A boat show is a public exhibition or trade fair of current boat models, debuts, concept vessels, or out-of-production classics. Due to the nature of the industry building around yachting and nautical tourism, a boat show may be a social event. Marine manufacturers, ship and boat builders, and yachters commonly attend.
Most boat shows occur once a year, typically for the duration of a week. They may have exhibitions on land or on water. Boat shows are vital to marine manufacturers and local dealers as a public relations exercise, for advertising products, and for increasing publicity.