A Guide To Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2020
Despite the global coronavirus pandemic, the 61st Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show will be moving forward as planned. While the majority of major yachting events have been either postponed or turned into virtual events, FLIBS 2020 will remain an in-person event. The yachting industry’s eyes are on Fort Lauderdale to see how well they handle such a large in-person yachting event during the time of COVID-19.
Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2020 Dates
Broward County gave the green light in early September for the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2020 to go on as planned. Citing economic impact and a focus on safety as two major reasons why the show must go on.
“If you name it, this show touches it,” Broward County Commissioner Lamar Fisher said as the commission tried to salvage one of the year’s biggest economic drivers. “I believe the show is needed now more than ever. It is extremely vital. The motto of the show is safety first.” – Broward County Commissioner Lamar Fisher1
Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2020 will take place over six days, from Wednesday October 28 to Monday November 1.
What to Expect at FLIBS 2020
Partners Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) and Informa Markets, who own and produce the show respectively, will be organizing the event under strict health and safety standards. While the FLIBS 2020 will inevitably be different and smaller due to COVID-19, attendees can still expect many of the exciting attractions and events that have characterized the previous shows.
AllSecure Safety Standards
In the lead up to the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2020, Informa released an extensive list of health and safety standards they will be following at the event dubbed Informa AllSecure.2 These FLIBS 2020 COVID safety and public health precautions will be deployed to protect staff, exhibitors, and attendees. Measures will include:
- Mandatory wearing of face masks for all staff and visitors.
- Screening measure at entry including temperature checks.
- Continuous sanitation of public areas with a focus on door handles, restrooms, and dining areas.
- Overnight deep cleaning and disinfections.
- Exhibition booths arranged to allow social distancing.
- Social distancing at cocktail barges, concession areas, and VIP lounges.
- Contactless payment systems and check-in counters.
Fewer Overseas Visitors
Attendance numbers will likely be down compared to last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. One major reason for the show’s inevitable smaller size will be the lack of overseas visitors due to quarantining requirements in their home countries. While the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show typically is a global event that brings in business teams from Europe and even Asia, this year’s show will likely be a mostly American affair.
Winward VIP Club
The Windward VIP Club, which has become a staple of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, will still be available at this year’s show. An exclusive indoor and outdoor destination, this climate-controlled area allows guests to mingle with top marine manufactured and yacht brokers. With tickets prices at $300 per person, per day, the Windward VIP Experience will include a dedicated concierge, early show access, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, Water Taxis access, and an open bar.
Must- See Boats
While there may not be as many boats at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2020, organizers still expect hundreds and even thousands to attend. The Superyacht Village, introduced at last year’s show, will be open once again this year. So, guests can take a look at some pretty impressive mega yachts. A few boats will also be having their debut at FLIBS 2020 including models from Intrepid Powerboats, Monte Carlo Yachts, and Azimut Yachts just to name a few. Below are just a few of the vessels slated to debut at the show.
- 438 Evolution – Intrepid Powerboats
- MCY76 Skylounge – Monte Carlo Yachts
- Prestige Yachts X70 – Prestige Yachts
- Astondoa AS8 Flybridge – Astondoa Shipyard
- Azimut Magellano 25 Metri – Azimut Yachts
- Mangusta GranSport 33 – Overmarine Group
- Ocean Alexander 27 Explorer – Ocean Alexander
Yacht Management South Florida, Inc. is yacht management company with our own full-service boatyard in Fort Lauderdale, FL where we provide South Florida boat hull painting services. Our team of yacht managers and technicians work together to ensure complete yacht care and stress-free yacht ownership to all our clients. Send us a message or call (954) 941-6447 today to learn more about our reasonably priced services.
Sources
- David Lyons, Sun Sentinel – Fort Lauderdale boat show gets green light, but it won’t be the same
- Informa – Informa AllSecure