What is the history of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show?
Later this month, the 64th annual Fort Lauderdale Boat Show will take place. The show has a rich history, beginning with informal displays in the Fort Lauderdale Yacht Club in the 1960s. The first official show in 1976 featuring around 50 exhibitors and held across just 3 locations bore little resemblance to the scale of the show years later.
The show grew in the later part of the twentieth century alongside the reputation of Fort Lauderdale itself as the ‘yachting capital of the world’ to become a staple event in the global marine industry calendar. The latest show in 2022 marked the first full-scale event since the COVID pandemic and was the biggest yet. The 2023 show promises to be even bigger.
When is the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2023?
Between 25th-29th October 2023 an expected 100,000 visitors and 1000 exhibiting brands will descend on seven locations around Fort Lauderdale for the biggest in-water boat show globally. The timings of the event are as follows:
WEDNESDAY (10/25): 12 PM – 7 PM
THURSDAY (10/26): 10 AM – 7 PM
FRIDAY (10/27): 10 AM – 7 PM
SATURDAY (10/28): 10 AM – 7 PM
SUNDAY (10/29): 10 AM – 6 PM
What can visitors expect from the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show this year?
Upwards of 1300 boats will be on display in the waters of Fort Lauderdale this year for visitors to enjoy. The annual event is known for showcasing more vessel debuts than any other boat show in the US. This year, prolific marine brands including MJM Yachts, Axopar Boats, BRABUS Marine and Fairline Yachts are all expected to showcase their latest offerings
Visitors can also expect a full schedule of seminars, VIP experiences, family-friendly activities and live aquatic demonstrations.
Travel and Parking
Boat Show organisers are encouraging visitors to avoid traffic and utilise the extensive parking at the Broward County Convention Center for $25 a day and then hop on a water taxi, shuttle, or golf cart service to any of the show’s seven locations.
Come and see CJR
CJR are delighted to be attending the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show this year, particularly after the success of Cannes Yachting Festival 2023 in September and look forward to meeting new faces and existing clients. If you’re heading to Florida for the show, contact us to book a face to face meeting with Joel Kmetz, President of CJR USA.