FLIBS 3-7 November, 2016

This year's 57th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is held from 3-7 November at the Bahia Mar Hotel and Yachting Center. Exhibitors include yacht builders and designers, luxury cars and a range of the world's most exclusive yachts and tenders for sale and charter. 

FLIBS is the world's largest in-water boat show, across seven locations with over 3 million square feet of exhibit space. The show attracts 1,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries displaying boats, marine products and the latest accessories, fishing gear, marine art, jewelry and more. 

This year you can also join in hands on boating skills classes for absolute beginners through to seasoned skippers.

FULL PROGRAM

Economic Impact

A recent study foud that FLIBS attracts hundreds of millions of dollars into Florida's economy. The Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) and Show Management, the owners and producers of the Show, respectively, announced the results of an economic impact study conducted by Thomas J. Murray & Associates in conjunction with the University of Florida. The study concluded that last year's Show generated a whopping $857 million to the overall economy in the state of Florida.

"The continued growth and strength of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the largest boat show in the world and the largest single event in the State of Florida, is only possible because of the coordinated effort of the entire community," said Efrem "Skip" Zimbalist III, president of Show Management.

"We thank the residents of the area for their cooperation and support during the busy time surrounding the show. We thank the hospitality industry for their part in making show attendees feel welcome in the community. We thank our partners, exhibitors and suppliers for their critical role in making the show a success. And we thank the City of Ft. Lauderdale, Broward County, and all the regulatory and law enforcement agencies that come together to make this incredibly complex event possible."

Phil Purcell, Executive Director of MIASF, added, "The economic impact of FLIBS dwarfs a Super Bowl, and it happens year after year - contributing to the sustainability of 136,000 marine industry jobs and $11.5 billion to the economy in the region. It's important to note that since 1961 FLIBS has consistently provided the critical economic certainty and job growth that our community and state want and need."

Financial Contributions of FLIBS during the five day Show:

• $857.3 million in economic output throughout the state of Florida as a result of the infusion of purchases and expenditures
• $508.3 million in total sales by FLIBS participants
• $380.8 million in estimated sales by Florida companies, of which $240.7 million was contributed by the tri-county area and $131.5 million by Broward County
• $51.2 million in sales and excise taxes, with $16.9 million in Broward County alone
• $304.3 million in statewide personal income and economic activity
• 58% of visitors were from outside the region, 54% were from outside Florida, including 10% foreign visitors
• An average expenditure of $208 per day by out-of-town visitor (hotels, restaurants, retail spending, local transportation)
• $29.6 million in non-local visitor expenditures

FULL ECONOMIC IMPACT REPORT

More about the Marine Industries Association of South Florida

Created in 1961, MIASF is the largest trade organization in the Southeast United States dedicated to promoting, protecting, and growing 110,000 jobs in Broward County and 136,000 jobs regionally in marine businesses, driving economic output to $8.8 billion in Broward County and $11.5 billion regionally. The Association is a not-for-profit trade group with over 500 members in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties and is the owner of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.