Floridian Princess boat. Strangely, this seems like the first attempt at growing the show, probably because it continues to grow each year with no efforts. But I bet with these efforts they will be successful in attracting even more businesses and participants to the show. It will be interesting to see how quickly it happens and who will be the newest participants. I have no doubt they are focusing heavily on South America, who Florida has seen massive growth from lately. It would also make sense to see Mexico and Canada there since they are our neighbors and have large areas of marine industry. I am going to try and make it this year, for the first time. One of the main detractors of the show is the expense and difficulty in parking during it. Wish me luck! As always thanks for reading and have a great day.

Boat show expansion plans include new businesses

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