Approximately 35 North Carolina companies will be exhibiting at the Miami International Boat Show Feb. 14-18. At the show the N.C. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Division will partner with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Buyer Program and the National Marine Manufacturers Association to host trade delegations from Japan, Costa Rica, Brazil, Panama, Chile, and Turkey.
For the first time, the boat show has been chosen to be a part of the International Buyer Program, which was created to connect international customers and buyers with U.S. companies looking for new sales opportunities. The three organizations will help organize business-to-business matchmaking between the foreign delegates and the North Carolina exhibitors at the show.
The Miami International Boat Show is one of the largest boat shows in the world with more than 100,000 attendees, more than 3,000 boats and 2,000 exhibitors from all over the globe. The show is produced by the NMMA, the world’s largest producer of boat shows and the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada.
The IBP is a joint government-industry effort that brings thousands of international buyers to the U.S. for business-to-business matchmaking with American firms exhibiting at major industry trade shows. Every year, the IBP results in approximately one billion dollars in new business for American companies, and increased international attendance for participating American trade show organizers.
For more information, please contact N.C. Department of Commerce Business Development Manager Glenn Jackman, who will be at the boat show.