2007 Miami International Boat Show

The 66th Miami International Boat Show and 22nd Strictly Sail Miami will anchor in South Florida for a five-day run, Feb. 15-19, 2007, at the Miami Beach Convention Center, the Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center and Miamarina at Bayside.The annual celebration of the boating lifestyle brings together more than 2,200 exhibitors showcasing the latest and greatest in powerboats, sailboats, engines, personal watercraft and marine accessories before an audience of more than 145,000 national and international visitors. In addition to the various exhibits, the show offers boating enthusiast and novices the opportunity to test drive watercraft, participate in interactive seminars and access to a wealth of resources that enhance time spent out on the water.“The Miami show is truly the world’s greatest because it offers something for everyone,” said Cathy Johnston, vice president of Southern Shows for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), which produces the show. “Exhibitors use the Miami show to introduce new products for the upcoming season, while consumers find a one-stop source for all of their boating needs as well as a venue for getting the best deals on every product imaginable.”Added Kevin Murphy, show manager for Strictly Sail Miami, “The Miami show sets the barometer for new boat sales in the U.S. Moreover, it marks the busiest weekend in South Florida and brings tremendous economic benefits to the state, including $817.8 million in gross sales and wages.” Highlights of the 2007 Miami International Boat Show will include:Big Game Room – Sport Fishing ExpoThe Big Game Room at the Miami International Boat Show is a fisherman’s paradise with every imaginable product and resource available in one central location within the Miami Beach Convention Center. The show within a show provides visitors with opportunities to browse and buy the latest in fishing gear; learn about fishing tournaments, charters and resort destination; and participate in seminars led by world-renowned anglers and fishing experts.Presented by sponsors Marlin and Sport Fishing magazines, the Big Game Room is located on the second floor of the Miami Beach Convention Center, above Hall B.Discover Boating CenterThe Discover Boating Center is a resource hub that provides novice and experienced boaters with unbiased brand-neutral advice about selecting, buying and maintaining a boat along with information about financing, popular fishing destinations and boating tips. The Discover Boating Center is located in C Lobby of the Miami Beach Convention Center.Discover Boating Photo ContestThe fifth annual Discover Boating Photo Contest encourages show visitors to share their fondest memories on time spent on the water. Sponsored byThe Miami Herald, the contest seeks photographs that best capture “the boating lifestyle,” whether it is water-skiing, wakeboarding, fishing or simply cruising. One grand prize winner will receive an Adirondack Pack boat, valued at $2,500, and a $500 boat-show shopping spree. Ten runner-ups will receive $50 boat-show shopping sprees. Visitors are encouraged to bring their favorite boating-related photographs to the Discover Boating Center, located at C Lobby in the Miami Beach Convention Center, by 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17, to enter to win. Entry forms will be available at the Miami International Boat Show’s Web site, which is located at www.miamiboatshow.com.Boaters World Boat Show SweepstakesBoat buyers at the Miami show have an opportunity to win gift certificates from Boaters World and be entered to win a $5,000 grand prize. The first 200 new boat buyers who bring their sales contracts to the show office, will receive $50 that they can use at Boaters World to accessorize their new purchases. All boat buyers will be entered to receive a $5,000 cash grand prize that will be awarded upon delivery of their new boat.Sea Vee Fishing Trip of a LifetimeVisitors can complete an online entry form at www.miamiboatshow.com to enter to win a Sea Vee Fishing Trip of a Lifetime that includes, lodging for two in Key West, Fla.; a full-day of fishing with ESPN celebrity angler Jose Wejebe aboard his 340 See Vee, "Spanish Fly"; as well as a $500 gift certificate. Entries must be received by February 19, and winners will be announced on February 20.Sunset CelebrationsVisitors to the Miami International Boat Show can celebrate the South Florida sunsets with food and drink specials from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 16, through Sunday, Feb. 18, along Convention Center Drive at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Elite Fleet VIP TicketsVisitors who purchase Elite Fleet VIP tickets to the Miami International Boat Show gain entry to the show’s three locations as well as the Elite Fleet Club Lounge at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, which is adjacent to the Miami Beach Convention Center. Here’s Elite Fleet VIPs can relax in a lounge setting and receive two complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres.Allstate Safety WeekendChildren 12 and under will receive a free life jacket when they come to the show on Saturday and Sunday, compliments of Allstate's Boat Owner's Insurance.Kids Play AreaThe Miami International Boat Show introduces a Kids Play Area in 2007, complete with a rock-climbing wall, Mutiny on the Bouncer pirate ship and a bounce house/slide. Located in the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, the kids play area will also provide free balloons and tattoos for little ones Saturday through Monday.