BOATING
JOE DESALVO
Michele Miller, director of operations for
the Marine Industries Association of the
Treasure Coast since 2009, is proud that
the Stuart Boat Show has been a repeat
Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Festival
and Event recipient.
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“We are exceedingly excited to bring new products, new
innovations from the marine industry to this year’s show,”
Allen says. “Continuing the legacy of bringing this community
of marine enthusiasts together to share in the recreational
boating lifestyle is what drives us. Sure, dealers love to sell
boats and make a living, but the true enjoyment for us is seeing
families appreciate in what connects us all — water.”
Miller has high praise for Allen.
“He’s done an excellent job,” Miller says. “He always
makes sure the show is beautiful — their attention to detail
and making sure it’s always well-run so guests feel good.”
And how does it feel to be regularly recognized by the
Southeast Tourism Society as a Top 20 Festival and Event
Award recipient?
“It’s important to us,” Miller says. “We like to put on a
high-quality show that is profitable for our members, and
beneficial to our 130 members, but we also realize that we
serve the community. So, we want to put on an event that the
city is proud to put their name on. We want to make sure that
we put on a top-tier event that wins those type of accolades.”
BIG BUSINESS
Florida boasts some of the largest boat shows in the country
and in Miami’s case, the world. But bigger doesn’t necessarily
mean overwhelming competition for the Stuart show.
“I go to all the shows — Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami
and St. Petersburg,” Miller says. “People like our show;
vendors like our show because it’s a smaller show. Brokers
like our show because you’re able to talk to the customers.
“When people come to the Stuart show, they’re at the readyto
buy stage,” Miller adds. “Statistics show that
people will go to four
to five shows before
they buy a boat. And if
you’re looking for a specific
boat, you’re going
to go to all the shows.
Do we have the super
mega yachts they get
down there? No, but we
have beautiful boats.”
And plenty more.
“There’s something
for everybody — tons
of clothing, apparel,
jewelry artwork, as
well as boats,” Miller
says. “We have nonpowered
ones, kayaks,
paddleboards and all
kinds of on-the-water
fun toys that are there.”
And one doesn’t have
to be in the market for
a boat to enjoy this
family-friendly show,
which averages 18,000 attendees.
The on-water Pelican Lounge is the social gathering place
to take a break, have a cool drink and chat with friends. On
shore, the Coco Bar offers an upper deck to enjoy a bird’s-eye
view of the show. The Bahamas Pavilion is back with steeldrum
vibes.
STUART MAIN STREET
is the heart of our community, focused on creating and
maintaining a vibrant downtown experience for residents,
businesses and visitors through community-driven
revitalization and economic development efforts.
OUR PROGRAMS
• ROCK’N RIVERWALK
• THE FLAGLER OF STUART
• MARKET ON MAIN
• KIDS ENTREPRENEUR
PROGRAM
Stuart Main Street Association, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization registered in the State of Florida. Florida
Department of Agriculture, Division of Consumer Services Charitable Registration: N24492.
Scan to
learn more!
ECONOMIC VITALITY DESIGN PROMOTION ORGANIZATION
>>
/www.stuartmainstreet.org
