Representing the only major marine event to take place in the U.S. since April, the 61ST Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is making its way to the “Yachting Capital of the World,” with changes for a better and safer event experience, Oct. 28 to Nov. 1. Produced by Informa Markets and owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, FLIBS features the largest display of boats and new models and the latest in marine technology and accessories. The five-day outdoor show spans nearly 90 acres across multiple outdoor sites and will unveil more than 20 of the year’s most anticipated debuts, ranging from luxury yachts and motor yachts to sport fish, center consoles and express cruisers.
Here’s a look at what visitors can expect at this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show:
Show Enhancements, Additional Entrances + Increased Dock Sizes – Recognized as the pinnacle of all nautical exhibitions, FLIBS spans nearly 90 acres now accessible by 13 show entrances, making it easier than ever to safely navigate through the show. FLIBS is also increasing its six miles of floating docks to widths up to 30 feet along the face dock, allowing plenty of roomy walking space for a smooth and safe flow of traffic. Additionally, the show has added multiple mouth-watering concession locations including on-water cafes and food and beverage enjoyment gardens.
AllSecure Health & Safety Standards – As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, FLIBS will be organized in accordance with Informa Markets’ newly enhanced AllSecure health and safety standards, as well as all official government and local authority guidance and regulations. With the new AllSecure standards in place, FLIBS will follow the GBAC (Global Biorisk Advisory Council) standards for enhanced cleaning, including undergoing deep cleaning before, during, and after each day’s events to ensure the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness. All attendees can expect a contactless ticketing system and thermo imaging systems for temperature checks taken at all entrances. Additional measures on cleaning and hygiene, physical distancing, protect and detect, and communication will also be implemented and required. For full details, or to download a complete guide of Informa’s AllSecure health and safety guidelines, visit https://www.flibs.com/en/attend/COVID-19.html.
Know Before You Go Safety Videos – Continuing its commitment to produce a safe, hygienic, productive and high quality event experience, organizers of FLIBS have produced two informative Know Before You Go safety videos outlining some of the major changes visitors can expect at this year’s show. Be sure to check out these videos available HERE.
Transportation – To maintain social distancing, FLIBS has added more shuttle buses and water taxi services to transport guests safely around the show, while providing social distance seating between riders. Both forms of transportation will adhere to the new safety and health guidelines of the show, undergoing deep cleaning before guests board. Guests will have their temperature checked before water taxis rides and have their show tickets scanned, all in a contactless manner.
New Debuts – This year’s show will feature exciting new yacht debuts from some of the world’s most recognized manufacturers, including Mangusta’s GranSport 33, Azimut’s Magellano 25 Metri, and the world debut of MonteCarlo Yachts 76 Skylounge, Viking Yachts’ 54 Convertible, Intrepid Yachts 409 Valor, Solace Boats 41CS Center Console, and three models by Ocean Alexander – the 27 Explorer, the 32 Legend and the 36 Legend –among many others.
Windward VIP Club – Sponsored by Swiss luxury watchmaker, Ulysse Nardin, the Official Timekeeper of FLIBS and Douglas Elliman Real Estate, the Windward VIP Club is an annual highlight and is located on the main facedock in the heart of the show. The Windward VIP Club will take over the Bahia Mar’s Captain’s Lounge with outdoor terraces for shore and water views to enjoy the luxury of the premium open bar, featuring Whitehaven wine, the Official White Wine of FLIBS and gourmet food offerings. New perks that are sure to elevate the exclusive Windward VIP experience this year include extended show hours starting at 8 am and a concierge for booking appointments with manufacturers and yacht brokers. Availability is limited with day-of ticketing available for purchase.
Kids Fishing Clinics + AquaZone – Conducted by Captain Don Dingman and presented by the non-profit, Hook The Future, kids ages 4-16 are invited to join the Kids Fishing Clinics taking place on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 12 pm and 2 pm, and on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 1 pm and 3 pm, at the south gate entrance of Bahia Mar. Additionally, returning for its eighth year, is the world famous AquaZone (located in-water between the F Dock and G Dock), an exciting and engaging attraction designed to give boat show-goers an upfront and personal experience with a variety of water sports and innovative marine products.
Frontline Heroes Complimentary Entry – FLIBS invites all Frontline Heroes from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County to experience the show for FREE by showing their official ID at the show entrance for a digital ticket or emailing [email protected] in advance. Acceptable forms of ID for admittance are: Hospital ID, Firefighter, First responder badge (Police, Fire/Rescue, BSO, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), and paramedics). Offer is valid Thursday – Saturday 4 – 7 pm and Sunday all day with Family Day.
Feeding South Florida Partnership – The official charity partner of the show, FLIBS will be donating all unused food (ExtraHelpings) to Feeding South Florida, as well as providing complimentary exhibition space (booth #24 in the main entrance tent) and a donation link on FLIBS.com to help raise awareness about the extraordinary need in the community.
FLIBS is a major economic driver benefitting the marine industry, the city of Fort Lauderdale, and the state of Florida with a total statewide economic impact of $1.3 billion as a result of last year’s show and over $714 million in product sold over the five-day event. More than 8,000 full-time jobs were associated with the show in 2019.
Tickets must be pre-purchased in advance on FLIBS.com. For additional information on tickets, hospitality packages and parking details, please visit the website at www.FLIBS.com.
For images and press materials, contact [email protected] or access the 2020 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Digital Press Kit.
About The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
The 61st annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show will be held October 28 – Nov. 1, 2020 in the Yachting Capital of the World. Owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) and produced by Informa Markets, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is recognized as the largest in-water boat show in the world and is sponsored in part by Lexus, the Official Automotive of FLIBS, Swiss luxury watchmaker, Ulysse Nardin, the Official Timekeeper of FLIBS, Douglas Elliman Real Estate and Whitehaven wine, the Official White Wine of FLIBS. FLIBS spans nearly 90 acres across three million square-feet of exhibit space that is connected by an intricate network of water and ground transportation services. The five-day show attracted over 100,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors representing 52 countries with more than 1,300 boats on display in 2019. For more information, visit FLIBS.com.