2024 Brings New Features and Upgraded Experiences
This year, FLIBS organizers have invested in a range of new features to enhance the visitor experience. From expanded hospitality offerings to convenient, accessible transport options, the show promises to deliver a first-class experience for attendees. Key partnerships with Goslings and Anheuser-Busch will bring a tailored culinary experience, featuring crafted cocktails and popular brews, making it easy for guests to enjoy a casual drink while taking in the latest trends and designs in the boating world.
The Windward VIP Club has relocated to the Hall of Fame Marina, where it now offers a larger space with added luxury features. VIP ticket holders can expect amenities including a premium open bar, gourmet food options, exclusive access to special guest appearances, and Sunday Brunch. The new location also includes private restrooms, luxury sponsorship activations, and pop-up events, creating an exclusive, comfortable setting within the show’s bustling environment.
Superyacht Village and Designers Pavilion
FLIBS continues to showcase some of the most notable vessels on the market, from smaller watercraft to superyachts that offer top-tier luxury and design. The Superyacht Village, newly relocated to Pier Sixty-Six’s “Pier South” property, will display the largest yachts at the show, including Abeking & Rasmussen’s Amaryllis. This 78.4m (257.2ft) yacht, which was refitted in 2023, is one of the show’s most anticipated highlights, boasting classic design elements inspired by the Belle Époque, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco periods.
With 29 yachts over 45 metres (150 ft), Superyacht Village offers a unique opportunity for buyers and enthusiasts to explore these magnificent vessels. In addition to Amaryllis, the 70 metre AMADEUS (2007) and the 72 metre Casino Royale (2018) are sure to attract attention. The Designers Pavilion, also based in Superyacht Village, will feature an expanded showcase of the latest innovations and luxury in yacht design, giving visitors insight into the creative trends shaping the future of superyacht design.
Expanded Presence of Leading Brands and Products
Two of Fort Lauderdale’s renowned marinas, Pier Sixty-Six and Las Olas Marina, will play an even more prominent role in the show this year. Both locations will offer increased space to display a broader range of new vessels and products. This includes everything from luxury yachts to everyday recreational boats, ensuring that FLIBS has something for everyone, from prospective buyers to boating enthusiasts.
Representing New Zealand at FLIBS this year, Valder Yachts is partnering with Luke Brown Yachts and will have its vessel, The Keys, complete with a helipad. This international presence provides an exciting opportunity for Kiwi attendees to connect with familiar names in the yachting community and showcase New Zealand’s contributions to the global boating industry.
An Inclusive Experience with Diverse Offerings
FLIBS has made a conscious effort to be more than a luxury yacht show by offering a range of seminars and workshops. These include sessions on ocean conservation, practical boating skills, and niche topics such as Women on the Water: Fishing 101, broadening the show’s appeal and educational value. Smaller boats, such as those by Highfield and Sea-Doo, which are less than 16 feet in length, will also be displayed, providing options for those interested in personal watercraft and smaller recreational boats.
A Show with Global Appeal
While FLIBS may not carry the same air of exclusivity as some of the smaller European shows, such as the Biograd International Boat Show, its unmatched scale and variety make it a standout event in its own right. With everything from expansive superyachts to innovative boat designs, diverse seminar topics, and strong international representation, FLIBS offers an unparalleled look into the current boating landscape.
