The very first Panama International Boat Show was hosted by Flamenco Marina, a lovely Panama yacht charter destination, positioned near downtown Panama City, from June 20 to 22, 2014. Weekend crowds of attendees eager to see the latest boats, yachts, as well as marine gear from leading manufacturers and local dealers surpassed goals, set by show organizers and many exhibitors.
Panama International Boat Show 2014
“We exceeded our goal of 50 boats and 50 booths, with 53 boats and 58 exhibitors,” said Efrem “Skip” Zimbalist III, CEO of Show Management, the show’s producer. “Attendance was strong, particularly on the weekend and during afternoons and evenings, and exceeded the first year for other similar shows we produce.”
“We were very pleased with the turn-out at the first Panama Boat Show,” said Lou Sola of Evermarine, an exhibitor at the show representing Benetti, Azimut, Bertram, Tiara and Boston Whaler. “We had three displays at the show and interest was so strong on Saturday that we ended up running out of staff to greet all the people who came out. We had a very good display and it was wonderful to show everyone what we do on a daily basis.”
Panama Boat Show 2014
Excitement surrounding the inaugural boat show even drew a visit from Panamanian President and yacht owner, Ricardo Martinelli.
In addition to the exhibition of boats in-water and on land, marine accessories and services, attendees enjoyed an air-conditioned cocktail lounge with a live feed to World Cup soccer each day. There was also an impressive car display featuring the latest models from Mercedes-Benz, Dodge, Jeep, Range Rover, Ford and Volkswagen.
“This great event culminated with resounding success,” said Jorge Asmar, commercial manager of passenger vehicles at AutoStar Panama. “We were pleased to introduce and sell our Mercedes-Benz, Jeep and Dodge vehicles, and proud to have sponsored the show.”
Azimut yacht at the first Panama Boat Show 2014
The show, designed to encourage participation in boating and fishing, featured fishing clinics for children and adults on Saturday and Sunday hosted by the Navegante TV Fishing Team. Sessions included knot tying, fish handling, local fishing seasons and local fishing locations.
The Panama International Boat Show at Flamenco Marina was produced by Show Management, presented by Mercedes-Benz and sponsored by Visit Panama, Flamenco Marina, Fuerte Amador Resort & Marina, Panama Fishing Magazine, MedCom, Navegante TV, Cable Onda, BoatShowHotels, Grupo Evenfer, and AIM Marine Group.
The world’s leading boat show company, Show Management, also produces the world famous Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show®, the Yacht & Brokerage show in Miami Beach, the Palm Beach International Boat Show, the St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show, and the Suncoast Boat Show in Sarasota.
