1. Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Marking its 60th anniversary, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show drew some 100,000 attendees from 52 countries over its five-day span. New to the show was Superyacht Village aimed at superyacht charter clients and buyers. Informa Markets also reported an increase in VIP ticket sales. Next: October 28-November 1, 2020
Photo: Courtesy of Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
2. Miami International Boat Show
The Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show, presented by West Marine, brought nearly 100,000 people to Miami Marine Stadium Park and Basin to see more than 1,400 boats and yachts in a custom-made marina. New initiatives for 2020 included seminars and programming on ocean conservation, sustainable seafood, cooking demonstrations, and presentations on reducing the use of single-use plastic. The show also launched a new Miami Boat Show app and a new Miami International Boat Show IGTV Channel. Next: February 11-15, 2021
3. Miami International Auto Show
The calendar for auto shows across the United States experienced a major realignment after the North American International Auto Show, held in Detroit, moved from January to June. The Miami International Auto Show adjusted its dates as well, moving from November to February. That meant skipping the 2020 season with plans to return to the Miami Beach Convention Center in 2021 to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Next: February 19-28, 2021
4. Up from #7: Emerge Americas
The sixth annual Emerge Americas technology conference and trade show brought 16,000 attendees to the Miami Beach Convention Center to hear from Armando “Pitbull” Christian Perez (an investor in the conference) as well as interim Venezuelan president Juan Guaidó. A new floor plan boosted the exposure of start-up exhibitors and placed activations throughout the floor that helped balance foot traffic. This year, the show will move from April to November out of caution related to coronavirus. Next: November 4-5, 2020
5. Miami Book Fair
More than 200,000 people attended the Miami Book Fair in November 2019, the oldest and largest literary gathering in the nation. More than 600 authors participated in the fair, which took place over eight days at Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus in Downtown Miami. Another unique aspect: Readings took place in English, Spanish, French, and Haitian Kreyol. Next: November 15-22, 2020
Photo: Liliana Mora/Miami Book Fair
6. Florida Supercon
From ReedPop, Florida Supercon drew pop culture fans to the renovated Miami Beach Convention Center after decamping to Broward County. The three-day convention celebrates comic books, anime, video games, cosplay, sci-fi, and more. Attendees gather at Cosplay Central, where novices can learn from veteran and professional cosplayers who make appearances and sign autographs. This year’s show shifts from May to July. Next: July 3-5, 2020
7. Up from #8: Miami International Agriculture, Horse & Cattle Show
The 13th Miami International Agriculture, Horse & Cattle Show is slated to take place in April at Tropical Park’s Ronald Reagan Equestrian Center. In 2019, the event draws some 50,000 attendees from 22 countries, continuing its growth. On the lineup are slots to see Red Brangus, American Angus, and commercial heifers, and the Magic City Brahman Genetics & Heifer Sale is livestreamed for an international audience. Next: April 17-19, 2020
8. Home Design & Remodeling Show
The Home Design & Remodeling Show attracts homeowners who peruse products and services from kitchens, bathrooms, landscaping, home automation, hurricane protection, and more. Programming includes advice from celebrity designers like Alena Capra, who was scheduled for the spring shows. New this year is an expansion north with a Palm Beach edition at the Palm Beach Convention Center. Next: May 29-31, 2020 (At the time of press, these dates have not been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.)
Photo: Andriana Mereuta for Business at Home
9. The Original Miami Beach Antique Show
In deference to Super Bowl LIV, the Original Miami Beach Antique Show temporarily shifted its dates to early January for its 56th edition. With nearly 700 vendors, the show at the Miami Beach Convention Center offered guided tours of the wares from antiques, art, furniture, vintage fashion, jewelry, and more. Also new for 2020: "pop-up" educational sessions on the show floor led by experts from Skinner Auctioneers and Appraisers. Next: January 22-26, 2021
10. Seatrade Cruise Global
Seatrade Cruise Global, a trade show for the cruise industry, gathered 13,000 people in 2019 to the Miami Beach Convention Center. Attendees included cruise line executives, technology companies, destination tourism ministers, and others who gathered for the B-to-B event. Initially, Informa Markets sought to continue the show, which had been scheduled for April, but organizers announced on March 13 that it would be postponed.
Photo: Courtesy of Seatrade Cruise Global
11. Americas Food And Beverage Show
More than 450 exhibitors come to the Americas Food & Beverage Show, which marks its 24th edition this year. Held at the Miami Beach Convention Center, the show attracts chefs, restaurateurs, importers, wholesalers, and representatives of supermarkets, specialty food stores, and hotels. Seminars tackle practical subjects like franchising, compliance issues in the food industry (offered in both Spanish and English), and promoting products on social media. The show is organized and sponsored by the World Trade Center Miami, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. Next: November 2-3, 2020
12. Jewelers International Showcase
The second-largest jewelry trade show in the Americas, Jewelers International Showcase takes place at the Miami Beach Convention Center. From Reed Exhibitions, the four-day show draws retail and wholesale buyers, designers, distributors, and other industry professionals from the United States, Mexico, and other countries in Latin America. The show is timed each year to just before the busy holiday buying season. Next: October 13-16, 2020
