SARASOTA, Fla. (May 4, 2023) – The 2023 Suncoast Boat Show, Presented by Boat Owner’s Warehouse sailed beyond expectations with an outstanding three-day showcase that concluded on Sunday, April 23rd. The annual event reeled in boating enthusiasts and beautiful weather to celebrate its 41st year and proved to be a resounding success for exhibitors and attendees alike.
“Thank you all very much for putting on a tremendous show once again,” said Sarasota Mayor Kyle S. Battie, who was among the boat showgoers. “It is amazing to see everything that goes into putting on such an awesome event of that scale and magnitude, though I know that Sarasota is one of the smaller of the 5 that you do. It’s still amazing to see! Thank you all for your conscious efforts in going green and sustainable initiatives. Thank you all for your amazing hospitality as well,” the Mayor added.
This year the Suncoast Boat Show welcomed a new presenting sponsor, Boat Owner’s Warehouse (BOW) – Florida’s leading marine supply store, soon to open a seventh storefront located at 7522 South Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.
Upon purchasing tickets via the boat show website, attendees were given the opportunity to donate to Mote Marine Laboratories and contribute to the nonprofit organization that works to protect and conserve our marine resources. With over 40 PhD scientists and 27 diverse research programs, Mote is conducting bold research in oceans surrounding six of the world’s continents.
“Our oceans face unprecedented challenges,” said Andria Piekarz, Chief Development Officer for Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, headquartered in Sarasota. “Every marine animal we protect, every new discovery we make, every coral reef we restore, and every new conservationist we inspire begins with you. Innovative marine research that pushes the frontier of science is the heart of Mote Marine Laboratory.”
As a continuation of the show’s dedication to sustainability and in honor of Earth Day, Informa Markets partnered with Champions for Green – a sustainable apparel and product brand that follows a zero-waste circular economy method. Their approach prioritizes reducing, reusing, and recycling materials to extend their useful life. With their help, all plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and other recyclables from the show will be repurposed into sustainable items such as hats, apparel, company uniforms, and furniture. This collaboration with Champions for Green is a significant step toward a more sustainable future and will be an ongoing effort at the boat shows to come.
Family-friendly activities included Captain Don Dingman’s Hook the Future Kids Fishing Clinics. Complimentary with parent’s admission to the boat show is a hands-on, interactive fishing clinic for kids ages 15 and under. Since 2005, Captain Don has hosted this at major boat shows and events across the Southeast, teaching thousands of families how to succeed in fishing while also spending quality time together outdoors. Each kid in attendance received a free Hook the Future/Carolina Skiff custom rod and reel combo, along with a gift certificate to the upcoming Boat Owner’s Warehouse storefront in Sarasota.
The 2024 Suncoast Boat Show, Presented by Boat Owner’s Warehouse is set to sail again on April 19-21, 2024.
About the Suncoast Boat Show, Presented by Boat Owner’s Warehouse (BOW)
The Suncoast Boat Show, Presented by Boat Owner’s Warehouse is the Gulf Coast’s premier boat show and takes place in Sarasota, Florida at Marina Jack along 65,000 sq. ft. of dock space. The show features in water and on land displays with various boat styles including cruisers, runabouts, bowriders, sport fishers, center consoles, motor yachts, and inflatables. In addition to the vessels on display, the show also features tents filled with the latest marine accessories, electronics, clothing, jewelry, art, and more.
About Informa Markets, U.S. Boat Shows
The U.S. Boat Shows division of Informa Markets is the leading exhibitions organizer that owns and operates the world’s foremost international boat and yacht events. Shows include the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October; Palm Beach Boat Show in March, St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show in January and Miami International Boat Show in February, attracting record-setting audiences and boat sales throughout the State of Florida. For more information, please visit: www.informamarkets.com.
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