The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show celebrates its 55th edition this year. The world’s biggest in-water boat show will feature almost $4 billion worth of boats and marine products across over 3 million square feet of exhibit space.
Several enhancements have been announced ahead of the show, including the addition of Pier 66 Marina, a full-service pop-up restaurant and the IGFA Sportfishing Lounge. Efram Zimbalist III, CEO of Show Management, the company that manages and produces the show, comments, “Year after year our goal for the show is to enhance the overall experience for visitors and offer industry professionals the best platform to conduct business. This year we have more exhibit space than ever before, further-improved navigational aids and additional dining options all designed to ensure that FLIBS remains the center of the yachting world.”
The addition of Pier 66 Marina to the show’s locations meant that the iconic pier saw its first renovation since the yachting center’s launch more than five decades ago, in a project costing more than $20 million. Exhibitors scheduled to be at the new location include Robert J. Cury & Associates; Woods & Associates Yacht Brokerage; Burger Boat Company; Chamberlain Yachts; Fraser Yachts; Caterpillar, Inc.; Talbot Freeman; International Yacht Collection; Merle Woods & Associates; and Edmiston & Company.
Further evidence of the organisers intent on enhancing the show experience for attendees include additions to the program, including Hook The Future kids’ fishing clinics, where kids get a free rod/reel combo amongst other prizes, an expanded Blue Wild area featuring scuba and freediving, lobstering and safety seminars, the all-new JYPSEA Swimwear Show and the Boat Show Film Festival.
The show’s seven locations are connected by a convenient land and water transportation network offering several parking and transportation options. “Over the past several years we have incorporated numerous useful navigation aids to make getting around the many show sites as effortless as possible,” comments Steve Sheer, director of marketing for Show Management. “With the app, bright color-coded directional signage, maps, the show greeter program and a reliable ground and water transportation system, thousands of visitors make their way around quite effortlessly.”
This years show will begin on October 30th and conclude on November 3rd. The event will kick off with a spectacular fireworks display on the opening night.