For years, some of the Miami International Boat Show’s most popular displays of yachts would set up along Indian Creek on Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. The location, across from luxe hotels such as the Fontainebleau, made it easy for high-end visitors to settle in with a beachfront view, walk to the show to tour the boats, and perhaps jettison the kids off to the beach to keep them busy while the adults and brokers sat down to sign yacht-purchase contracts.
Then, a number of years ago, show organizers moved the setup to Miami Marine Stadium Park and Basin, just north of downtown Miami. It was a move that drew some significant feedback, so much so that one local news station’s report was titled: “Controversy surrounds Miami International Boat Show’s move to Marine Stadium.”
This year, the Collins Avenue venue is back, dubbed the Miami Beach Yacht Collection Collins Avenue. It’s one of several venues for this year’s event, with boats and equipment also on display at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Sailor’s Cove and Superyacht Miami at IGY Yacht Haven Grande and the Progressive Boat Show Experience at Pride Park.
Organizers cite three main reasons for the return to Collins Avenue. First is what they describe as “a premium environment aligned with the expectations of high-end buyers.” Second is improved proximity to other show locations. And third, organizers say, is that Collins Avenue offers increased visibility for luxury-focused consumers. Think of all those hotel guests who may be unaware the show is on, but who might fancy checking out the boating lifestyle.
Beyond the Boat Show
The Collins Avenue and Ocean Drive district is jam-packed with designer stores that sell everything from sunglasses and shoes to the trendiest South Beach fashions. Restaurants and nightlife are in the mix here too, giving visitors all kinds of ways to play after a day out on the sand under the warm Florida sun. Look for happy hours with handcrafted cocktails, dance parties with DJs and more.
