There is a scale, and flavor, of the Miami Boat Show that makes it the premiere boating event of every year. Over 5,000 boats and exhibitors will come together this year to provide displays of their latest offerings. The dates are February 12th thru 16th. The 12th is Premiere Day and generally less crowded than the other days, in part due to the extra $15 for that day’s ticket. My suggestion is to go on Premiere Day to maximize the boat views. Then use later days for the exhibits and seminars. 
Over 50 free seminars are listed on the show’s web site. Additional seminars are available with participation fees.
For an example of a safety oriented vendor check out ACR which is an exhibitor which supplies survival gear such as Buoyant Personal Locator Beacoons; EPIRBs; personal VHF radios; “ditch bags”; and more.
Boats on display are so numerous that you absolutely must highlight your “must sees” so that you route yourself efficiently across the multiple venues. Being a sailing catamaran enthusiast, the new Leopard 40 is a boat exhibit on my must see list.
Leopard 40
Power boats are part of the mix, too.
Information from the shows website http://www.miamiboatshow.com includes:
That it’s “Florida’s largest annual event (&) spans three locations—the Miami Beach Convention Center, the New Yacht & Power Boat Show at Sea Isle Marina and Strictly Sail® at Miamarina at Bayside—and features more than 3,000 boats and 2,000 exhibitors from all over the globe. There’s no better place to preview the new boating season!”
“You name it you’ll see it here—from the latest in powerboats, sailboats and engines to cutting-edge marine electronics and accessories to the best in nautical gifts, services and apparel. And there’s no better time to buy! The 5-day event is your once-a-year chance to compare makes and models, and gear up with the latest accessories all at one time!”
“Beyond the boats and booths special events, attractions and activities celebrate the boating lifestyle and offer entertainment for everyone. Launch your boating life at the Welcome to the Water Center which includes Boating 101, Advanced Seminars, Discover Boating for under $250/Month. Discover Boating Puts You at the Helm! — register for hands-on, on-the-water clinics and seminars to help you get started in boating. The Big Game Room sponsored by SIMRAD features everything for sport fishing, from boats and gear to seminars and clinics. And that’s just the start—visit the show highlight page for a complete listing.”
“If sailing is your passion, stop by Strictly Sail Miami at Miamarina at Bayside. You’ll find sailboats, sailing gear and accessories from around the world—including an unbeatable selection of catamarans. Among the highlights— daily sailing seminars, Cruiser’s Outpost Cruiser’s Party, featuring the Eric Stone Band on Saturday, Sailing Simulator and more.”
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Rain showers can jump into the mix, so a light waterproof jacket can be a good thing.