This year the Biograd Boat show will celebrate its 25th anniversary following a history of spectacular growth and loyal followers, to become Central Europe’s in-water boat show. This truly international event attracts many international visitors and exhibitors and is the biggest meeting point for Croatia’s nautical industry. It marks the end of the boating season and the start of a new business year.

25 Year Journey

From its humble beginnings as a springtime open house for Marina Kornati, the Biograd Boat Show reinvented itself in 2004, by moving to October to better serve the demands of exhibitors. From that point, the show never looked back; hosting record breaking shows each year, gaining loyalty through the global financial crisis, and powering through the pandemic.  Last year’s show broke all records, and this year the expectations are very high, as many new exhibitors are looking to join in, and existing exhibitors looking to expand.  

The Boat Show Experience

The show has gained its international popularity due to Croatia’s importance as a boating destination and Ilirija’s well managed facilities including Marina Kornati, Ilirija hotels, restaurants, and entertainment facilities.  The secret to the show’s success is the festive environment and special atmosphere resulting from a large boat show held in a spectacular natural setting while partnered with an intimate resort town. This is the Biograd Boat Show experience!  When the sun sets, the exhibiting stops and the party begins, with a legendary entertainment program that spills into the town center.  

Central Europe's Gateway to the Sea

Each year, Biograd plays an important role for domestic and international boaters.  Many people were introduced to Biograd as one of the busiest marine transit destinations in Croatia and one of the world’s largest yacht charter destinations.  Others are introduced through its world class calendar of regattas and events, regardless, the international recognition and reputation of Biograd improves each year.

Biograd B2B

As the largest gathering point for the Croatian nautical industry, Ilirija developed Biograd B2B, a business to business platform and business networking event during the boat show allowing business visitors to register, participate and schedule meetings with exhibitors and other B2B participants.  As part of Biograd B2B, there is an extensive congress program which includes the 7th annual Croatian Nautical Days sponsored by the Croatian Chamber of Economy to be held from 25.-27. 10. 2023., featuring numerous industry association meetings, business presentations and networking social events.

Croatia Charter Expo

Also as part of Biograd B2B, the Fifth Croatia Charter Expo will be held from 25.-26. 10. 2022.  This B2B event for the yacht charter industry allows charter fleet providers to meet with agents, brokers and suppliers, and is supported by an active congress program. All participants are registered on the Biograd B2B platform, and can take part in the boat show during its entire duration.  This is a very important event which serves the Croatian bareboat charter industry, which is by far the largest in the world. Generous support for the Croatia Charter Expo has been provided by the City of Biograd, Croatian Tourist Board, and the Chamber of Economy.

The Biograd Boat Show is a Member of the IFBSO

The Biograd Boat Show is a Member of the International Federation of Boat Show Organizers, adopting the high standards of the organization and participating in its further development by sharing its unique business model, and is at the forefront of Business to Business activities.

Leading the way to a Brighter Future 

Over the past 25 years the Biograd Boat Show as grown from a minor regional show to a major international event, bringing the Adriatic boating region to the world stage. This long-term success came by leveraging Ilirija’s nautical and hospitality assets and creating special atmosphere that is well appreciated by loyal exhibitors and visitors For the 25th Anniversary show, Ilirija plans to build on its successes and set an even brighter a course for the future of boating on the Adriatic.