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  • White Paper Report

    • As the demand for experiential commerce and leisure grows, floating retail spaces and resorts are redefining the possibilities of waterfront development. These floating concepts provide consumers with unique shopping and hospitality experiences, while simultaneously creating economic opportunities for businesses and municipalities. By combining mobility, sustainability, and exclusivity, floating retail and resorts are transforming waterfronts into thriving economic engines.

      As waterfronts continue to evolve into vibrant social and economic hubs, floating microbreweries and public gathering spaces are emerging as game-changing innovations. These floating venues combine the booming craft beer industry with the appeal of open-air social environments, creating a unique destination that fosters community engagement, tourism, and economic growth.

      The fusion of hospitality and waterfront innovation has given rise to a new economic powerhouse: floating restaurants, bars, and event spaces. These unique venues capitalize on scenic water views, exclusive experiences, and high consumer demand for destination dining. A floating hospitality model doesn’t just attract guests—it transforms waterfronts into dynamic economic centers, benefiting businesses, municipalities, and local communities.

      A floating stage is more than just a unique entertainment venue—it is a powerful economic engine that transforms waterfronts into thriving hubs of activity. By bringing live music, performances, and cultural events directly to the water, a floating stage attracts large audiences, generates substantial revenue, and revitalizes local economies.

      A floating economy represents a revolutionary shift in how businesses, entertainment, and tourism interact with
      waterfront spaces. By leveraging water-based infrastructure, such as floating stages, restaurants, marketplaces,
      and entertainment hubs, communities can unlock significant economic, social, and environmental benefits. This
      model is especially relevant in regions with underutilized waterfronts, where land-based development may be
      limited or costly.

      The floating economy, encompassing floating structures such as stages, platforms, hotels, restaurants, and even entire communities on water, is rapidly gaining traction. As coastal cities and waterfronts explore innovative ways to maximize space, adapt to climate change, and boost economic activity, floating developments offer unique and sustainable solutions. The future of the floating economy is not only promising but transformative, poised to reshape the hospitality, entertainment, and living sectors in unprecedented ways.

      By Pat Locke

      Floating Stage Productions wishes to Welcome Lake Compounce to the floating stage family.  Lake Compounce is the oldest continuously operating amusement park located in Bristol, Connecticut having opened in 1846.  The park spans 322 acres which includes a beach area.
      Music has always been a major part of Lake Compounce’s history and so it continues today with the announcement of a new floating stage for their 2023 concert schedule.  Lake Compounce is the only entity in the State of Connecticut to provide this unique venue.  The parks leadership continues to provide the region with quality, affordable family fun and entertainment in its rich tradition of excellence.
      The first permanent building on the property was The Casino built in 1895 with an upstairs ballroom.  In the 1930s, an enormous dance floor without walls was added so visitors could dance “under the stars”.  A high-arched ceiling and windowed walls were added in 1937. Many big bands of the day played at Lake Compounce from Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey to Cab Calloway, Count Basie to Stan Kenton, Harry James to Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw.  In 1938, the Artie Shaw Orchestra performed with jazz/swing music female vocalist, Billie Holliday.  The all-time attendance record of 5,000 dancers was set in the Spring of 1941 when the Dorsey orchestra featured a young, up-and-coming male vocalist named Frank Sinatra.
      We salute Lake Compounce on their continued effort of “Bringing the Arts to the People” and including Floating Stage Productions in their expansion plans.
      For more information go to the Lake Compounce website.
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