The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is one of the largest and most prestigious boat shows in the world, showcasing a wide range of luxury yachts, boats, marine accessories, and water-related products.
The show will take place Wednesday October 25, 2023 through Sunday October 29, 2023.
Clients of YachtsBlue and prospective yacht buyers and sellers are encouraged to contact YachtsBlue in order to make appointments to inspect select yachts.
The History of the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show Dates Back Several Decades
1960s: The origins of the show can be traced back to the 1960s when a group of local yacht brokers organized a small display of boats at the Lauderdale Yacht Club. This informal gathering laid the foundation for what would become the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show.
1970s: In 1976, the first official Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show was held. It featured around 50 exhibitors and was held at three separate locations in Fort Lauderdale. The show’s early years were modest in scale compared to what it has become today.
1980s: Throughout the 1980s, the show gained prominence and saw significant growth in terms of the number of exhibitors and visitors. It became known as the “Yachting Capital of the World” due to the concentration of yacht manufacturers, brokers, and related businesses in the area.
1990s: The 1990s marked a period of expansion for the show. It continued to grow in size and reputation, attracting more international attention and participants. The show’s organizers worked to improve the infrastructure and logistics of the event, making it more accessible and accommodating for exhibitors and attendees.
2000s: The boat show continued to flourish in the early 2000s, despite challenges posed by economic fluctuations and natural disasters. The show’s reputation as a premier event for the yachting industry continued to strengthen.
2010s: In the 2010s, the show saw even greater growth, becoming a major international event for luxury yachts and maritime products. The show featured an impressive lineup of superyachts, attracting high-net-worth individuals, industry professionals, and enthusiasts from around the world.
Recent Years: FLIBS has continued to evolve and adapt to changing industry trends and global circumstances. It has embraced technological advancements and sustainability initiatives, reflecting the changing demands of the yachting and boating industries.
Today, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show spans multiple locations across Fort Lauderdale, including the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Municipal Marina, and more.
