The 2020 Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show is different this year but, at least, it’s happening. Read below to learn more about this year’s event.
DIFFERENT FEEL
The first thing you’ll notice is the smaller show. Not only are there fewer people but there are fewer boats and venues. The convention center is not being used this year because it’s undergoing a major renovation. In addition, the SuperYacht Pavilion isn’t being used either. It’s currently being used as a large parking lot for the show.
PRE-PURCHASE TICKETS
In order to attend this year’s Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show you’ll have to pre-purchase your admission and parking tickets online. In addition, if you wish to use the water taxi you’ll have to purchase those tickets online as well.
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COVID PROTOCOLS
With nine of the NMMA shows being cancelled for 2021 (including the Miami show), I’m very glad Informa decided to go ahead with this years Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show. Upon entering you’ll be screened for a temperature reading by an infrared machine in the ticket line. Of course, wearing a mask at all times is required and you’ll notice safety observers roaming the show reminding people to wear them. Furthermore, the show is less crowded because Informa had to implement crowd control due to COVID.
BOAT INFORMATION
The biggest thing I noticed at this year’s show is the lack of mega yachts that normally line the ICW and the many empty boat slips. While there are still big yachts, most of the boats at the show are dominated by boats under 100′. That being said, most popular manufacturers are on display and almost all of the manufacturers that make up my BEST BOATS FOR FLORIDA boat buying guide are there as well.
PARKING INFO
I parked at the SuperYacht Pavilion and took a bus to the main, Bahia Mar site. It was super easy and uncrowded. Although Informa claims parking must be pre-purchased, they were accepting cash ($20) to park. In addition, there are multiple other parking locations scattered around the area. More on parking and other specifics can be found by clicking below.
CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE INFO ABOUT THE 2020 FT. LAUDERDALE INT’L BOAT SHOW
CONCLUSION
Overall, it was a great experience and I highly recommend you visit this year’s show. The boats are amazing and there’s plenty to see. In addition, fewer people and easier access to boats and logistics are rare occurrences. At least those are benefits in a year that lacked many.
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