Electrification and hybrid propulsion
What electrification and hybrid propulsion means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Notable exhibitors
Companies exhibiting at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show include 10/10 Slicker Beaut & 10 10 Hats, 26 North Yachts, 365 Yachts, 3rd Reef Line and AB Inflatables.
- 10/10 Slicker Beaut & 10 10 Hats
- 26 North Yachts
- 365 Yachts
- 3rd Reef Line
- AB Inflatables
Event overview
Overview
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is the world's largest in-water boat show, taking place from October 28 to November 1, 2026.
This premier event features a vast array of exhibitors showcasing the latest boats, marine technology, and on-water experiences.
With over 1,000 exhibiting brands and more than 1,300 boats on display, FLIBS is a must-attend for boating enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show runs from October 28 to November 1, 2026, across multiple locations in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
- 2Scale and Focus: This is the largest in-water boat show in the world, featuring over 1,000 exhibitors and more than 1,300 boats on display.
- 3Organiser: Produced by Informa Markets, the event showcases the latest in marine technology and boating innovations.
- 4Buyer Authority: The show attracts over 100,000 attendees, including industry professionals and boating enthusiasts.
- 5Entry: Tickets are available for purchase online, with various options for attendees.
Why visit
Attendees can explore the latest innovations in marine technology and enjoy a wide range of on-water experiences. The show attracts over 100,000 attendees, including industry professionals and boating enthusiasts. Tickets are available for purchase online, with various options for attendees.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors gain visibility among a large audience of boating enthusiasts and industry professionals, providing a platform to showcase new products and technologies. This is the largest in-water boat show in the world, featuring over 1,000 exhibitors and more than 1,300 boats on display. Produced by Informa Markets, the event showcases the latest in marine technology and boating innovations. The show attracts over 100,000.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Yacht brokers and dealers sourcing new-build, brokerage and trade-in inventory
Existing boat owners researching refits, electronics upgrades, canvas, dockage and service partners
First-time and upgrade buyers comparing center consoles, sportfishers, bowriders and motor yachts
Captains, crew and yacht managers evaluating tenders, navigation suites, deck hardware and safety gear
Marine electronics and propulsion distributors looking for brands to represent in their territory
Charter, fractional-ownership and boat-club operators sourcing fleet vessels and maintenance contracts
Marine finance, insurance, surveying and documentation specialists working the docks with buyers
Marina and boatyard developers assessing dock systems, lifts, shore power and waterfront equipment
Sailing clubs, watersports operators and sportfishing tournament organisers
Superyacht owners, family offices and their representatives comparing large motor yachts in the water
Naval architects, marine surveyors and designers tracking new model launches and layout trends
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Motor yacht and superyacht builders showing new models in the water and on land
Center console, sportfisher and bay boat manufacturers targeting Florida and Caribbean buyers
Yacht brokerage houses listing pre-owned and charter-ready vessels
Marine electronics and navigation suppliers (chartplotters, sonar, autopilots, radar, communications)
Propulsion and engine brands, including outboard, inboard and pod-drive systems
Deck hardware, rigging, anchoring and mooring equipment suppliers
Canvas, upholstery, teak, flooring and interior fit-out specialists
Tender, water toy and personal watercraft brands
Marine safety, life raft, fire suppression and EPIRB equipment suppliers
Dock, marina and boat lift manufacturers serving waterfront operators
Marine finance, insurance, surveying and yacht management service providers
Refit yards, boatyards and mobile service technicians serving South Florida
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Luxury yachts and superyachts
Fishing boats and accessories
Sailing vessels and equipment
Marine electronics and technology
Water sports equipment
Boat maintenance and repair services
Location & Facilities
Venue
Broward County Convention Center
Greater Fort Lauderdale / Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
Facilities
Parking
Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall Of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, Pier Sixty-Six Marina, Superyacht Village in Fort Lauderdale typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall Of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, Pier Sixty-Six Marina, Superyacht Village in Fort Lauderdale typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall Of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, Pier Sixty-Six Marina, Superyacht Village for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Fort Lauderdale, USA
Why it matters
On 2026-10-28 to 2026-11-01, Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in Fort Lauderdale covering Luxury yachts and superyachts, Fishing boats and accessories, Sailing vessels and equipment, Marine electronics and tech gives marine buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Connected helm and telematics
What connected helm and telematics means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainable materials and refit
What sustainable materials and refit means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Experience-led watersports demand
What experience-led watersports demand means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Supply-chain regionalisation
What supply-chain regionalisation means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Closest gateway to the show venues. Taxi and rideshare pickups at the terminals, with Broward County Transit buses linking the airport to downtown and beach corridors
TBA
to venue
Approx. 10 to 20 minutes to the beach and marina district, 15 to 25 minutes to the convention center, traffic and drawbridge dependent
by car
Miami International Airport
Larger long-haul and Latin American gateway. Tri-Rail commuter rail and shared shuttles connect north toward Fort Lauderdale; rideshare and taxi are the direct options
TBA
to venue
Approx. 35 to 50 minutes south to north Fort Lauderdale, traffic dependent
by car
Palm Beach International Airport
Alternative gateway for visitors staying in the Palm Beach area, with onward car, shuttle or Tri-Rail connections south
TBA
to venue
Approx. 50 to 70 minutes north of the show district, traffic dependent
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Comfort Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port
midscale
Fort Lauderdale Airport / Cruise Port area3.9
USD 175–220 / night
4-star class listing on Google Travel; pool and free parking; price shown as INR 9,629 for the 28 Oct - 1 Nov 2026 stay.
Holiday Inn Express Fort Lauderdale Cruise Airport
midscale
Fort Lauderdale Airport / Cruise Port area3.7
USD 175–220 / night
3-star class listing; free cancellation and pool; price shown as INR 11,736 for the stay window.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ft. Lauderdale-Plantation by IHG
midscale
Plantation4.0
USD 175–220 / night
3-star class listing; free cancellation and pool; price shown as INR 12,701 for the stay window.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ft. Lauderdale Airport/Cruise by IHG
midscale
Fort Lauderdale Airport / Cruise Port area3.9
USD 175–220 / night
3-star class listing; free cancellation and pool; price shown as INR 12,697 for the stay window.
Candlewood Suites Ft. Lauderdale Airport/Cruise by IHG
midscale
Fort Lauderdale Airport / Cruise Port area4.2
USD 175–220 / night
3-star class listing; free cancellation and pet-friendly; price shown as INR 10,849 for the stay window.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ft Lauderdale N - Exec Airport by IHG
midscale
Executive Airport / north Fort Lauderdale4.3
USD 175–220 / night
Google Travel lists this as a 2-star class property; free cancellation and pool; price shown as INR 14,404 for the stay window.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Public bus
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forBroward County Transit services Fort Lauderdale and connects the airport, downtown and beach corridors
Taxi / rideshare
Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forAirport and hotel to convention center district
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from FLL to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forFort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall Of Fame Marina, L
Approx. 10 to 20 minutes to the beach and marina district, 15 to 25 minutes to the convention center, traffic and drawbridge dependent; Closest gateway to the show venues. Taxi and rideshare pickups at the terminals, with Broward County Transit buses linking the airport to downto
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from MIA to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forMiami International Airport (MIA) to Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall Of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, Pier
Approx. 35 to 50 minutes south to north Fort Lauderdale, traffic dependent; Larger long-haul and Latin American gateway. Tri-Rail commuter rail and shared shuttles connect north toward Fort Lauderdale; rideshare and taxi are the direct options.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from PBI to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forPalm Beach International Airport (PBI) to Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall Of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina,
Approx. 50 to 70 minutes north of the show district, traffic dependent; Alternative gateway for visitors staying in the Palm Beach area, with onward car, shuttle or Tri-Rail connections south.
Weather
Late October into early November is South Florida's transition from the wet season toward the drier winter months; expect warm, humid days with a continuing chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Reconfirm the forecast close to arrival.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Boarding etiquette on the docks
Many in-water displays ask visitors to remove shoes or wear soft-soled deck shoes before stepping aboard, and some ask you to wait for a crew member before crossing the passerelle. Ask before boarding a yacht that already has visitors on deck.
Dress code
South Florida show week is nautical casual: light fabrics, polo shirts, shorts or chinos and deck-friendly shoes. A blazer is useful for evening broker receptions and yacht owner dinners in Las Olas or on the beach.
Sun, heat and hydration
The docks are open air and reflective, so plan on sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and water. Shade and air-conditioned indoor exhibits are found at the convention center side of the show.
Hurricane season awareness
The Atlantic hurricane season runs through 30 November, so late-October travel to South Florida can be affected by tropical systems. Book flexible or refundable fares and monitor official forecasts in the final week.
Bridges, boats and traffic
Intracoastal drawbridges open on schedule and can add 10 to 20 minutes to a short drive during show week. Build buffer time into airport transfers and use the water taxi or rideshare where practical.
Tipping and payments
The US dollar is the local currency and cards are widely accepted, including at most exhibitor stands. Restaurant tipping runs 18 to 20 percent, and a few dollars is customary for valet, dock hands and shuttle drivers.
Trade versus public days
Trade buyers and the general public attend on the same dates, so weekday mornings are the calmest window for serious product discussions and onboard walkthroughs before weekend crowds arrive.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: FLL
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Fort Lauderdale; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL): Approx. 10 to 20 minutes to the beach and marina district, 15 to 25 minutes to the convention center, traffic and drawbridge dependent; Miami International Airport (MIA): Approx. 35 to 50 minutes south to north Fort Lauderdale, traffic dependent; Palm Beach International Airport (PBI): Approx. 50 to 70 minutes north of the show district, traffic dependent. Allow road or rail time to Broward County Convention Center; on-site
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Broward County Convention Center: Fort Lauderdale Airport / Cruise Port area: Comfort Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port; Fort Lauderdale Airport / Cruise Port area: Holiday Inn Express Fort Lauderdale Cruise Airport; Plantation: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ft. Lauderdale-Plantation by IHG.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Fort Lauderdale; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Broward County Transit (BCT) is the local bus network covering Fort Lauderdale, including airport, downtown and beach routes; plan routes on broward.org/bct or the city Public Transportation page before travelling.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Broward County Convention Center; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Approx. daytime highs of 82-86 F (28-30 C) with overnight lows near 70-74 F (21-23 C); warm, humid and still within South Florida's rainy season, so short afternoon showers and thunderstorms are possible. Confirm the marine forecast shortly before travel.
Seasonality: The 28 Oct - 1 Nov window falls at the tail end of South Florida's rainy season, so short heavy afternoon downpours remain possible even as rainfall totals trend down.
Packing: Pack light, breathable clothing for warm humid days, a compact umbrella or rain jacket for afternoon showers, and a light layer for heavily air-conditioned exhibition halls.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
14 days out - Confirm the 28 October to 1 November 2026 dates and map which venues you want to cover: Bahia Mar Yachting Center, the surrounding marina docks and the Broward County Convention Center exhibits.
T-2
12 days out - Book accommodation in the airport and cruise-port corridor or downtown, since show-week room rates rise as the dates approach.
T-3
10 days out - Buy tickets online and check the organiser ticketing page for multi-day passes, VIP or hospitality options and badge pickup times.
T-4
8 days out - Book flights into FLL where possible, or MIA for long-haul routes, and plan the airport transfer around late-afternoon traffic and Intracoastal drawbridges.
T-5
7 days out - Email exhibiting brokers and dealers to reserve viewing slots or sea trials on the models you care about, since berth time on larger yachts fills early.
T-6
5 days out - Print or download the exhibitor list and floor plan, and shortlist 15 to 20 stands so you can walk the docks in a logical order.
T-7
3 days out - Pack soft-soled deck shoes, light clothing, a hat, sunscreen, a refillable bottle and a light rain shell for humid 80s F days and afternoon showers.
T-8
2 days out - Download the water taxi and Broward County Transit route information so you can move between venues without hunting for parking.
T-9
1 day out - Reconfirm parking or rideshare plans, check the marine forecast and charge a power bank for a full day on the docks.
T-10
Show day - Arrive at opening for badge pickup, view the largest in-water yachts before the docks get crowded, and log exhibitor names and follow-up questions as you go.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall Of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, Pier Sixty-Six Marina, Superyacht Village
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show registration concourse
Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall Of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, Pier Sixty-Six Marina, Superyacht Village
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall Of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, Pier Sixty-Six Marina, Superyacht Village
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Luxury yachts and superyachts and Fishing boats and accessories solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in Fort Lauderdale.
Min. budget
$590.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Luxury yachts and superyachts and Fishing boats and accessories products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,655.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Fort Lauderdale show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where does the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2026 take place?
The 2026 edition runs 28 October to 1 November 2026 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The show is spread across waterfront venues including the Bahia Mar Yachting Center along the Intracoastal Waterway, with additional exhibits and indoor displays at the Broward County Convention Center. Check the venue map on the organiser site before you travel, because the show is a multi-site campus rather than one hall.
Is the Fort Lauderdale boat show open to the public or trade only?
It is open to both trade buyers and the general public. Brokers, dealers, distributors and captains work the docks alongside private buyers, so weekday mornings tend to be the quietest window for serious viewing and meetings.
How do I get to the show from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)?
FLL is the closest gateway, roughly 10 to 25 minutes from the beach and marina district depending on traffic and drawbridges. Taxi and rideshare pickups are available at the terminal, and Broward County Transit buses link the airport with downtown and beach corridors. Miami International (MIA) is a larger long-haul alternative about 35 to 50 minutes south, with Tri-Rail commuter connections north.
Where should I stay during show week?
Midscale properties in the airport and cruise-port corridor and in Plantation typically price around USD 175 to 220 per night for the 28 October to 1 November 2026 window in captured Google Travel listings. Downtown, Las Olas and beachfront hotels and marina-front rooms usually run higher during show week. Book early and confirm taxes, parking and cancellation terms, since rates move as the dates approach.
What should I wear and bring to the docks?
Soft-soled deck shoes are the practical choice because many in-water displays ask visitors to remove shoes before boarding. Late October in South Florida is warm and humid, so light clothing, a hat, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle are useful, plus a light rain shell for afternoon showers.
Can I buy a boat at the show?
Yes. Manufacturers, dealers and brokers take orders and deposits during the show, and sea trials can often be arranged for serious buyers during or just after the event. Bring identification, financing pre-approval if you have it, and a clear list of must-have specifications so you can compare vessels quickly.
Is parking available at the venues?
Parking is available at the convention center area, and satellite lots with shuttle connections are typically used during the show. Show-week lots fill early in the morning, so arrive before opening or use rideshare, the water taxi or Broward County Transit to avoid congestion around the beach and Intracoastal bridges. Confirm current rates and lot locations on the organiser or venue site.
Are children and family members welcome?
Families do attend, but floating docks, gangways and boarding stairs require close supervision. Check the organiser ticketing page for child ticket policy and ask individual exhibitors about age or footwear restrictions before boarding larger yachts.
What happens if it rains during the show?
The show continues in wet weather. October is still part of South Florida's rainy season, so short afternoon thunderstorms are possible. Indoor displays at the convention center and tented exhibits offer cover, but the docks are open air, so plan around the radar and keep electronics and paperwork in a waterproof bag.
Do I need to register or buy tickets in advance?
Advance online purchase is recommended to avoid queues at badge pickup and to secure multi-day access. Bring the confirmation email and a photo ID, and keep the badge visible for re-entry if you plan to move between the marina venues over more than one day.
Glossary
- Bahia Mar Yachting Center
- The principal in-water venue of the Fort Lauderdale show, where large motor yachts and superyachts are displayed in their slips along the Intracoastal Waterway.
- In-water display
- A yacht shown floating at its dock or slip rather than on dry land, allowing visitors to step aboard and see the vessel afloat.
- LOA (Length Overall)
- The total tip-to-tip length of a vessel, including bowsprits, pulpits and swim platforms. Marina slips and show berths are usually quoted in LOA.
- Beam
- The widest point of a hull, measured across the boat. Beam drives slip width, road-transport permits and interior volume.
- Draft
- The depth of hull below the waterline. Shallow-draft designs suit Florida and Bahamas cruising grounds; deep-V hulls trade draft for seakeeping.
- Center console
- An open boat with the helm and controls mounted on a center console, leaving walk-around deck space. Popular for fishing, day boating and tenders.
- Sportfisher
- A boat built for offshore game fishing, typically with a cockpit, fighting chair, outriggers and an elevated tower or flybridge.
- Flybridge
- An elevated upper helm and seating deck above the main cabin, common on motor yachts and sportfishers.
- Tender
- A smaller boat carried or towed by a larger yacht for shore runs, water sports and provisioning.
- Brokerage
- The sale of pre-owned yachts through a licensed broker who lists the vessel, qualifies buyers and handles the survey and closing.
- Sea trial
- An on-water test run of a vessel before purchase, used to verify performance, systems and handling under load.
- Refit
- A major restoration or upgrade of an existing yacht covering propulsion, interiors, electronics or hull work, often scheduled in Florida yards during the off-season.
- Superyacht
- Generally a motor or sailing yacht of about 24 m (79 ft) or longer, typically operated with professional crew and displayed at dedicated marina berths.
- Boat show badge
- The wristband or credential issued on entry. Multi-day tickets require the badge to be worn for re-entry across the marina venues.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- FLIBS 2026
- yachting events USA
- Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2026
- Fort Lauderdale International Boat 2026
- Fort Lauderdale USA
- Boat Show Fort Lauderdale 2026
- Marine Technology
- Luxury yachts and superyachts
Trust footer
Sources
2
References
2
Publishers
0
Date checked
1
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
- event_website
2
Eventspass
- ticketing
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.