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By: MIASF Staff

Date posted: Nov 15, 2019 Fri

With November comes cooler temperatures (hopefully!), a reminder to be thankful for all we have, and the passage of another Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. This year marked the 60th anniversary of FLIBS, and it may have been the show’s best year yet for exhibitors and visitors alike!

Following the special signal flags ribbon cutting ceremony with Andrew Doole of Informa Markets, Mayor Dean Trantalis of the city of Fort Lauderdale, and Linda Mackey, the Consul General of the Bahamas, a traditional Bahamian Junkanoo Band performed at the new Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six South, symbolizing the important ties between Florida and the Bahamas and acknowledging the fundraising taking place during the show to support the Hurricane Dorian relief effort, which included proceeds from the 2nd Annual Sunset Soiree and Yacht Chef Competition and raffle ticket sales for the Pioneer Sportfish 180 donated by Palm City Yachts, all benefitting Mission of Hope and ONE Bahamas.

MIASF was pleased to offer the NBC Sports Network a home-base onboard the Hospitality Lounge as they traveled throughout the show to film the second edition of the FLIBS one-hour special, which will air on Sunday, December 15th, and awarded the Best in Show Trophy to the 140' Majesty. Other special events onboard included the Global Business Luncheon, the Exhibitor Party, the Captain and Crew Luncheon, and the Marine Research Hub Summit, which featured the Ocean Exchange $100,000 Orcelle and $100,000 Neptune award winners - Chris Graves of Noon Energy and Nicholas Flanders of Opus 12, in addition to Patrick Lahey of Triton Submarines who gave a sensational presentation on the Five Deeps Expedition. 

Congratulations to Chef Danny Davies of M/Y Excellence for winning Best Yacht Chef in the competition on Friday night, followed by The Wheeland Brothers outdoor concert. Superyacht Village proved to be a great venue for accommodating the largest vessels in the show and holding multiple well-attended events, including the Mayor’s opening night reception with guests from around the world.

We will soon have data points that we can share regarding FLIBS 2019, and this year Thomas J. Murray and Associates will be conducting another FLIBS statewide economic impact study so that we will have updated sales, revenues, attendees, and other important numbers that illustrate the magnitude of the largest in-water boat show in the world and its impact on the marine industry in South Florida.

MIASF is especially grateful to Lauren Talchik and the Charter One crew, chef, and captains who always make us feel welcome and comfortable onboard the Grand Floridian. Whether it’s early morning breakfast meetings, late night parties and receptions, or the daily buffet lunch that now averages 250 plates a day, our members and guests enjoy the hospitality and respite offered by the exceptional service and professionalism of the entire staff.

Wishing everyone a very healthy and Happy Thanksgiving, and time well-spent with family and friends!