FLIBS 2023 MARKS A SUCCESSFUL FIVE-DAY SPECTACLE

The highlight of this year's show, the Grande 36 M by Azimut, a stunning Italian creation, clinched the prestigious Best of Show award. Making its North American debut, the Grande 36 M wowed with its revolutionary design, creating open, barrier-free environments alongside other outstanding vessels. The Best of Show award, honoring the most innovative boat models showcased at FLIBS, emphasizes performance, design, technology, and architecture. Judged by a panel of industry experts including nautical designer Dan Lenard, Captain Kerry of "Below Deck," racing icon Michael Waltrip, and motorsport legend Ricky Carmichael, the Grande 36 Metri stood out among eight finalists. The FLIBS Best of Show awards presentation was featured in a one-hour special on November 12 on Fox Sports 2 (FS2). Additional airings will take place on December 9 on Fox Sports 1 (FS1).

"The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show continues to be a pivotal element of our city's identity and economic vitality," expressed Mayor Dean Trantalis, Mayor of the City of Fort Lauderdale. "FLIBS remains a driving force in our city, and we're thrilled to witness its return with unparalleled enthusiasm."

Phil Purcell, President and CEO of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, echoed the sentiment, "We've reached unprecedented heights with the 64th edition of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, setting a benchmark for our industry. It's been an incredible journey, and we're immensely grateful for the tremendous support from exhibitors, the city of Fort Lauderdale, county officials, and our dedicated staff that make the show possible."

The Broward County Convention Center was host to a variety of educational seminars that included sustainability research and fishing clinics, interactive experiences at the Kid’s Corner, and debuts from industry giants like Yellowfin Yachts, Sportsman, Grady White, and more. Serving as the show’s transportation hub, the Convention Center ensured seamless travel between show locations, including the Bahia Mar Yachting Center and SuperYacht Village at Pier 66 via complimentary air-conditioned shuttles and ticketed Water Taxis.

Adding an extra layer of opulence to the event, the Windward VIP Lounge offered patrons the opportunity to indulge in top-tier gourmet cuisine and expertly crafted mixed drinks from Ketel One Botanical, Don Julio, Tanqueray, Crown Royal, and Stella Artois.

The FLIBS experience also brought together the local community joining forces with the Florida Panthers Foundation. Through strategic partnerships with Informa Markets and other committed collaborators, the event contributed generously to support the Florida Panthers' philanthropic initiatives this year. Additionally, the event showcased an extensive range of pioneering sustainability projects, significantly minimizing its environmental impact and spearheading the industry towards a more eco-conscious future.

A notable feature of this year's sustainability efforts was the introduction of the MRH Innovation & Sustainability Award, a joint effort with the Marine Research Hub. This distinguished award honored organizations that have showcased exceptional dedication and innovation in advancing sustainability across various sectors of the marine industry. The overall winner of this year’s inaugural ceremony was Sunreef Yachts/Sunreef Ventures, adding to their impressive accolades as Sunreef was also among the finalists for Best in Show this year.

The 65th annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is set to return from Wednesday, October 30th through Sunday, November 3rd, 2024. As the largest in-water boat show globally, FLIBS showcases more international and national debuts than any other, solidifying the City of Fort Lauderdale as the Yachting Capital of the World. The event is owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) and produced by Informa Markets.

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About the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS)

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) and produced by Informa Markets. The five-day boating extravaganza showcases more world and U.S. debuts than any other boat show in the country. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.flibs.com.

About Informa Markets

Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate, and grow. We provide marketplace participants around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience, and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, targeted digital services, and actionable data solutions. We connect buyers and sellers across more than a dozen global verticals, including Boating, Pharmaceuticals, Food, Fashion, and Infrastructure. As the world's leading market-making company, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.

 About the Marine Industries Association of South Florida

The Marine Industries Association of South Florida is the largest trade organization in the Southeast United States dedicated to promoting, protecting, and growing the 142,000 middle-class jobs and  driving the economic output to $18.5 billion regionally. Created in 1961, the not-for-profit trade group is focused on the sound growth of the marine industry in the South Florida Region to benefit its members and their customers, communities, and the environment. The Association has over 500 members in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties and is the owner of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. For more information, please visit www.miasf.org.