Far more than a rare opportunity for the wealthy to dress down in slip-ons and loose-fitting clothes, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (a.k.a FLIBS) is one of the largest in-water boat shows globally.

Returning with refreshed experiences from October 30 to November 3, 2024, yachting enthusiasts are racing toward Florida in anticipation of this event. And no, this is neither an exaggeration nor an attempt to promote for our purposes; it’s a water-tight fact. Numbers don’t lie with the 2023 FLIBS attracting more than 100,000 attendees, 1,000 exhibitors, and over 1,300 vessels available to marvel at (and purchase if your pockets are deep enough!). As 2024 ushers in the 65th year of FLIBS, this event is set to make an even bigger impact on the yachting industry.

If you want to make your brand shine, FLIBS must be your first port of call.

Who Needs This Guide to Amassing Attention at FLIBS 2024?

Whether you’re green crew, a deckhand, a captain, or an owner of a fleet of prized yachts, this article is written with all yachting industry players in mind. We aim to break this mega boat show down so that you, our readers, fully understand its significance.

We want you to see how an event like FLIBS ties us all together and how, beyond the event, the yacht crew plays as pivotal a function as the super-wealthy who own them.

Above all, we’re writing this to highlight the role media attention plays in today’s yachting world. Being visible, especially on social media, has turned attention into modernity’s most valuable “currency”. If you can effectively capture eyes and establish an online audience, a tsunami of benefits lies in store for your brand.

Let’s begin by breaking down the number-one event for yachties worldwide!

Quick Sail Through the History and Economic Impact of FLIBS

This year’s 65th edition of FLIBS is the largest, most prestigious in-water boat show in the world, offering 3 million square feet of exhibit space and bringing in over 100,000 visitors. Moreover, FLIBS has an estimated economic impact of a healthy $1.8 billion, meaning that beyond showcasing magnificent yachts and other maritime delights, it also contributes hugely to both the local economy and the greater yachting industry.

FLIBS is further owned by The Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) which supports 142,000 jobs and contributes $18.5 billion to the economy. The MIASF has, since its founding in 1961, been dedicated to promoting sustainable growth in South Florida’s marine industry, benefitting members, communities, and the environment.

FLIBS 2024 will be spread across seven thrilling locations within Fort Lauderdale, including the Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, and Superyacht Village at Pier 66 South. This is more than just a curated yachting event; FLIBS is a marketing and branding opportunity unlike any other in the yachting world, uniting builders, brokers, and yachting enthusiasts from every corner of the globe.

The Attention Economy: Sink or Swim

As the yachting industry sails forward into an increasingly digitized world, brand attention must be seen for what it is – a must-have marketing tool and invaluable asset. The new super-stage for yacht marketing? Social media, of course. The more visibility and engagement you build, the easier it becomes to drive audience buying decisions. For yacht owners wishing to connect with potential buyers and charterers, garnering attention on these platforms is as important as having a well-oiled motor yacht.

Let YachtieWorld Help You Swim

Our business is driving eyes toward your yachts through expert wielding of the full power of social media. From designing content strategies and creating content to curating compelling yacht narratives, we put your yachting brand in the digital limelight. We do this by emphasizing unique features, attracting engagement, and building a dedicated following for your accounts. Through capitalizing on platforms like Instagram, Meta, LinkedIn, and TikTok, we slingshot your online presence to supreme heights that help you stand out in the bustling attention economy.

A Few of Our Services to Get You Started

We’re uniquely positioned to promote the yachting industry as we understand it inside and out, along with the digital landscape it is now required to thrive in.

Here are just a few of the tailored services we offer to amplify yacht brands and explode their visibility:

Social Media Management: Curating world-class content, highlighting the uniquely opulent lifestyle and appeal of yachting.
Brand Strategy Development: Building your brand through customized strategies that help you resonate with target markets while giving you a solid presence.
Optimization: Ensuring that your online image aligns with your brand while ensuring all content is search-engine friendly – this makes it easy for potential clients to find and engage with your brand.

With FLIBS 2024 upon us, our services will help yacht owners embolden their presence, getting eyes on you during the event and keeping them on you long after the show ends!

FLIBS 2024: Enjoying the Show and Supporting Conservation

“This milestone year for FLIBS underscores our team’s dedication to investing in and elevating this event for the industry and consumers to enjoy,” said Andrew Doole, President of the U.S. Boat Shows division of Informa Markets. “As a key event on the marine industry’s calendar, we are already seeing early excitement from exhibitors and look forward to welcoming our guests back to our docks.”

Tickets for FLIBS 2024 are only available online, so guests are encouraged to purchase them in advance. This year’s show will offer guests the chance to support conservation through the Water Revolution Foundation (WRF), the official community partner of FLIBS. You can donate in tandem with purchasing tickets, with the proceeds directed toward supporting the WRF’s Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs) program.

FLIBS 2024: Paying Attention to Paying for Attention

The yachng world is not unique in that attention is the new currency: this is the de facto method for commercial success across industries in the Internet Age. With the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show now taking place, yacht owners have a golden opportunity to make an indelible impression. At YachtieWorld, we’re here to steer yacht brands True North in the turbulent attention economy, helping them not only be seen and heard but to become the talk of the show, too.

We’re FLIBBING OUT with excitement…

Are you?

The Whole Boatload: Your Guide to Grabbing Attention at FLIBS 2024