- Events and Regattas
$1 Billion Impact: The Miami Show’s Strategic Shift to Own the Waterfront
The Return to the Waterfront: Collins Avenue Reclaimed
The Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show (DBMIBS) announced a significant evolution for its 85th year, centered on reclaiming Miami Beach’s most iconic waterfront. For the first time since 2018, the show’s in-water yacht displays—the Miami Beach Yacht Collection—will return to Collins Avenue along Indian Creek. This move, which attracted premium yacht brands including Azimut, Ferretti, and Sunseeker, re-establishes a longstanding connection between the show and South Florida’s boating culture, creating the necessary environment for serious buyers.
A Blueprint for Efficiency: The Connected Layout
The changes reflect years of planning and direct feedback from exhibitors and attendees, aimed at solving logistical challenges and maximizing brand visibility. The new layout ensures smoother navigation across three primary locations. The Miami Beach Convention Center remains the epicenter for boats up to 49 feet and marine accessories, while the Yacht Collection on Collins Avenue takes over the 30-to-125-foot motor yacht segment. The goal, according to Informa Markets President Andrew Doole, is to create a more intuitive and connected footprint that strengthens the overall value of the event.
Sailor’s Cove Debut: A Dedicated Sailing Destination
Further enhancing the experience is the launch of Sailor’s Cove at IGY Yacht Haven Grande Miami. This dedicated destination centralizes sailboats, catamarans, sailing gear, education, and lifestyle programming. By bringing the sailing community into a premier environment with upgraded docks and modern marina amenities, the show elevates the experience for enthusiasts of the sailing lifestyle. A Park and Ride system was established to ensure convenient access, enhancing the show’s overall accessibility.
The SuperYacht Nexus: High-Value Segments
The highest-value segment of the show, the SuperYacht Miami component, remains a crucial anchor at IGY Yacht Haven Grande. Positioning the Yacht Collection closer to the main hub at the Convention Center, while consolidating sailing and superyachts at the IGY marina, is rooted in delivering the “ease” that attendees consistently request. This strategic positioning ensures that the full spectrum of boating, from first-time buyers to superyacht clients, benefits from a more intuitive, streamlined experience.
The Final Word: Shaping Industry and Community
The 2026 DBMIBS is a significant evolution for the show’s 85-year history. These updates, rooted in improving the visitor experience, reaffirm the event’s status as the world’s greatest boat show. Owned by the NMMA and IYBA, the show generates nearly one billion dollars in regional economic impact annually and actively supports community initiatives, including a significant annual contribution to Miami Beach public benefits. With a single ticket unlocking the entire show, the new layout guarantees that the experience is more connected and accessible than ever before.
