30th International Boat Expo

• DatesOctober 6–8, 2026
• VenueCentro de Convenciones de Costa Rica
• LocationSan Jose, Costa Rica
• CategoryMarine & Maritime

About 30th International Boat Expo

30th International Boat Expo is a marine and maritime trade show that took place October 6–8, 2026 at Centro de Convenciones de Costa Rica in San Jose, Costa Rica. It ran for three days, from Tuesday to Thursday.

Shows like this one typically draw ship owners and operators, port authorities, shipbuilders, naval architects, marine equipment buyers and boating professionals. We have not been able to confirm an official website for this show yet, so contact the organizer before making any plans.

ShowFloorTips is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the organizer. Dates, venues and rules can change, so confirm the details with the organizer before you book.

What to expect at 30th International Boat Expo

Marine and maritime shows range from commercial shipping events to boat shows with in-water displays. Expect technical buyers, long sales cycles and international visitors.

Over three days, traffic usually peaks on the first two days and thins out on the last one. The quieter final day is a good time for longer conversations, visiting other stands and meeting suppliers. At events like this, expect most visitors to be ship owners and operators and their colleagues, often with a short list of suppliers they want to see.

How exhibitors should prepare for 30th International Boat Expo

Most exhibitors start planning four months before a show: booth space and hotels first, then booth services and graphics about eight weeks out, freight and meetings four weeks out, and a final check of devices and staffing the week before.

Preparation tips for marine and maritime shows

• Check in-water or outdoor display rules and deadlines if you show vessels or large equipment.
• Bring certifications and class approvals relevant to your products.
• Prepare for international visitors with clear contact routes for each region.

Booth tips for 30th International Boat Expo

• Show equipment working or use models and video for large systems.
• Ask about fleet size, vessel types and upcoming refits or newbuilds.
• Keep technical documentation ready for engineers.
• Walk the hall at Centro de Convenciones de Costa Rica during move-in to see which entrances and aisles carry the most traffic, and set up your booth so it faces that flow.
• Plan shifts of three to four hours. Standing and talking for three days wears people out, and tired staff let good leads walk past.
• If you expect local buyers in Costa Rica, bring key material in the local language as well as English, and have prices ready in the local currency.
• Capture every conversation the moment it ends: scan the badge or card, add a one-line note about what the visitor needs, and rate the lead hot, warm or cold. Notes written that evening are already half forgotten.

For a full list of what to bring, use the free booth checklist, and plan the money side with the trade show ROI calculator.

Following up leads after 30th International Boat Expo

Most of the value of a trade show is created after it closes. Maritime projects follow refit and build schedules, so tie follow-up to those dates.

1. Within 24 hours
   Send a short personal email to every hot lead, mentioning one detail from your conversation.
2. Within 3 days
   Send what you promised at the booth and log every lead in your CRM with its rating and notes.
3. After two weeks
   Make a second, useful touch: a case study, a short video or an answer to their question.
4. After a month
   Review results: meetings booked, cost per lead, and whether the show is worth repeating.

Ready-to-edit messages for each step are in our trade show follow-up email templates.

Getting to San Jose

30th International Boat Expo takes place at Centro de Convenciones de Costa Rica in San Jose, Costa Rica. Check the official website for the exact hall and address, then compare flights into the nearest major airport with train or car options from nearby cities.

Hotels closest to the venue sell out first during show week, and many organizers offer discounted room blocks that close weeks before the show, so book early. Our city travel guides cover hotels, transport and budgeting for the busiest show cities.

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