1. Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Fort Lauderdale upheld its reputation as the “Yachting Capital of the World" as 110,000 attendees came to Fort Lauderdale International Boat 2018, surpassing its 105,000 record from 2017. As the largest in-water boat show worldwide, it covers six locations and more than 3 million square feet of space. The event marks a milestone with its 60th edition this year. Next: October 30-November 3, 2019
Photo: Courtesy of Informa U.S. Boat Shows
2. Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail

The 2019 Presidents Day weekend rang in the 78th annual Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show, presented by West Marine. The show’s attendance was 91,518 people. Transportation to and from the Miami Marine Stadium and Park Basin on Key Biscayne improved: Complimentary water taxi ride usage rose 18 percent over 2018, totaling nearly 60,000 rides, and bus ridership went up 24 percent. The show debuted the new Miami Connections app, powered by RaftUp, and onsite transportation screens. Next: February 2020
Photo: Miami International Boat Show
3. Miami International Auto Show

The 48th edition of the Miami International Auto Show, held at the renovated Miami Beach Convention Center, reported a 7 percent increase in ticket sales from 2016 (the 2017 edition was canceled due to Hurricane Irma). The show saw the debut of the Genesis 2019 G70 and Toyota’s 2019 RAV4 and included popular exhibits Memory Lane, Havana Classics, Million Dollar Alley, Topless in Miami, Camp Jeep, and Car Boutique. Next: November 1-10, 2019
Photo: Miami International Auto Show
4. Home Design and Remodeling Show

Held twice a year in Fort Lauderdale and twice in Miami, the Home Design and Remodeling Shows bring together design-minded homeowners with exhibitors, noted designers, influencers, and lifestyle curators. The 2019 shows began in Miami in March with Josh Flagg of Bravo TV’s Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles, and also offered seminars on Feng Shui and wine pairings. Previous editions have featured HGTV’s Vern Yip and Linda Phan. Next: Fort Lauderdale Show, May 24-27, 2019
Photo: Courtesy of Home Show Management
5. Miami Book Fair

The Miami Book Fair, presented by Miami Dade College, welcomed Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Princess Diaries author Meg Cabot, NPR’s Peter Sagal, former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, and more to the MDC Wolfson Campus. Bilingual literary lovers and even comic fans commenced throughout Downtown Miami for a week, concluding the immersions with a popular street festival and market. Next: November 11-18, 2019
Photo: Cristian Lazzari/MDC
6. Florida Supercon

The largest comic convention in South Florida moves south in 2019, relocating from the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale to the Miami Beach Convention Center. The family-friendly event reports more than 65,000 attendees who gather to celebrate comic books, sci-fi, cosplay, and video games. Next: July 4-7, 2019
Photo: William Icquatu
7. Emerge Americas

In 2018, Emerge Americas attracted more than 15,000 attendees from 400 participating companies and 40 countries. In 2019, major players from Amazon, Google, and Intel will lead panels and discussions. Past editions included keynote speakers Alex Rodriguez and Pitbull. The event’s goal is to connect technological innovators, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors. Next: April 29-30, 2019
Photo: David Sutta Photography
8. Miami International Agriculture & Cattle Show

The 12th iteration of the weekend-long event will feature a cattle exhibition, a horse show, performances by local students, and a real-life Farmville for kids. The Magic City Sale, a live auction of premium show cattle from across the country, will be simulcasted internationally. Taking place at the Ronald Reagan Equestrian Center at Tropical Park, the exhibition anticipates 50,000 guests from some 20 countries. Concessions and sales benefit South Florida Autism Charter Schools. Next: April 12-14, 2019
Photo: Courtesy of Miami International Agriculture & Cattle Show
9. The Original Miami Beach Antique Show

America’s largest indoor antique show, the Original Miami Antique Show, returned to the Miami Beach Convention Center in 2019. The show reported more than 700 dealers from 30 countries over the four-day exhibition, as well as more than 18,000 attendees. Attendees can explore collections from Renaissance to Art Deco eras including fine art, American and European silver, antique jewelry, and furniture while also listening to educational programming and a special breakfast series. Next: January 4-8, 2020
Photo: Sandro Art & Photography
10. Seatrade Cruise Global

Considered the largest event in the cruising industry and with a history of more than 30 years, Seatrade Cruise Global draws nearly 700 suppliers and 11,000 attendees every year. The 2019 Keynote will feature BBC World News' Lucy Hockings and World Tourism Organization Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili, as well as representatives from Norwegian, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and MSC. Next: April 8-11, 2019
Photo: Courtesy of Seatrade Cruise Global
11. Americas Food and Beverage Show

Americas Food and Beverage Show enters its 23rd year this fall at the Miami Beach Convention Center. In 2018, the show counted 521 Booths covering 105,092 square feet of exhibition and meeting space, 11,252 buyers, and $110 million in projected sales. Next: September 24-25, 2019
Photo: Courtesy of Americas Food and Beverage Show
12. Jewelers International Showcase

The trade-only Jewelers International Showcase consists of four shows. This year, three shows will take place at the Miami Beach Convention Center with the fourth in Las Vegas. Its January show is the largest of the Florida dates and focuses on the holiday season and Valentine’s Day. The show has reported attendance growth and new exhibitors. Next: April 16-18, 2019
Photo: C&I Studios