EuropeanLife Magazine 2018 #1 #1 | Page 8

I t’s that time of the year when the boat connoisseurs from around the world must be busy making plans to em- bark on another exciting journey with the 59th Fort Lau- derdale International Boat Show. After all, it’s the largest in-water boat show in the world where great things happen in the company of total extravagance. This year, both the exhibitors and visitors will be awed by the exciting enhance- ments planned as part of giving a new facelift to the event. From the moment guests arrive at the 59th annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), a variety of enhancements to form and function will offer a fresh ap- proach to enjoying this amazing boat event and an even more successful sales environment for exhibitors. One of the most noteworthy changes to the 2018 show, that is set to take place from October 31 to November 4, is the redesign and repositioning of the main entrance several hundred yards to the north end of the Bahia Mar Hotel and Marina property, along Sea breeze Boulevard, just south of the International Swimming Hall of Fame and Marina. The newly designed entrance will feature a plaza- like configuration, efficiently designed security and a VIP and exhibitor gate. The previous main entrance will be used for exhibitor move-in, move-out and other show logistics, thus improving access for both attendees and exhibitors like never before. “Informa is focused on evaluating the overall show experi- ence and how FLIBS is perceived by people who arrive from many different places and spend time at the show each day,” said Informa U.S. Boat Shows General Manager Andrew Doole. Creating a genuinely vibrant environment for people to en- joy is certainly a big priority for Doole. “First impressions are crucial, which is why we are creating a professionally designed, dedicated show entrance with a thoughtful layout and other elements of convenience for guests and exhibi- tors. Our motto is ‘Nothing should go wrong’,” he said. Food and beverage options are part of the plan, with greater emphasis on quality and convenience. A new culinary pro- vider will offer fresh, farm-to-plate fruits and vegetables, sustainable seafood, and natural, organic meats through partnerships with purveyors of locally-sourced, organic and sustainable products. “Wherever you are in the show, and whether you want to grab a cold drink, a snack or a gourmet meal, we want it to be easy and satisfying,” added Doole. Most importantly, it’s a show where one gets a chance to discover some of the finest yachts and high-performance boats in the world. The show prides itself on creating space for a vast array of the industry’s latest boats and yachts of all sizes, worldwide debuts, plus a medley of marine products and accessories to enhance the nautical lifestyle. From yacht builders and designers to exotic cars and brokerage yachts, it has some- thing for everyone! About Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Owned by the Marine Industries As- sociation of South Florida (MIASF) and produced by Informa, the Fort Lauderd- ale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is recognized as the largest in-water boat show in the world. FLIBS spans more than three million square-feet of exhibit space across seven waterfront locations that are connected by an intricate net- work of water and ground transporta- tion services. The five-day show attracts approximately 110,000 attendees and 1,200 exhibitors representing 52 coun- tries with more than 1,500 boats on display each November. For more information on Fort Lauderd- ale International Boat Show, please visit: www.FLIBS.com 8 9