Miami Boat Show Venue Turmoil Continues

Turmoil surrounding the 2016 Miami International Boat Show continues following the failure last week of a tentative agreement to settle multiple lawsuits surrounding a proposed new venue for the event.

The agreement, which would have seen the cost to redevelop and operate the derelict Miami Marine Stadium Basin and Park in Key Biscayne shared equally between the Village of Key Biscayne and the City of Miami, noted that the venue would be used to accommodate the boat show in 2016 and 2017, but with no guarantee it would host the event for 2018 and beyond. The Village, which has filed multiple lawsuits attempting to block the move of the show to Key Biscayne, announced late last week it would not endorse the deal.

Chicago-based NMMA, which owns and operates a number of boats shows including the Miami event, has faced an uphill battle in its efforts to secure a new venue for its premier boat show – one of the world’s largest and a significant contributor to South Florida’s economy. The show, traditionally hosted at the Miami Beach Convention Center, was forced to find new digs when that facility closed earlier this year for renovations. It is not scheduled to re-open until 2018.

Miami Marine Stadium Basin and Park, a former boat racing venue in Key Biscayne, was identified as a potential new home for the show. But disagreements over who will pay to renovate and operate the facility have led to an almost continuous stream of litigation. The Village of Key Biscayne objects to funding even a portion of the estimated $60 – $65 million renovation cost for a show which it sees as lasting only five days each year and which may only remain in the area until the Miami Beach Convention Center re-opens in 2018. The City of Miami, recognizing the boat show’s significant economic impact each winter, is touting the site as a potential long-term home for the event.

With the failure of last week’s accord, it appears that litigation surrounding the facility renovation will now move forward.

The 2016 Miami International Boat Show is scheduled to run at the Miami Marine Stadium Basin and Park from February 11 to 15, inclusive.