Major manufacturer commitments underline the continuing importance of professionally run boat shows to the global marine industry
The International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO) has welcomed plans announced by member show Southampton International Boat Show for its 2027 edition, including a new focused eight-day format and early commitments from leading British yacht builders Fairline, Princess Yachts and Sunseeker.
Organised by British Marine, the Southampton International Boat Show will return to Mayflower Park from 18–25 September 2027 for its 58th edition, moving from its traditional ten-day format to eight days while retaining three important weekend trading days. Mayflower Park has also been secured as the show’s home for at least the next three years.
The development comes at a time when boat show organisers around the world are continually assessing how their events can deliver the greatest commercial value for exhibitors while responding to changing visitor behaviour and industry expectations.
“The decision to move to an eight-day Show has been shaped directly by the feedback we have received from our exhibitors,” said Earle Stanner, CEO of British Marine. “We have listened carefully to what businesses told us about the practical and financial demands of exhibiting, while recognising how important the Show remains as a platform for reaching customers and generating business.
The new Saturday-to-Saturday format is our response: a more focused event that retains three valuable weekend trading days and is designed to deliver greater value for our exhibitors.”
For IFBSO, Southampton’s announcement demonstrates the importance of established boat shows continuing to listen, adapt and evolve.
“Successful boat shows are not static,” said Veda Pretorius, Executive Director of IFBSO. “Markets change, visitor behaviour changes and the needs of exhibitors change. What is particularly encouraging about Southampton is the dialogue with industry behind this decision, and the early commitment from significant manufacturers to the 2027 show.
“There is no single formula for the perfect boat show, but our members can learn from each other. When one member tries something different – as Southampton is doing with show duration – the knowledge gained benefits the whole international community. That exchange is one of the real strengths of IFBSO.”
IFBSO brings together more than 30 boat shows around the world, creating an international community in which organisers share knowledge, benchmark performance and collaborate on common opportunities and challenges facing marine events.
Full Boat Show Membership of IFBSO is open to established events that meet the Federation’s Code of Excellence and Basic Minimum Standards, providing the international marine industry with an additional point of reference when identifying established, professionally operated shows.
The announcement also comes against a backdrop of continued industry discussion about the role of physical boat shows as manufacturers become increasingly selective about where and how they invest their marketing budgets.
IFBSO believes this places an even greater responsibility on organisers to demonstrate value, professionalism and a clear understanding of their markets. Boat shows still offer something very difficult to replicate elsewhere – the industry, its products and its customers together in one place – but the strength of that proposition depends on organisers continuing to evolve.
For IFBSO members, that means more than appearing on a list of international shows. It means being part of a global community committed to raising standards, exchanging knowledge and strengthening the boat show industry collectively.
Boat show organisers interested in learning more about IFBSO membership, including its Boat Show Member and Emerging Member programmes, can visit the IFBSO website.
For more information about IFBSO please visit www.ifbso.com
