It’s time for the annual Miami Boat Show! Surf, sand, and sales (sails?) await, and you and your team will have a great time—assuming you’ve done your homework and are ready to take advantage of the opportunity.

Like any major business expedition, success depends on careful planning and organization. There’s a lot that can go right if you have all your ducks in a row, and there are some key details you’ll want to double-check to ensure things go smoothly. This prevents frustrated staff on-site, which has the potential to filter down to the customers you’re courting.

With the right game plan, you’ll be ready to get the most out of your trip to the coast. We’re here to help you make sure everything is in place for a top-quality experience—not just for your customers, but for you and your staff as well!

Make Sure You’ve Registered as Required

Ensuring that you’ve properly registered so you can actually participate and display your merchandise is job #1. Fortunately, The Miami Boat Show puts together a detailed Exhibitor Kit that covers everything. Here are the top points to remember:

First things first: get the basic registration details completed. Many of the following items can be completed through the EventsPass portal; if you experience trouble logging in, reach out to CXteam@informa.com.

• Have your event credentials in order. This is required and non-negotiable, and while many are available for free, some cost money. Check the price list for details, and contact Tiffany Fascher for details
• Make sure your Insurance Liability Order Form is filed. Contact boatshowinsurance@informa.com with questions.
• You’ll need a hotel for you and your team unless you’ve made other arrangements. The MBS offers a webpage to help with booking.
• If you’re using catering services, contact Melinda Keiffler to set everything up.
• If you need reliable internet access through the show, contact SmartCity for wifi options.
• For dedicated electrical support, reach out to Edd Helms Electric.
• If you’re planning on utilizing convention services and equipment, make sure you’ve reserved what is needed through info@expocci.com.
• For after-hours access and support, contact Jacqueline Deffler.

Know the Move-In and Set-up Schedules

The Miami Boat Show is a huge logistical operation. Their team has everything planned and well in hand, but they rely on vendors adhering to the various schedules.

The details are too extensive to list in totality, but check your assigned booth set-up and completion time and date here. Move-in instructions are available on this list.

To find out when anyone’s boat move-in time will be, you can find it on this spreadsheet, and the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) move-in schedule details arrivals and setup times. If your team is not listed on these schedules, contact Expo Customer Service ASAP at 305-751-1234 or info@ExpoCCI.com.

Familiarize Yourself With Parking Rules

With so many people on location for the Miami Boat Show, parking is quite limited. Detailed parking information is available here, and we will list the main points below:

• Access to the MBCC is 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and only via the staging yard (look for “Boat Show staging signs”) at this address:

Miami Dade College North Campus

11380 NW 27th Avenue

Miami, FL 33167

• Set-up stickers for the MBCC are available to pick up at the MBCC Staging Lot or Show Office located in Room 103 of the Convention Center.
• Exhibitor vehicles without freight, and any vehicles for service vendors, contractors, or other unauthorized vehicles are not permitted to park in the staging area. These drop off or unload on site, and separate parking is available at either the Convention Center garage (1901 Convention Center Dr.) or the 17th Street garage (640 17th Street).
• Tuesday, February 13th is the last day vehicles will be allowed on the property. Empties need to be labeled and ready for pickup no later than 12 noon on this day.

Read and Adhere to the Exhibitor’s Service Manual

The Exhibitor’s Service Manual tells you everything you need to know while you’re on site. Here are some of the important details to remember:

• Boat target time is when the Miami Boat Show will begin moving your boats into your display space. Inventory should be in the staging yard a minimum of one hour prior to this target time. Any shipment to the advance warehouse will be transferred to your booth at or before your boat target time.
• On-site direct delivery of freight should be the day before your boat target. Freight target time is when your freight, booth materials, and products will be placed in your space and/or your space is ready to accept direct delivery.
• Overtime charges will apply during move-in and move-out before 8:00 a.m. and after 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, and all day Saturday and Sunday.
• Booths are delivered clean and may become dirty during set-up. Vacuuming service is available through the Exhibitor Sales & Service Department at 305-751-234 or info@expocci.com.
• No carriers will be loaded out on Sunday, February 18th.
• No services will be rendered until the requisite forms on pages 6-25 of the Service Manual are properly filled out and submitted. This includes booth setup and amenities.
• All fees must be paid in full in advance, and adjustments or extra charges paid by show close.
• Union labor is required for certain services. See details beginning on page 32.
• Specialty furniture orders are available, inventory begins on page 41, and the order form is on page 56.

Have a Great Time, and Reach Out With Any Questions!

Hopefully, you’re ready to roll! If you have further questions, you can contact Expo Customer Service at 305-751-1234 or info@ExpoCCI.com.

The Miami Boat Show is an amazing experience, and our team at V20 Recruiting looks forward to seeing you there! We’re deeply embedded in the Marine industry and would be happy to answer questions as well. Feel free to reach out to us at 614-505-6012 or contact@v20recruiting.com.

And if you’re looking to add just the right person to your team, please keep us in mind! We work closely with both job seekers and employers, getting to know you intimately so we can provide the perfect match between interested parties. You can contact us via the main office, or reach out to rockstar recruiters Douglas M. Sexton (our president) and Tom Cassidy directly.