Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show October 25-29

Now entering its 53rd year, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show strives to be the world’s showcase of the boating and marine lifestyle, where interested people gather annually to connect with each other and to learn, see and buy what is new. As the owners and operators of the show, the Marine Industries Association of South Florida and Show Management, respectively, have developed a strategic plan of exciting enhancements, scheduled to begin in 2012 and continuing to roll out over the next several years, ensuring that FLIBS remains at the forefront of the marine industry for decades to come.

Attendees at this year’s show, scheduled for October 25-29 at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, will be greeted by a freshly designed show entrance and guided through the pedestrian-friendly layout with newly designed navigation and communication tools. Attractive themed areas are being created to engage each marine market’s respective fans. Entertainment of various sorts, for show-goers of all ages, is being planned to create a great experience for everyone who loves to get out on the water.

Enhanced Navigation and Communication

Introduced at last year’s show with tremendous success, the show’s smartphone app, MyBoatShow, has been upgraded. Designed to help navigate the show’s docks, land areas and tents, the MyBoatShow app now lets you post your favorite boat from the show directly to Facebook and to search for boats by name.

Show organizers are pleased to report that cellular phone service should improve with the addition of a mobile cell site providing more cellular network coverage. There also will be free cell phone charging stations located throughout the show.

Themed Areas

New this year, attendees will enter the in-water portion of the show at The Bahia Mar Yachting Center through the new Performance Village, located along H/I Dock. For those interested in sportfishing, the show’s new Sportfish Village located along C/D Dock will feature the category’s leading sportfish manufacturers and configurations. New this year, custom builders will represent their one-of-a-kind fishing machine designs from a new display area dedicated to their custom trade.

Other show enhancements include an expanded and revamped Electronics Pavilion with a more pedestrian-friendly layout.

New at the Broward County Convention Center indoor portion of the show is the KidZone, featuring youth fishing clinics from Captain Don Dingman, founder of the non-profit Hook the Future. An extraordinary indoor display of trailerable boats, safety equipment, fishing gear and marine accessories, the Convention Center delivers an unparalleled opportunity to see new models from every leading name in boating. It also is home to the show’s complimentary marine seminars covering a wide variety of topics hosted by the International Game Fish Association’s (IGFA) School of Sportfishing and The Blue Wild. The Convention Center also serves an excellent selection of food and beverages.

Fun, Fun and More Fun!

Amusing pop-up entertainment is expected to delight show-goers. On the culinary front, expect upgraded food service and an additional floating cocktail barge at the show’s north end, adjacent to the Hall of Fame Marina.

Boat show headquarters are at the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel & Yachting Center, with additional exhibits at the Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Municipal Marina, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Sails Marina, and the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.

WHEN: Oct. 25 through Oct. 29, 2012

Thursday, Oct. 25, 10a.m.–7p.m. (Prime Time Preview)

Friday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 29, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

PRICES:

Prime Time Preview:  $36 / $34 online

2-Day:  $38 / $36 online

General Admission:  $20 / $18 online

Child (6-15):  $5 / $3 online

Children under 6:  FREE

More Information

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show® is owned and sponsored by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, managed and produced by Show Management and sponsored by Gosling’s Rum, Wavejet, Budweiser, Alexseal, Danish Yachts, BoatQuest.com, Seakeeper, Palm Harbor Marina, Smallwood’s, XMWX Satellite Weather and Yachts Magazine. For more information, call (954) 764-7642 or (800) 940-7642, or visit ShowManagement.com.

Hook Up Online!

“Like” the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show on Facebook at facebook.com/fortlauderdaleboatshow

Follow the show on Twitter at twitter.com/boatshowupdates

Tune into Boat Show TV at youtube.com/showmanagement

Tweet me up via my Twitter handle @shefishes2 if you plan to attend. Follow my tweets with #FLIBS during the event and watch out for my Youtube videos during and after the show.