11:00 From Dock to Destination: What Every Boater Needs to Know to Stay Safe
📍 Convention Center
Join us for an engaging and practical seminar on boating safety at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Drawing on over 40 years of boating experience, Capt. Chris Juall will cover the essential skills and knowledge every boater needs to operate safely and confidently on the water.

This session will highlight recent updates to Florida boating laws, real-world examples of common mistakes and preventable mishaps, and offering valuable takeaways that can help save lives and protect property.

Whether you’re a new boater or a seasoned operator, this seminar will help you stay safe, minimize mishaps, and enjoy more time on the water.

Capt. Chris Juall, The Qualified Captain

12:00 Women on the Water: Boating Basics
📍Convention Center 
Join Captain Debbie Hanson for an empowering seminar is designed specifically for women, focusing on essential boating skills. Get more comfortable in running a boat and become a good boat handler or a great first mate. Learn the basics of boat operation, navigation, and communication, along with critical safety procedures to take control of a vessel when needed.

Deborah Hanson, Freedom Waters Foundation

13:00 Boating to the Bahamas
📍Convention Center
Thinking about making the crossing to The Bahamas for the first time? Join our boating experts as we walk you through everything you need to know—from entry requirements and procedures to tips that make your trip smooth and enjoyable. Don’t miss this session as we exclusively reveal the official Summer 2026 Bahamas Boating Fling dates. Be the first to hear when and where these exciting group trips will take place, and learn how you can join a fun, organized rendezvous to explore The Bahamas with fellow boaters.

Richard Munroe, Bahamas Boating Department

14:00 Yacht and Boat Canvas Tricks
📍Convention Center
Come learn from the master!  John will go over various marine materials for fabricating boat canvas and upholstery work, use of different fasteners and maintenance, how-to and the importance of maintaining clutter-free decks for safety reasons, hands-on and Q&A session.  www.aaboattops.net &  www.Finholder.com

John Adinolfe, MFC, CEO, MM

15:00 Into the Wild with Manny Puig
📍Convention Center
Manny Puig is a wildlife entertainer who is known for his encounters with animals such as sharks, black bears, and American alligators.  He has made frequent appearances on the television shows Jackass, Wildboyz, and Gator Boys.  He hosted Outdoor Channel's "Savage Wild" and has appeared in numerous documentaries as an animal expert and appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and on Shark Week.  He continues to educate and entertain audiences with his knowledge of wildlife.

Manny Puig

16:00 Get to Know FWC: Safety, Conservation & K9s
📍Convention Center
The FWC professionals will cover fisheries and wildlife laws; endangered species and nonnative wildlife; boating rules and regulations. You will hear real life stories and get all your questions answered in an entertaining Q&A session. As a bonus, you will meet a specially trained K-9, trained in evidence recovery, article searches, human tracking, and wildlife detection. One of the goals is to develop the next generation that cares about wildlife, safety, and conservation.

FWC Officers

17:00 Charting Your Career in the Maritime Industry
📍Convention Center
Explore the diverse career opportunities within the recreational and commercial boating industries, both on land and at sea, in this comprehensive seminar. Whether you're interested in roles such as boat sales, marina management, charter operations, or maritime logistics, this seminar will provide valuable insights into the skills, certifications, and pathways needed to succeed. Industry professionals will share their experiences and offer guidance on how to break into these fields, including networking strategies and the latest trends. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the career options available and how to chart their course in the boating industry.

Maryanne Richards, Sam Vineyard, Mike Ortiz, & Elizabeth Simmons

11:00 Women on the Water: Fishing 101
📍Convention Center
Join Captain Debbie Hanson to learn the basics of getting started on your journey to catch fish either from shore or on a boat.  We will talk basics starting with skills and gear, then moving on to baits, tactics and techniques.

Deborah Hanson, Freedom Waters Foundation

12:00 Hook the Future Kids Fishing Clinic
📍Convention Center
Captain Don Dingman will demonstrate various fishing techniques while showcasing a wide variety of fish species. Each kid will receive a free Hook the Future/Carolina Skiff custom rod and reel combo. You won't want to miss this hands-on, interactive fishing clinic.

Captain Don Dingman (Hook the Future)

14:00 Hook the Future Kids Fishing Clinic
📍Convention Center
Captain Don Dingman will demonstrate various fishing techniques while showcasing a wide variety of fish species. Each kid will receive a free Hook the Future/Carolina Skiff custom rod and reel combo. You won't want to miss this hands-on, interactive fishing clinic.

Captain Don Dingman (Hook the Future)

15:30 Boating to the Bahamas
📍Convention Center
Thinking about making the crossing to The Bahamas for the first time? Join our boating experts as we walk you through everything you need to know—from entry requirements and procedures to tips that make your trip smooth and enjoyable. Don’t miss this session as we exclusively reveal the official Summer 2026 Bahamas Boating Fling dates. Be the first to hear when and where these exciting group trips will take place, and learn how you can join a fun, organized rendezvous to explore The Bahamas with fellow boaters.

Richard Munroe, Bahamas Boating Department & Robert Brousseau, Bahamas Boating Ambassador

16:30 Charting Your Career in the Maritime Industry
📍Convention Center
Explore the diverse career opportunities within the recreational and commercial boating industries, both on land and at sea, in this comprehensive seminar. Whether you're interested in roles such as boat sales, marina management, charter operations, or maritime logistics, this seminar will provide valuable insights into the skills, certifications, and pathways needed to succeed. Industry professionals will share their experiences and offer guidance on how to break into these fields, including networking strategies and the latest trends. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the career options available and how to chart their course in the boating industry.

Maryanne Richards, Sam Vineyard, Mike Ortiz, & Elizabeth Simmons

11:00 Women on the Water: Boating Basics
📍Convention Center
Join Captain Debbie Hanson for an empowering seminar is designed specifically for women, focusing on essential boating skills. Get more comfortable in running a boat and become a good boat handler or a great first mate. Learn the basics of boat operation, navigation, and communication, along with critical safety procedures to take control of a vessel when needed.

Deborah Hanson, Freedom Waters Foundation

12:00 Hook the Future Kids Fishing Clinic
📍Convention Center
Captain Don Dingman will demonstrate various fishing techniques while showcasing a wide variety of fish species. Each kid will receive a free Hook the Future/Carolina Skiff custom rod and reel combo. You won't want to miss this hands-on, interactive fishing clinic.

Captain Don Dingman (Hook the Future)

14:00 Hook the Future Kids Fishing Clinic
📍Convention Center
Captain Don Dingman will demonstrate various fishing techniques while showcasing a wide variety of fish species. Each kid will receive a free Hook the Future/Carolina Skiff custom rod and reel combo. You won't want to miss this hands-on, interactive fishing clinic.

Captain Don Dingman (Hook the Future)

15:30 From Dock to Destination: What Every Boater Needs to Know to Stay Safe
📍Convention Center
Join us for an engaging and practical seminar on boating safety at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Drawing on over 40 years of boating experience, Capt. Chris Juall will cover the essential skills and knowledge every boater needs to operate safely and confidently on the water.

This session will highlight recent updates to Florida boating laws, real-world examples of common mistakes and preventable mishaps, and offering valuable takeaways that can help save lives and protect property.

Whether you’re a new boater or a seasoned operator, this seminar will help you stay safe, minimize mishaps, and enjoy more time on the water.

Capt. Chris Juall, The Qualified Captain

11:00 A Market of Two Speeds: U.S. Brokerage Outlook
📍Superyacht Village
The superyacht brokerage market is moving at two speeds — with activity below 40 meters slowing while larger yacht sales surge. Bill Powers, AJ Blackmon, Brandon Kummer, and Boomer Jousma share on-the-ground insights into current trends, U.S. market dynamics, and what might lie ahead as momentum begins to shift. Panel presented by SuperYacht Times.

SuperYacht Times

12:00 Flying the Flag: Navigating Foreign Registration
📍Superyacht Village
Eugene Samarin, General Counsel for Xquisite Yachts, will demystify the complexities of foreign flagging for yacht owners. Learn how to optimize registration choices, understand tax and tariff implications, and mitigate compliance risks when purchasing or reflagging vessels.

Eugene Samarin Esq

13:00 Navigating Charter: Unlocking the Power of Retail Brokerage

📍Superyacht Village
IYC’s Heather Hatcher breaks down the key differences between charter management and retail brokerage, offering clear guidance on selecting the right vessel and navigating the booking process. Learn how tailored strategies can help owners and guests make confident, informed decisions on the water.

Heather Hatcher

14:00 Elevating Standards: The Professionalization of Yacht Projects
📍 Superyacht Village
Industry leader Ken Hickling of sherpa63 explores how increasingly structured project management is redefining performance goals in yacht builds and refits. As measurement tools evolve, he asks: can data alone drive quality, or does true success still rely on collaboration and experience?

 Ken Hickling

15:00 Building Brilliance: Project Management in Newbuilds
📍Superyacht Village
Veteran yacht builder Tim Kings reveals how strategic project management can make or break a newbuild. From timelines to budgets, his “scoreboard method” offers a practical framework for tracking progress, communication, and owner satisfaction.

Tim Kings

16:00 Securing the Seas: Cybersecurity for Yachts
📍Superyacht Village
From phishing to AI-driven threats, cybersecurity expert Scott Reas uncovers the modern risks facing yacht owners and managers. This session delivers practical steps to secure networks, safeguard sensitive data, and strengthen digital defenses afloat.
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Scott Reas

10:00 Silver Service at Sea: The Art of Luxury Dining Onboard
📍Superyacht Village
Representing world-renowned silversmith Robbe & Berking, Dr. Karolina Stefanski explores how silverware and table culture define the luxury dining experience at sea. This session blends design heritage, health benefits, and style insights for stewards, designers, and discerning guests.

Dr. Karolina Stefanski

12:00 From Canvas to Coral: How Art Can Help Save Our Reefs
📍 Superyacht Village
Dr. Shelby Thomas, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Research for Ocean Rescue Alliance International, explains how art and science come together to restore our oceans. Through the organization’s innovative underwater installations, coastal environments become living galleries that rebuild coral reefs, promote biodiversity, and engage communities. Learn how creativity and collaboration can turn awareness into action—transforming sculpture, storytelling, and design into powerful tools for ocean conservation and lasting reef resilience.

Dr. Shelby Thomas,  CEO & Director of Research for Ocean Rescue Alliance International

13:00 When Every Second Counts: Medical Emergencies at Sea
📍Superyacht Village
Dr. Adam Rutenberg of GW Medical equips captains and crew with practical skills for managing medical emergencies onboard. Learn preparedness protocols, emergency response tactics, and training methods to ensure safety and confidence far from shore.

Dr. Adam Rutenberg

14:00 Power Under Pressure: Lithium Battery Safety at Sea
📍Superyacht Village
Aviation safety expert and former White House appointee Bob Brown examines the growing threat of lithium-ion battery fires and what the marine industry can learn from aviation’s response. Discover how event tracking, targeted mitigation strategies, and emerging technologies are reshaping fire prevention and safety protocols aboard yachts.

Bob Brown

15:00 Legal Currents: Vessel Registration & Maritime Law Essentials
📍Superyacht Village
Maritime law specialist James Perry provides a concise legal roadmap for yacht owners. Explore vessel registration, crew and lien issues, and compliance considerations to ensure smooth sailing from purchase through operation.

James Perry Esq

16:00 Boat Sales 3.0: The Next Wave of Digital Brokerage
📍Superyacht Village
Vincent Finetti of Yacht Sales Academy charts the evolution of yacht marketing into the digital “3.0” era — powered by AI, automation, and real-time engagement. Discover how brokers and shipyards can shorten sales cycles, expand global reach, and thrive in the modern marketplace.

 Vincent Finetti

11:00 Yachtie Minds Matter: Crew Wellness & Leadership at Sea
📍Superyacht Village
Captain Kelly Gordon — professional mariner, mentor, and mental health advocate — leads an inspiring conversation on resilience, wellbeing, and leadership in the yachting industry. Drawing on personal experience and a 40K+ social following, she shares tools to strengthen crew culture and support mental health onboard.

Capt. Kelly Gordon

13:00 Wellness at Sea: Navigating Sensitive Medical Needs Onboard
📍Superyacht Village
Sara Jennings of GW Medical explores the often-overlooked intersection of wellness, privacy, and medical care at sea. Drawing on extensive maritime health expertise, she outlines best practices for managing sensitive medical needs onboard, from proactive preparedness to discreet, compassionate response, ensuring every voyage prioritizes both safety and wellbeing.

Sara Jennings

14:00 Bareboat Business: Compliance, Contracts & Profitability
📍Superyacht Village
Kenny Hilderbrandt, CEO of RentaBoat.com, breaks down the legal framework behind bareboat/demise charters, explaining how U.S. Coast Guard and maritime law define compliance. Learn the history, rules, and strategies that owners and operators need to navigate contracts, reduce risk, and maximize profitability.

Kenny Hilderbrandt

15:00 Design Without Limits: Innovations in Accessible Yachting
📍 Superyacht Village
Author and yacht builder Douglas Hoogs spotlights groundbreaking innovations in inclusive yacht design, including his creation of the world’s first ADA-compliant luxury yacht. Explore the design principles redefining accessibility and freedom at sea.

Douglas Hoogs