Fort Lauderdale Boat Show (Exhibitors, Calendar)
Get straight to the heart of the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2024—running from October 30 to November 3, this event is a key highlight in the marine industry calendar.
This article guides you through the must-see debuts and attractions, helps with planning your visit, and provides tips for navigating the seven venues, including the central Bahia Mar Yachting Center.
Overview of the Famous Fort Lauderdale Boat Show
- The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show showcases the world’s largest in-water boat collection and serves as an important venue for world and U.S. debut yachts, making it crucial for South Florida’s marine industry.
- The Bahia Mar Yachting Center and Superyacht Village at Pier 66 are the show’s central hubs, offering visitors a diverse range of exhibits, from a vast array of yachts to luxury lifestyle brands and marine accessories.
- FLIBS not only displays luxury and innovative maritime offerings but also significantly contributes to Florida’s economy, with projections indicating a $2 billion impact in 2024, highlighting its importance for local job creation and economic activity.
Discover the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Renowned as the ‘Yachting Capital of the World’, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is a spectacle like no other. This colossal event showcases the world’s largest in water boat collection and new models, with hundreds of exhibitors making a splash at the international boat show FLIBS. What sets FLIBS apart from any other boat show is its prominence in unveiling world and U.S. debuts, making it a significant contributor to South Florida’s vibrant marine industry.
Taking place from October 30 to November 3, 2024, the show spans across seven iconic locations in Fort Lauderdale. Among these, the Bahia Mar Yachting Center stands as the heart of the show, while the Superyacht Village at Pier 66 exhibits the epitome of luxury.
The Heart of the Show: Bahia Mar Yachting Center
The Bahia Mar Yachting Center, recognized as a world-class facility, serves as the FLIBS nerve center. Stepping into this center, a grand display of awe-inspiring yachts greets each visitor. From small boats to towering superyachts, the variety of vessels moored here is a testament to the center’s diverse offerings.
It’s not just the yachts that make Bahia Mar Yachting Center the heart of the show. The visitor experience here is unparalleled, with the center hosting a multitude of exhibits that cater to every maritime enthusiast’s interest.
Superyacht Showcase: Superyacht Village at Pier 66
The Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina’s Pier South property, a must-visit for those seeking luxury and sophistication, showcases the largest in water presence of opulent vessels at FLIBS. This prestigious exhibition is dedicated to displaying the most magnificent superyachts, turning heads with their sheer grandeur.
However, the spectacle extends beyond the yachts. The Superyacht Village brings together premier yacht builders, designers, and luxury lifestyle brands, making it a hot-spot for elite yachting and high-end lifestyle products. Whether you’re exploring the latest tenders and water toys, admiring exotic vehicles, or enjoying refreshments at the SYV bar with picturesque views of the marina, the Superyacht Village offers an exclusive and enriching experience.
Navigating the Seven Seas of FLIBS
Convenient transportation options make navigating the vast expanse of FLIBS in South Florida straightforward. The Broward County Convention Center serves as the main transportation hub, offering shuttle, golf cart, and water taxi services to facilitate movement between all seven show locations.
Water taxis, a key component of transportation during the show, operate from one hour before the show opens to one hour after closing. Tickets must be purchased online in advance to accommodate the show’s contactless event policy, costing $20 for adults and $10 for children for a single day, or $80 for an all-access five-day pass.
For those heading to the Superyacht Village, water tenders, shuttle bus routes, and on-site valet and self-parking options are available. And of course, if you’re a VIP ticket holder, you’ll have the luxury of complimentary shuttle and water taxi services to multiple locations, including the Bahia Mar Yachting Center and Superyacht Village, alongside benefits like premium open bars and gourmet food.
Marine Exhibits and Nautical Merchandise
The Broward County Convention Center is a treasure trove of marine exhibits at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The variety on display is impressive, offering something for every marine enthusiast. Some of the exhibits include:
- Fishing boats
- Cruisers
- Marine accessories
- Fishing equipment
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. The Convention Center also features the AquaZone, a unique attraction that showcases watersports and innovative marine products.
Not to be outdone, the Las Olas Marina also serves as a significant venue for the boat show, contributing to the total million square feet of exhibit space.
VIP and Exclusive Experiences
The Windward VIP Club presents a haven of luxury and exclusivity for those seeking a premium FLIBS experience. Here, guests can unwind in a lively atmosphere with music, catering to a luxury audience with unique showcases and experiences.
The Windward VIP Club offers:
- Private restrooms
- Gourmet food
- Select beverages from a premium open bar
- Exclusive pop-up activations
These amenities ensure an unforgettable experience for its guests, setting the Windward VIP Club apart from the rest.
A Dive into the Maritime Economy
Beyond being a spectacle of luxury and innovation, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show acts as a significant economic engine. With projections for 2024 approaching $2 billion, FLIBS generates a considerable economic impact, boosting Florida’s economy through direct sales, taxes, and job creation.
The show’s significance extends to Fort Lauderdale’s local economy, where it has been instrumental in:
- Creating thousands of jobs
- Offering opportunities across various socioeconomic backgrounds
- Generating $580.4 million in statewide personal income and economic activity
With state and local taxes amounting to $85.8 million, out of which Broward County collected $24.5 million, FLIBS is indeed a cornerstone of Florida’s thriving marine economy.
Setting Sail for Adventure: Waterfront Locations
The FLIBS comprises seven locations, each unique waterfront spot boasting its own charm and attractions. From the bustling marinas like Las Olas Marina to the Hall of Fame Marina, these locations offer a unique blend of marine and social activities.
To navigate between these waterfront locations, FLIBS offers a water taxi service with routes connecting key venues such as Bahia Mar, the Las Olas Marina, and the Hall of Fame Marina. Whether you’re exploring the floating docks at Bahia Mar or soaking in the lively atmosphere at the Hall of Fame Marina, these waterfront locations enhance the adventure and ease of exploration at FLIBS.
Planning Your Visit: Essential Tips
The grand scale and multitude of attractions can make a visit to FLIBS an overwhelming experience. But with some careful planning, you can make the most of your visit. For accommodation, choose from hotels along Fort Lauderdale beach, on the 17th Street Causeway, or downtown on Las Olas Boulevard, all offering water taxi access to the event. With approximately 1,500 hotel rooms added in downtown Fort Lauderdale in the last 5-7 years, finding the perfect place to stay won’t be a challenge.
When it comes to exploring the show, don’t try to see everything in one day. Instead, plan your ‘must-see’ exhibits over the five-day event to ensure a balanced and fulfilling experience. And after a day at the show, unwind at popular local waterfront spots such as Coconuts and the Boatyard restaurant for some delicious food and relaxation.
Sustainability at Sea
Beyond showcasing marine marvels’ grandeur, FLIBS also emphasizes sustainability. With its Faster to Zero initiative, FLIBS aims to become a zero waste and net zero carbon business by 2030. This commitment is mirrored in various eco-friendly policies, such as the No Styrofoam Policy, the phasing out of straws, and the shift to aluminum for beverage containers.
The event harnesses 95% renewable electricity, achieving this through Energy Attribution Certificates that encourage investment in renewable power. Over $2.8 million has been invested to remove diesel generators and incorporate energy-efficient technology, reducing electricity usage by 15-20%. This commitment to sustainability extends to championing the MRH Innovation & Sustainability award in partnership with the Marine Research Hub and the Marine Industries Association, emphasizing the growing interest in efficient and environmentally friendly vessels.
Engaging Activities Beyond the Boats
FLIBS presents a variety of engaging activities, extending beyond the boats and marine exhibits. The AquaZone at the Convention Center is one such attraction, showcasing watersports and innovative marine products.
Presented by Nautical Ventures, the AquaZone allows attendees to witness live aquabatic demos and interact with various water sports equipment. With demonstrations starting one hour after the boat show opens and concluding one hour before the show closes, visitors can enjoy a full day of water sports paired with the vibrant social scene of Florida, a leading yacht charter destination.
Summary
From the grandeur of the world’s largest in-water boat show to the thrill of live aquabatic demos at AquaZone, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show offers a unique blend of luxury, innovation, and adventure. With its commitment to sustainability, significant economic impact, and a plethora of engaging activities, FLIBS 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience. So, mark your calendars and set sail for an adventure of a lifetime!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates on the Fort Lauderdale boat show in 2023?
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in 2023 will take place from October 25th to 29th.
Which boat show is bigger Fort Lauderdale or Miami?
The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, FLIBS, is the largest in-water boat show in the world, making it bigger than the Miami boat show.
What is the largest boat show in Florida?
The largest boat show in Florida is the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, known for showcasing an impressive range of yachts, tenders, toys, and accessories across nearly 90 acres of exhibit space.
What is the best way to see the Fort Lauderdale boat show?
The best way to see the Fort Lauderdale boat show is by taking the Water Taxi, which offers beautiful city and water views. Purchase your tickets online for a contactless experience.
When and where is the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2024 taking place?
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2024 is taking place from October 30 to November 3 across seven locations in Fort Lauderdale.
