1. Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
#1 Trade Event, Expo & Convention
Covering three million square feet of indoor-outdoor space, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is the largest boat show in the world. Next: October 25-29, 2012
Covering three million square feet of indoor-outdoor space, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is the largest boat show in the world. Next: October 25-29, 2012
Photo: Forest Johnson/Show Management
2. South Florida International Auto Show
#2 Trade Event, Expo & Convention
Pumping $50 million into the local economy, the South Florida International Auto Show drew 665,000 visitors to its 40th edition last year. Next: November 9-18, 2012
Pumping $50 million into the local economy, the South Florida International Auto Show drew 665,000 visitors to its 40th edition last year. Next: November 9-18, 2012
Photo: Bob B. Brown
3. Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail
#3 Trade Event, Expo & Convention
Although not quite the behemoth that the Fort Lauderdale show is, Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail still surpassed 100,000 visitors this year. Next: February 14-18, 2013
Although not quite the behemoth that the Fort Lauderdale show is, Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail still surpassed 100,000 visitors this year. Next: February 14-18, 2013
Photo: Miami International Boat Show & Strickly Sail/NMMA
4. Home Design and Remodeling Show
#4 Trade Event, Expo & Convention
Consisting of four annual events throughout the region, the Home Design and Remodeling Show draws a total of more than 70,000 attendees. Next: November 16-18, 2012 and May 25-27, 2013 (Fort Lauderdale); March 22-24, 2013 and August 2013 (Miami)
Consisting of four annual events throughout the region, the Home Design and Remodeling Show draws a total of more than 70,000 attendees. Next: November 16-18, 2012 and May 25-27, 2013 (Fort Lauderdale); March 22-24, 2013 and August 2013 (Miami)
Photo: The LXA
5. NBC Miami/Telemundo51 Health & Fitness Expo
#6 Trade Event, Expo & Convention
For this year's outing, NBC Miami/Telemundo51 Health & Fitness Expo moved from April to September, and expects 40,000 people at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Next: September 22-23, 2012
For this year's outing, NBC Miami/Telemundo51 Health & Fitness Expo moved from April to September, and expects 40,000 people at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Next: September 22-23, 2012
Photo: Courtesy of NBC Miami/Telemundo 51 Health & Fitness Expo
6. The Original Miami Beach Antique Show
#7 Trade Event, Expo & Convention
Already the largest indoor antiques show in the world, the Original Miami Beach Antique Show increased attendance 5 percent this year, to more than 20,000. Next: January 31-February 4, 2013
Already the largest indoor antiques show in the world, the Original Miami Beach Antique Show increased attendance 5 percent this year, to more than 20,000. Next: January 31-February 4, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of the Original Miami Beach Antique Show
7. Exxxotica South Florida
#8 Trade Event, Expo & Convention
Previously known as Exxxotica Miami Beach, Exxxotica South Florida is one of the pornography industry’s biggest gatherings, with some 20,000 attendees, and will move to Fort Lauderdale in 2013. Next: May 2013
Previously known as Exxxotica Miami Beach, Exxxotica South Florida is one of the pornography industry’s biggest gatherings, with some 20,000 attendees, and will move to Fort Lauderdale in 2013. Next: May 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Exxxotica
8. Cruise Shipping Miami
#9 Trade Event, Expo & Convention
Formerly known as Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention, Cruise Shipping Miami had more than 11,000 cruise line owners, operators, and employees attend in 2012. Next: March 11-14, 2013
Formerly known as Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention, Cruise Shipping Miami had more than 11,000 cruise line owners, operators, and employees attend in 2012. Next: March 11-14, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Cruise Shipping Miami
9. America’s Food And Beverage Show
#10 Trade Event, Expo & Convention (up from #11)
Last year, America’s Food And Beverage Show brought more than 7,000 food manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers to the Miami Beach Convention Center. Next: September 24-25, 2012
Last year, America’s Food And Beverage Show brought more than 7,000 food manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers to the Miami Beach Convention Center. Next: September 24-25, 2012
Photo: NASDA Show Management/USA Pavilion at Americas Food & Beverage Show and Conference
10. Florida Supercon
#11 Trade Event, Expo & Convention (new to the list)
After reeling in 9,000 attendees in 2011, Florida Supercon returned to the Miami Airport Convention Center in late June. Next: summer 2013
After reeling in 9,000 attendees in 2011, Florida Supercon returned to the Miami Airport Convention Center in late June. Next: summer 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Florida Supercon
11. HD Boutique
#12 Trade Event, Expo & Convention
Last year, HD Boutique consolidated to a smaller size, with 300 exhibitors, but still boosted attendance to more than 4,500. Next: September 11-12, 2012
Last year, HD Boutique consolidated to a smaller size, with 300 exhibitors, but still boosted attendance to more than 4,500. Next: September 11-12, 2012
Photo: Matt Horton/Artist Group Photography for BizBash
