As the boat show season shifts into full gear , who better to spotlight than a highly respected global leader who ’ s been actively engaged in promoting the boating lifestyle for more than 40 years ? This issue , Boating Industry profiles Andrew Doole , president of U . S . Boat Shows for Informa Markets .

In his present capacity , Doole is responsible for leading and directing the teams that produce all five of Informa Market ’ s boat and yacht shows including the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show , the largest in-water show in the world , owned by MIASF ; Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show , owned by NMMA and IYBA ; the Palm Beach International Boat Show , owned by MIAPB ; and the St . Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show and the Suncoast Boat Show in Sarasota , both Informa-owned

By Wanda and produced . He ’ s fully engaged in overall strategic planning along with turnkey show production ,

Kenton Smith government relations , partnerships and sales .

Andrew ’ s career represents more than four continuous decades of boat show event planning and execution that have catapulted him from his earliest days as a show sales rep , to his position today at the helm of the world ’ s largest boat show producer . Throughout his career , he ’ s embodied a mantra that has served him well : “ Try Hard .” That strong work ethic , passion and relentless drive continues as he focuses on new ways to innovate and improve the boat show experience for exhibitors and consumers alike .

Boating Industry ( BI ): Before we dive into the boat show business , tell us about your personal boating background . Andrew Doole ( AD ): Since I was a young child , I have always led an active boating lifestyle . I was a competitive sailor out of the Essex Yacht Club , Leigh on the Sea in England when I was younger and have always lived by the water . I ’ m a boat owner today and enjoy boating with my family in my free time , especially on the Indian River lagoon , or fishing .

BI : How did a chap from England end up stateside ? AD : I met an American girl , got married and moved to the U . S . in 1981 .

BI : When and how were you introduced to the boating industry … and how did you launch your career in the boat shows business ? AD : I was introduced to the boating industry at a young age while visiting the London and Southampton Boat Shows . My boating industry career began when I joined Show Management as a sales representative in 1983 and I quickly developed a passion for the industry . Witnessing the success of producing five of Florida ’ s largest boat shows under Show Management ’ s umbrella fueled my desire to expand my role , ultimately leading me to build a fulfilling career in this dynamic and exciting industry .

Informa Markets US President Andrew Doole celebrates the opening of the 2023 Discover Boating Miami International

Boat Show during the official ribbon-cutting ceremony .

BI : Who were your early supporters and / or mentors in the marine industry and how did they encourage your professional development and growth ? AD : One of my early supporters was Kaye Pearson ( owner of Show Management ) who was not only my boss , but my mentor . We started the Sarasota show together and then the brokerage show in Miami with the brokers association . Kaye instilled a strong and dedicated work ethic and always reinvested in the business . Skip Zimbalist helped us transition from a family-owned business to a corporation . Since 2017 when Informa purchased Show Management , I have developed a strong friendship with Ken McAvoy who has really taught me more of the trade show industry and encouraged my role in taking over relationships with the associations and the cities we deal with .

If I have learned one thing , it is that this industry has a lot to teach me , still to this day .

BI : From your perspective , how have boat shows evolved since the early days of your career ? AD : Boat shows have undergone a dramatic transformation . Exhibitor interactions have evolved significantly , with more elaborate displays and a broader range of offerings to showcase . The rising expectations of exhibitors , fueled by the increasing popularity and sophistication of boating - particularly with a European influence - have prompted us to elevate our game and investments . Notably , the industry has embraced internationality , with North America emerging as the largest consumer market , which is a substantial shift since the early days of my career .

28 February 2024 www . boatingindustry . com