The 34th annual Palm Beach International Boat Show takes place Thursday, March 28 through Sunday, March 31 along Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach, directly across the Intracoastal Waterway from Palm Beach Island.
The show will feature 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.
“Every major boat show has its own special appeal, and for the Palm Beach show, it’s this beautiful setting in a world-famous destination at the most beautiful time of year that distinguishes the show from all others,” said Andrew Doole, president of Informa U.S. Boat Shows, the show’s producer. “As the last major boat show of the season, this is a favorite event for both boating enthusiasts and marine businesses worldwide.”
VIP Experience For attendees looking to experience the show as a VIP guest, the Windward Club offers the luxuries of a premium open bar, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, happy hours, and exclusive events in a unique indoor and outdoor lounge setting. Guests will enjoy an exclusive sanctuary within the Palm Beach International Boat Show to relax, wine and dine, and plan the day. Centrally located inside the Lakeside Pavilion on Flagler Drive, the Windward VIP Club is open Thursday through Sunday during show hours and costs $150 per person per day, inclusive of show admission.
The AquaZone A “show within a show,” the AquaZone, presented by Informa U.S. Boat Shows and Nautical Ventures Marine Superstore, is an exciting and engaging attraction designed to give show-goers an upfront and personal experience with a variety of water sports and innovative products. Previously held in a pop-up, 40,000-gallon fresh water pool, the AquaZone’s new open-area location on the Intracoastal Waterway will allow product demonstrations to reach higher speeds and go for longer distances. Located on the south end of the show, it will feature in-water demos, hands-on testing, contests and prizes on all show days during show hours. The area also will serve as a one-stop learning center for water sports and product information.
Community Involvement On the charitable front, for the second year in a row, guests at the Palm Beach International Boat Show will be able to adopt dogs and cats right on site, thanks to the show’s partnership with Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control. The organization found safe, new homes for 11 cats and dogs over four days at the 2018 show.
IGFA School of Sportfishing Seminars The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) is hosting its highly-acclaimed School of Sportfishing seminars onsite during the show. Featuring instruction by some of the best captains and anglers in South Florida, the seminars share the skills, information and techniques necessary for avid anglers to maximize success on the water. Reservations are not required and participation is free with show admission. To view the seminar schedule, visit PBboatshow.com and click on “Seminars & Classes” under the “Attend” menu.   Kids’ Fishing Clinics by Hook the Future For aspiring anglers ages four to 16, the Kids’ Fishing Clinics offer instruction in basic fishing techniques. Presented by Hook the Future, the Kids’ Fishing Clinics offer interactive instruction in selecting tackle and lures, casting a rod and reel, reeling in a fish and fishing ethics. Upon completion of all learning stations, participants are eligible to win special prizes. Hosted by Captain Don Dingman, the clinics take place in the Meyer Amphitheater on Saturday, March 30 and Sunday, March 31 at noon and 2 p.m. Reservations are not required and participation is free with show admission.
Other attractions include live music and refreshments at the show’s famous floating cocktail lounges. Guests are invited to come by boat and may tie up to free docks located south of the in-water boat displays.
Show Information General admission tickets are $28 for adults and $18 for children six through 15 years old. Children under six are free. An adult, two-day ticket is $52. The VIP Experience is $150 per day and includes access to the show and VIP Lounge. Guests must be 21 or older to access the lounge.
The show runs from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 29, and Saturday, March 30, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 31.
Social media fans can connect with @PBBoatShow on Instagram and Twitter, @PalmBeachInternationalBoatShow on Facebook, @InformaBoatShows on YouTube, and tag the show with #PBIBS2019 to join the conversation online.
For more information on activities, boats on display, exhibitors, transportation and parking, and more, visit PBboatshow.com.
About Informa Exhibitions Informa Exhibitions, the global exhibitions division of Informa PLC, enables communities across the globe to engage, experience and do business by providing them with powerful platforms to connect across key regions and market verticals. Industry insight, coupled with an innovative and customer first approach, provides Informa Exhibitions’ customers and partners with the opportunity to create business advantage and access markets, both digitally and face-to-face, 365 days of the year.