Informa President of US Boat Shows Andrew Doole: A Tell-All

Step aboard the fascinating world of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show with our exclusive conversation featuring Andrew Doole, president of US Boat Shows for Informa. Having started with boat shows in May 1982, Doole shares four decades of insider perspective on how this marine spectacle has evolved from modest beginnings to its current status as a global maritime powerhouse.The scale of today's show is staggering - seven miles of floating docks, hundreds of miles of electrical wiring, and a temporary workforce that swells from 100 to 500 during show time. What once consisted of boats simply backed into slips with modest decorations has transformed into sophisticated displays featuring custom barges and immersive brand experiences designed to showcase the aspirational lifestyle of luxury boat ownership.Doole takes us through the show's remarkable resilience, from surviving Hurricane Wilma to navigating the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19. Despite these obstacles, the show has maintained its standing as an economic juggernaut, generating approximately $1.8 billion annually for the region - comparable to hosting a Super Bowl every year, but without the costs to local taxpayers.Perhaps most fascinating is how the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show has continuously adapted to changes in its physical landscape. Every venue associated with the show has undergone redevelopment over its 66-year history, from the Swimming Hall of Fame to Las Olas Marina, from the Convention Center to Pier 66, and now Bahia Mar itself. Through careful planning and collaboration, these transformations have ultimately enhanced the show experience rather than diminishing it.Whether you're a longtime attendee or someone curious about the inner workings of America's premier boat show, this conversation offers rare insights into how marine events shape coastal communities and how the industry continues to evolve. Subscribe to hear more fascinating stories from the marine industry's most influential voices. Wards Marine Electrichttps://www.wardsmarine.com/Wards Way YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75