[dropcap]K[/dropcap]nown as “the Yachting Capital of the World,” Fort Lauderdale will host the 58th annual FLIBS, the world’s largest in-water boat show of its kind, from Nov. 1 to 5. The event, which attracts a global audience of more than 100,000 people each year, is the go-to place for yacht buyers and sellers from around the world.
“The economic impact of the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show dwarfs a Super Bowl, and it happens every year, contributing to the sustainability of 136,000 marine industry jobs and $11.5 billion to the economy in the region,” says Andrew Doole, general manager of Informa Exhibitions.
Each year, Bahia Mar and the show’s neighboring seven locations undergo a metamorphosis during the month leading up to the FLIBS, where they convene to create a vibrant marketplace right along the beautiful Fort Lauderdale waterways, which contributes about $857 million annually to the overall economy in the state of Florida.
More than 1,000 exhibitors from 30 countries showcasing $4 billion worth of superyachts, 1,500 watercrafts of all kinds, floating cocktail lounges, live music, water sports demonstrations and marine-themed art and jewelry—all displayed across more than 3 million square feet of exhibit space right on the water. That is the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
