Newport International Boat Show Sold to Florida Company

Newport International Boat Show Sold to Florida Company

Another piece of Newport gets sold off.

The Newport Restaurant Group (NRG) owner and producer of the annual Newport International Boat Show (NIBS) announced Friday that the Show was acquired by South Florida Ventures.

NRG said in a press release, “With a rich 53-year heritage deeply rooted in the Newport community, the Newport International Boat Show occupies over thirteen acres of historic downtown Newport, Rhode Island. Under the stewardship of Paul O’Reilly and his dedicated team, NIBS stands as one of the nation’s premier boat shows and the foremost event of its kind in the Northeast. Boasting a lineup of over 600 exhibitors and the largest in-water display in New England, the show showcases an impressive array of power and sailboats, marine accessories, products, and services.”

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South Florida Ventures claims ownership of events including Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Palm Beach International Boat Show, the St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show, and the Suncoast Boat Show.

Andrew Doole, President of US Boat Shows, South Florida Ventures said in the press release, “We are delighted to welcome NIBS into the South Florida Ventures family. NIBS is a standout show, reflecting the vibrancy of the boating community in the Northeast. This partnership signifies a true collaboration, driven by a shared dedication to customer satisfaction, community, and a mutual interest in the future growth of NIBS and its brand.”

Paul O’Reilly, CEO of Newport Restaurant Group, said, “For over 50 years, the Newport International Boat Show has been the pinnacle of boat shows in the Northeast. While it is bittersweet to bid farewell to NIBS, I am assured that it is in the most capable hands with the NIBS leadership team and South Florida Ventures at the helm. With the maritime sector experiencing a surge in demand post-pandemic, this marks the perfect time for the next chapter in the illustrious journey of the Newport International Boat Show. I am certain that Lisa and Andrew will maintain its great integrity and esteemed reputation for years to come.”

The price of the sale was not disclosed.

The Newport International Boat Show will be the first Northeast addition for South Florida Ventures’ boating portfolio. The NIBS event will take place September 12-15 in 2024..