One of the top five boat shows in the country launches virtual boat show with nearly 450 exhibitors, goes live May 14

For the first time in the show’s 35 year history, The Palm Beach International Boat Show is moving off the docks and on to digital screens. The Virtual Palm Beach International Boat Show  will launch May 14, featuring nearly 450 exhibitors showcasing the most exciting new boats and the latest in cutting-edge marine gear and technology. Products range from the latest boat models and the most extraordinary yachts and superyachts to stand-up paddleboards and inflatables.

The Virtual Show will take place in lieu of the 35th annual Palm Beach International Boat Show, which was set to take place on the downtown West Palm Beach waterfront along Flagler Drive, where it has been held for 25 years. Due to safety concerns and the latest restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers could not proceed with the live event. Setting the stage for one of the largest virtual boat shows, the virtual version will feature more than $1.2 billion worth of yachts and accessories.

One of the top five boat shows in the country with a total statewide economic impact in Florida of $682.7 million, The Palm Beach International Boat Show is owned by the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, Inc. (MIAPBC) and produced by Informa Markets.

“The Palm Beach International Boat Show has an extremely engaged following with a large audience of passionate marine enthusiasts. In the show’s 35-year history, we have never dealt with a situation like the current health pandemic. While the show will no longer take place in its original form, we wanted to provide our loyal audience the opportunity to still experience the boat show, albeit virtually,” said George Gentile, President of the Marina Industries Association of Palm Beach County, Inc.

Through the Virtual Palm Beach International Boat Show, viewers will be able to “shop” for the best in marine gear to kick-off their summer as well as tour hundreds of new and used boats while connecting directly with brokers and manufacturers. To help viewers navigate the show, a virtual shopping guide will be available listing exhibitors by category such as Yachts, Trawlers / Down East, Cruisers, Center Consoles, Sport Fishers, etc.

The show will also feature enhanced video content, including hundreds of video walk-throughs highlighting new products, as well as educational videos and web-seminars led by industry experts, including the youth fishing clinics by Hook The Future and IGFA School of Sportfishing seminars.

“All 436 exhibitors as well as vessels on display from the Palm Beach International Boat Show will have presence in our virtual show,” said Andrew Doole, President of Informa Markets U.S. Boat Shows. “Viewers will be able to directly engage with the exhibitors and ask questions through the virtual platform, while brokers and exhibitors will gain direct sales leads and engagement with consumers.”

The Virtual Palm Beach International Boat Show will be hosted on its own web platform and visitor registration is free. Visit www.Pbboatshow.com for more information.

For images and press materials, contact informamedia@krepspr.com or visit our 2020 PBIBS Digital Press Kit.

ABOUT THE PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

The annual Palm Beach International Boat Show is one of the top five boat shows in the country featuring more than $1.2 billion worth of yachts and accessories, including hundreds of boats ranging from 8-foot inflatables to super yachts nearly 300 feet in length. In addition to the large selection of boats and exhibits, the show offers fun and educational activities, including free youth fishing clinics by Hook The Future and IGFA School of Sportfishing seminars. Owned by the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County (MIAPBC) and organized by Informa Markets, the Palm Beach International Boat Show has a total statewide economic impact of $682.7 million and supports 4,394 full-time Florida jobs with a $228 million statewide labor impact due to economic activity. For more information, visit pbboatshow.com.