ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The 44th Annual St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show, presented by Progressive Insurance, grew 30%, reports Informa Markets. It attracted thousands of boating enthusiasts to St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront in January.
Andrew Doole, President of U.S. Boat Shows, Informa Markets had predicted that combining the two leading Gulf Coast boat shows — Tampa and St. Petersburg — would deliver the most comprehensive display of boats and marine products in the region.
“The reconfiguration of the show enabled us to host more boats in the water and on land. The feedback from exhibitors who experienced significant sales has been phenomenal,” Doole said.
He added that 200 exhibitors showcased new products serving as a debut for several new Sunseeker, Jupiter, Grady-White, and Regal boats, as well as the Prestige X70 — one of the largest boats on display this year — Invincible 46’ Catamaran and World Cat 400DC-X.
“With a hot brokerage market, manufacturing productivity picking back up, and the wise decision to merge the two shows, all of this provided boat-buyers a unique opportunity,” Mary Strauss, Marketing Director for Galati Yacht Sales, said. “Even with minor weather challenges, the team saw promising crowds looking to purchase. Our team sold several pre-owned models and one new model, with other prospects still in consideration. Great work by Informa for a well-planned affair.”
Chris Spindler, VP of Sales and Marketing for Quality Boats, agrees. “It was a stronger show with great turn out this year. We were pleased this year and last year to have the show in January. People were pent up. Despite the cold on Saturday and Sunday, the docks were packed. It was good to see.”
Black Label Marine Sales Manager Donny Testa said this year’s show was “certainly one for the records.”
“The venue was ideal for exhibitors and spectators. Our displays both in-water and on land allowed us to easily provide our clients with a complete assessment of the boats they were considering. Whether a Sea Fox, Caymas, or Crownline, we had them ready for the decisive sea trial,” Testa added.
Reach Andrew Doole at (954) 764-7642 or andrew.doole@informa.com
