The Progressive Tampa Boat Show, originally scheduled for this weekend, has been postponed to Oct. 13-15 because of the threat of Hurricane Irma.
The decision was made after the National Hurricane Center confirmed that the storm is now a Category 5 hurricane and weather radars place south Florida within the storm’s projected path, according to the city’s website.
Wooden docks were installed at the convention center boating docks on Aug. 29 in preparation for the show. The docks will be removed by the end of this week and reinstalled in time for the show in October.
This event, which is expected to draw 15,000 visitors, will feature on-the-water and off-the-water attractions, including more than 500 boat displays, more than 180 exhibits and seminars.
All exhibitor space assignments will remain the same for the October dates at the convention center.
The National Marine Manufacturers Association said it will share the new move-in and move-out dates soon.
“While we are disappointed to postpone the event, our main concern is for the safety of the boaters, manufacturers and dealers that attend our show,” said show manager Kevin Murphy in a statement. “This decision was made to ensure attendees and exhibitors have time to adequately prepare for Hurricane Irma.”
