Explore the Latest Boats at the Orlando Boat Show August 23-25 at Orange County Convention Center

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The Marine Industry Association of Central Florida (MIACF) proudly presents the Orlando Boat Show, set to take place from August 23 to 25, 2024, at the Orange County Convention Center, West Hall B and C. This highly anticipated three-day event will showcase 22 of Central Florida’s leading boat dealers, featuring over 80 manufacturers and approximately 500 boats.

Attendees can explore a diverse range of vessels, including bowriders, center consoles, deck boats, flats boats, freshwater fishing boats, jet boats, pontoons, and surf boats, catering to all lifestyles and budgets.

Exclusive show-only incentives will be available, such as extended warranties, service packages, waived dockage fees, enhanced electronics, and accessory bundles.

“This year’s Orlando Boat Show is set to be an exceptional event for both seasoned boaters and newcomers. With the best boat selection we’ve seen in years and fantastic deals, it’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss,” said Joe Lewis, general manager of Mount Dora Boating Center and Marina and president of MIACF. “Families can look forward to kids’ fishing seminars, interactive displays, and even a visit from Gatorland with their critters. It’s an event for the whole family to enjoy.”

Lewis added that the boating lifestyle offers numerous benefits, enhancing both physical and mental well-being. “We know that being near, on, or in the water promotes happiness and health. Let us show you how.”

Research highlights the emotional, behavioral, and psychological benefits of being near, in, on, or under the water, underscoring the profound impact of boating on our lives and its connection to the planet’s waters from economic, ecological, and educational perspectives.

Tickets

• Price: $10 per person
• Available online or at the gate (cashless payment only)
• Free for children under 12
• Parking at the Orange County Convention Center: $10.65 (cashless payment only)

Event Highlights

• NEW! Gatorland Wrangler on the Way Animal Meet & Greet: Experience the thrill of Florida’s wildlife with Gatorland’s presentation of alligators, snakes, and other remarkable animals. Visit their booth to learn more and get discounted admission tickets to the park.
• Hook The Future Kid’s Fishing Clinic: Join Captain Don Dingman from the Sportsman Channel’s Hook The Future for fishing clinics and interactive sessions on basic fishing techniques, tackle, safety, and conservation. Kids aged 5-15 will receive a free rod and reel combo while supplies last.
• Additional Activities: Enjoy themed entertainment including Longshoreman comedic street performers, a pirate magician, and a mermaid on stilts. Kids can fish at the Let’s Go Fishing Trout Pond and get custom caricatures by Cartoon You Caricatures. Test your skills with the Virtual Saltwater Fishing Simulator and explore The Fishing Zone for a wide range of fishing gear. Participate in the Crack the Code Contest for a chance to win a 2024 21FSX bay boat valued at $40,000, sponsored by Boaters Exchange.

Orlando Boat Show Fast Facts

• Organizer: Marine Industry Association of Central Florida
• Dates and Times:
• Friday, Aug. 23: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 24: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 25: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Location: Orange County Convention Center, West Hall B and C, 9800 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
• Ticket Price: $10 per person; free for children under 12

Industry Insight
According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), while new boat sales may remain steady in 2024, boating expenditures are expected to remain robust as the spring and summer seasons approach. The ongoing popularity of boating, fueled by pandemic-era sales, continues to drive interest. NMMA reports that manufacturers are focused on innovation, with upcoming boat shows showcasing advancements such as hydrogen-fueled engines and boats powered by sustainable fuels.

Central Florida Marine Industry

• Economic Impact: $6.412 billion annually
• Jobs Supported: 23,892
• Businesses Supported: 851
• U.S. Boat Manufacturing: 95% of boats sold in the U.S. are made domestically

Established in 1989, the Marine Industry Association of Central Florida (MIACF) is a non-profit trade organization dedicated to the growth of the marine industry for the benefit of its members, local communities, and the environment. MIACF, which includes over 30 members across six counties, is also the organizer of the Daytona Beach Boat Show, scheduled for September 6-8, 2024, at the Ocean Center.