CHICAGO — Informa Markets’ South Florida Ventures acquired the Newport International Boat Show (NIBS) from the Newport Restaurant Group, adding the show to its growing portfolio of boating and yachting events.
NIBS is a premier boat show in the Northeast region of the U.S. with more than 600 exhibitors and the largest in-water display in New England. The show has a 53-year history in the city and spans more than 13 acres of downtown Newport, Rhode Island, while showcasing power and sailboats, marine accessories, products and services.
The partnership between South Florida Ventures and NIBS will help to grow the NIBS brand, and it marks the first Northeast addition to South Florida Ventures’ boating portfolio. South Florida Ventures and NIBS will also provide a seamless experience for attendees and elevate the value for participating businesses. The two entities have focused on strategies to create a best-in-class boat show experience and enhancing industry standards through its partnership.
“We’re delighted to welcome NIBS into the South Florida Ventures family,” stated Andrew Doole, President of U.S. Boat Shows at South Florida Ventures. “NIBS is a standout show, reflecting the vibrancy of the boating community in the Northeast. This partnership signifies a true collaboration, driven by a shared dedication to customer satisfaction, community, and a mutual interest in the future growth of NIBS and its brand.”
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The acquisition comes as South Florida Ventures continues to rapidly expand with more launches and acquisitions in the luxury lifestyle sector. Already the producer of the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Palm Beach International Boat Show and others, the South Florida Ventures team is aiming to take NIBS to the next level.
“South Florida Ventures is the ideal partner to lead the Newport International Boat Show into its next evolution. This collaboration ensures that NIBS will maintain its renowned quality while gaining access to innovation, insights and cutting-edge technologies, enriching the experience for exhibitors and attendees alike. We eagerly anticipate welcoming everyone to an even more remarkable 2024 show in September,” stated Lisa Knowles, Show Director for NIBS.
Details of the sale were not disclosed.
NIBS 2024 will take place Sept. 12-15 in the waterfront of downtown Newport, with tickets going on sale to the public on June 1.
Reach Andrew Doole at Andrew.Doole@informa.com
