#1 Trade Event, Expo & Convention
With three million square feet of exhibit space covering six different locations, the event is considered the world’s largest boat show. This year’s expo added glitzy new attractions like SeaFair, a restaurant/bar/art exhibit housed on a 228-foot yacht, and Sailfish Pavilion, an indoor-outdoor area complete with an offshore racing boat and a fishing pond. Next: October 30-November 3, 2014
#2 Trade Event, Expo & Convention
Formerly the South Florida International Auto Show, the 43-year-old event revamped its name and look in 2012, with new features like the “Topless in Miami” outdoor convertible showcase. After a 16 percent increase in attendance, the show was set to return with more than 40 manufacturers exhibiting 1,000 car models this year. Next: November 8-17, 2013
#3 Trade Event, Expo & Convention
Spanning the Miami Beach Convention Center, Sea Isle Marina, and Miamarina at Bayside, the region’s second-largest boat show is no slouch either, with more than 100,000 attendees each year. Next: February 13-17, 2014
#4 Trade Event, Expo & Convention
With two annual shows in Miami and another two in Fort Lauderdale, Florida’s leading home show features interactive exhibits on remodeling, home improvement, and interior design. Next: November 15-17, 2013
#7 Trade Event, Expo & Convention
Featuring more than 1,000 dealers, the world’s largest indoor antiques show will return to the Miami Beach Convention Center for a 53rd edition this winter. Next: January 30-February 3, 2014
#8 Trade Event, Expo & Convention (up from #11)
One of the region’s fastest growing shows, the celebration of comic books, animation, video games, fantasy, and sci-fi will move from the Miami Airport Convention Center to the Miami Beach Convention Center next year to accommodate larger crowds. Next: July 3-6, 2014
#9 Trade Event, Expo & Convention
The newly rebranded wellness expo—replacing the NBC 6 & Telemundo 51 Health & Fitness Expo—brought exhibitors focused on antiaging, stress reduction, and overall health to the Broward County Convention Center. Next: Fall 2014
#10 Trade Event, Expo & Convention
After seven years in Miami Beach, the 20,000-person pornography industry event relocated to the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale this year. Next: Spring 2014
#11 Trade Event, Expo & Convention
With 93 new exhibitors boosting the total number to more than 900, the cruise industry showcase attracted 11,000 attendees in 2013 and will mark its 30th anniversary this winter. Next: March 10-13, 2014
#12 Trade Event, Expo & Convention
More than 500 exhibitors from 28 different countries showcased new food products and services for 9,000 food and beverage industry buyers in 2013. Next: Fall 2014
#13 Trade Event, Expo & Convention
Presented by Hospitality Design magazine and produced by the Hospitality Design Group, the newly rebranded conference features presentations from an array of luxury lighting, international furniture, high-end art, and other design producers. Next: September 16-17, 2014
#14 Trade Event, Expo & Convention (new to the list)
Offering three annual shows at the Miami Beach Convention Center, J.I.S.’s largest showcase, in October, attracts 12,000 attendees. Next: January 11-13, 2014
