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This Just In

Anchors Aweigh – Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Stays on Course with County and City Support

Andrea Doyle, Senior News Editor

 

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla — The Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF), owners of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), along with show producer, Informa U.S. Boat Shows, have announced that the show will go on with support from government officials in both Broward County and the City of Fort Lauderdale. Local officials, on Sept. 10, provided clear direction to County Administrator Betha Henry to approve the show at a Broward County Commission meeting.

The five-day outdoor boat show will take place from October 28 through November 1 with Informa Markets’ comprehensive AllSecure health and safety standards in place.

“Over the past six months, our expert teams have been working closely to adapt and enhance the show to prioritize areas of safety for all attendees and exhibitors, including the design of the show, which could remain for years to come,”  said Andrew Doole, president of Informa U.S. Boat Shows. “We are thankful to have the support of the City of Fort Lauderdale, Broward County and local government. We are also fortunate to be part of the expert team at Informa, gleaning valuable insights from our peers around the world to make the show experience the best and safest that it can be.”

FLIBS is the largest in-water boat show globally, with over 80 percent of the show taking place in open-air outdoor spaces. The show spans nearly 90 acres of multiple outdoor sites. In its 61-year history, FLIBS has never been canceled, despite various threats like hurricanes and economic downturns, thanks to continued support from the boating community. In 2019, the show generated an economic impact of $1.3 billion to Florida, and more than 8,000 full-time jobs were associated with the show.

“FLIBS is a major economic driver for the marine industry and the surrounding community. We recognize the importance of the show and have spoken with key stakeholders, customers and local government officials, and the resounding response has been in support of moving forward with the outdoor event this fall. We have worked diligently to develop a plan so that every person who attends the show can do so with confidence. We are grateful for the support of our elected officials and our community,” Doole added.

MIASF and Informa Markets U.S. Boat Shows have devoted significant effort to safeguard the show through design and implementing stringent cleaning protocols. All attendees can expect a contactless ticketing system, multiple new entrances (14 total), widened docks (to widths up to 30 feet), thermal imaging systems for temperature checks, and high-velocity sanitization systems with HEPA filters.

Related. For a behind-the-scenes look at this year’s FLIBS, click here

With the new AllSecure standards in place, FLIBS will follow the GBAC (Global Biorisk Advisory Council) standards for enhanced sanitation, including undergoing deep cleaning with disinfection each hour on all high touchpoints during show operating hours and after each day’s events. 

Informa Markets has now hosted several safe and successful events in Asia using the AllSecure Guidelines. “Given our event takes place across 90 acres of outdoor space, we are excited to be the first Informa Markets show in the US to implement the AllSecure Guidelines with the support and guidance of our experienced Health & Safety team,” said Doole.

“FLIBS is an opportunity to jumpstart the local and state economy through direct sales, as well as hotel stays, transportation, dining and recreation. Our land-based businesses benefit from the show just as much as our marine businesses. We are pleased our local officials continue to recognize the importance of this event and have given us their full support to move forward,” Phil Purcell, MIASF CEO/president, said.

To help visitors understand the major changes to expect at this year’s show, FLIBS’ organizers have produced an informative Know Before You Go safety video.

 

 

 

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