February 3, 2026

In an open communication to show exhibitors, Linda Waddell, President / Show Director of the Toronto International Boat Show sent out this important information.

Dear TIBS Exhibitors,
I am excited to share with you that the Toronto International Boat Show (TIBS) has joined the boat show portfolio of UK-listed Informa, owner of exceptional boating events, including the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the Palm Beach International Boat Show, the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, the Newport International Boat Show, and others.

This marks an exciting milestone for the Toronto Show, opening up new opportunities for our team and enhancing the value we deliver to exhibitors and attendees.

TIBS will benefit from additional expertise and capabilities, helping to take the show to new heights while continuing to build on its rich legacy. Informa’s Boat Shows are recognized for their dedication to quality, innovation and delivering exceptional event experiences.

I want to reassure you that the show team you know and trust, including myself, plus our contractors and suppliers, will all remain part of TIBS.  A priority in the decision included maintaining the collaborative relationships with exhibitors and industry, and the culture of the show and the show team.

I have been involved in producing the Toronto Show for almost 40 years, the last 16 years in an ownership position, together with Boating Ontario and others. I do have retirement plans on the horizon, and this step is part of ensuring the Toronto Show is in excellent hands for the future. 

I plan to continue working on TIBS through to next year’s show at minimum, with a strong plan being developed for a seamless transition as I look towards stepping back from the day-to-day volume. 

Cynthia Hare who has been the show manager for almost 20 years, will align with similar timing for her future retirement. We are both committed to ensuring the continued success of the Toronto Show, with the benefit of gradually transitioning roles, while additional resources and strength are added to the team.

It was important to me that we chose an organization whose culture and commitment to Boat Shows was evident, combined with a history of strong Association support and integration for the future.  I am very pleased this decision checked all the boxes.  

This change also provides Boating Ontario Association with a long-term partnership and continued collaboration with the Toronto International Boat Show.

The best interests of the show, industry, exhibitors and consumers have been at the forefront of the process.  Their commitment to producing exceptional shows aligns with our priorities. 

Some of Informa Boat Show’s leadership team were at the show, meeting with staff and others related to the show’s production.

Ken McAvoy of Informa comments: “The Toronto International Boat Show is a remarkable event, and we look forward to building on its legacy with the show team, while creating new synergies across our portfolio. This is a great moment for us, as we enhance our ability to deliver world-class experiences to exhibitors and attendees across North America.”

On behalf of Cynthia and I, and our show team, we look forward to working with you the remainder of the 2026 show. I would also like to assure you that we’re excited about this new chapter, as we begin plans for the 2027 event!

Linda Waddell
President / Show Director