Back to News

By: MIASF Staff

Date posted: Oct 25, 2019 Fri

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. From its humble beginnings as a neighborhood show managed by volunteers to today’s status as the largest in-water boat show in the world, FLIBS is an important and economically significant annual event that provides an $857 million statewide impact. As the owners of the show, MIASF takes its stewardship of marine businesses in the region seriously and ensures the ongoing success of the boat show correlates to the ongoing success of our industry.

During the five days of the show, MIASF will once again be stationed at the heart of the show on the MIASF Hospitality Lounge at Bahia Mar Face Dock, Purple Zone, Slip 13. Onboard we will be hosting several industry events, lectures, the 6th Annual Global Business Luncheon, the NBC Sports Network film crew, the ever-popular Exhibitor Appreciation Party, the Marine Research Hub Summit, and the daily buffet lunch for members and guests. While we know your days will be hectic as well, we hope you have an opportunity to join us at some point.

Our partnership with Informa Markets has allowed for an even greater investment and evolution of FLIBS, with new infrastructure, advanced technology, adding a 3.5-acre Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six South, exciting events and entertainment, and incorporating a charitable component that inspires us all.

Open to all general admission ticket holders, the new Superyacht Village will be home to the show’s largest vessels in the show, with valet parking, an onsite dining destination, the Captain and Crew Lounge, an art installation, an exotic and collectible car display, helicopters and submarines. Additionally, SYV will host some VIP and special events, including the Mayor’s Reception and the 2nd Annual Sunset Soiree and Yacht Chef Competition.

The Windward VIP Club will have a new in-water location next to the MIASF Hospitality Lounge at Bahia Mar Face Dock, and will feature outdoor terraces, premium open bar, gourmet food offerings, and exclusive events by presenting sponsor Delta Private Jet and the Official Timekeeper of FLIBS, Ulysse Nardin.

NBC Sports Network will be onsite for the second year, filming its one-hour post-show FLIBS special that will air on Sunday, December 15th. The Best of Show trophy, created by renowned designer Derek Jenkins, will be awarded on Thursday of the show onboard the winning vessel. 

MIASF and Informa will continue supporting the Hurricane Dorian relief effort for the Abacos and Grand Bahama through the #FLIBS4Bahamas initiative, which includes a voluntary online donation option on the FLIBS ticket order page, onsite donation opportunity at ticket windows, collection at the Bahamas Tourism exhibitor booth, proceeds from yacht chef competition, and through the raffle of a Pioneer Sportfish 180 donated by Palm City Yachts, all benefitting Mission of Hope and ONE Bahamas.

As we already anticipate new opportunities for next year’s show, we know the convention center will be under its long-planned renovation and expansion, and we look forward to working with the Broward County leaders to make accommodations for FLIBS 2020 and beyond.

I look forward to seeing you at the show!