2024 SoFlo Boat Show Made a Splash in More Ways Than One
The Floridant/10271804

MIAMI - Floridant -- The SoFlo Boat Show, produced by Loud And Live, and powered by Center Consoles Only (CCO) has solidified its reputation as Miami's newest boat show, catering to local boaters, fishing fanatics, and island dwellers. Held from May 17^th through 19^th, the event drew an impressive crowd of nautical enthusiasts eager to kickstart the summer season at the sandbar. People came intent on buying boats, nautical gadgets, fishing gear, and everything in between. They left with great deals, valuable contacts, and in some cases, boating certifications and education provided by the onsite U.S. Coast Guard.

This year during a press conference, SoFlo and The Loud And Live Foundation announced their partnership and initiatives focused on boating safety awareness. Part of their mission will be to provide additional support to three organizations: The Lucy Fernandez Foundation, The Monica Burguera Foundation, and The LA6 Foundation (Lucas Alvarez Foundation). Together, they aim to create a safer South Florida boating community.

In its second year, the SoFlo Boat Show has successfully carved out a unique niche as it continues to grow. Over the course of three days, over 15,000 people attended the event, with a diverse demographic: 57.2% Hispanic, 54.95% male, and 69% families. The majority of attendees fall under the aspirational category; young professionals who enjoy outdoor sports, are on the up and up in their careers, and perhaps are starting a family. While the majority hailed from South Florida, the show also attracted visitors from as far away as Brazil, France, and Italy, to name a few. "We like that this show also gives an opportunity to small and medium-sized companies in the nautical industry that typically get lost in an international show. SoFlo provides a venue where they can spread themselves and can reach a client that is growing and at the beginning stages of their nautical experience," said Dominican-born Manuel Santana from ABORDO Magazine.

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The event had hundreds of boats on the water and inside an air-conditioned nautical marketplace, where a large array of exhibitors showcased their vessels, boating products, and services. This extensive display allowed eventgoers the ability to shop to their heart's content with a wide range of accessories available at their fingertips. Engine manufacturers also showed off their latest equipment. Honda brought their new BF350 outboard and was also running sea trials with their first-ever 5-liter V8 motor. Suzuki Marine had an impressive display as well and showcased their new Stealth Line motors "Through our CCO platform, we connected plenty of brands with consumers, daily. To see boats selling left and right at the show brought the boat-selling cycle full circle," said Alan Blanco, CEO at COO.

SD Marine won the glass trophy for Most Boats sold. Meanwhile, NX Boats received the Best Booth award for their décor and overall look. "Having the SoFlo Boat Show scheduled in time for summer helped our company boost sales mid-year and get families on the water. We sold over a dozen boats at the show and have another dozen hot leads working on new builds. We look forward to growing with the show for many years to come," said Gabriel Pacheco from SD Marine.

This year's exhibitors were treated to a grand paella feast on Friday evening, presented by Suzuki Marine. When doors closed the following night, SD Marine brought in a generous offering of ribs from Flanigan's and Natalie's BBQ, giving the exhibitors another welcomed treat! "Larger international boat shows should take a page from this show. We thought the entire event was excellent, and we really appreciated all their marketing efforts to support us," commented Mike A. DeFrancesco, Sales & Marketing Manager at Yacht Works.

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On a That's So Miami note, each boat sale was celebrated with a lively display featuring bottle girls appearing to the beat of Pitbull's music, with flashing lights, vuvuzelas blaring, and a chilled bottle of champagne in hand for the new owners. "As a boater, it's wonderful to see all the families come out to shop for boats. I know my family enjoys our boat and I wanted to celebrate these new boaters who are on their way to enjoy this boating lifestyle," said Tony Albelo, President at Loud And Live.

Organizers are already planning to elevate the experience for next year's show, scheduled for May 16, 17, and 18, 2025 at Miami Marine Stadium. For more information, visit www.sofloboatshow.com and follow the show on Instagram and Facebook at @SoFloBoatShow.

ABOUT LOUD AND LIVE:

An Entertainment, Marketing, Media & Live Events Company, Loud And Live performs at the intersection of music, sports, lifestyle, and content development. Headquartered in Miami with additional offices in San Francisco, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Spain, Loud And Live is driven by its passion to create engaging experiences for global audiences.