The Caribbean Charter Yacht Show: IYBA Webinar

On Wednesday 4th of August, an informative webinar was hosted by the International Yacht Brokers Association and IGY Marinas to discuss key talking points relating to the inaugural Caribbean Charter Yacht Show which will take place at Yacht Haven Grande in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands from 9-12 December 2021. 

Around 160 global attendees joined Paul Flannery, Executive Director at IYBA, and Bert Fowles, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at IGY Marinas, who took time out from their busy schedules to tell us about the impressive show their teams are undertaking, and the smart changes that will benefit brokers, exhibitors and crew. 

In early 2018, Paul Flannery was approached by the Executive Committee of IYBA and asked to assume the role of Executive Director on a full-time basis, where he currently directs the day to day operations of the association. His current duties involve seminar coordination, networking events, legislative affairs and working with the Board of Directors to assist the organization’s growth. Spearheading the webinar, Paul opened the pathway for questions from the webinar attendees and relayed the plans in place to ensure a successful event. 

A Charter Show by the Industry, for the Industry 

Adopting a collaborative approach in creating this debut show, the Caribbean Charter Yacht Show program was born from what the industry has requested, delivering benefits for contemporary charter brokers and the optimum environment for business. 

In an industry that relies on networking to develop business, brokers will receive low-cost registration fees, access to relevant seminars such as US Visa and destination charter information and plenty of viewing time to see yachts throughout the show. Registration includes an invitation to the Welcome Party with the Governor of the US Virgin Islands, complimentary breakfast and lunch daily, access to a hospitality suite with Wi-Fi and various other benefits for charter brokers. 

IGY Marinas’ loyal global network means that the yachting industry keeps investing in them year-on-year. Important to this is their relationship with brokers, management and crew, who choose IGY destinations because of their proven reputation. The silver lining with this established trust means the show offers a variety of sponsorship tiers for maritime companies who want to activate their brand reach within this network.  Sponsorship tiers include full promotion in a media and marketing strategy before, during and after the show. Headlining the confirmed sponsors is the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and further sponsor announcements will be made in the coming months. 

Shaping a New Model for all Stakeholders

With more than 20 years of hospitality industry experience, Bert Fowles joined the IGY Marinas team in 2007 as VP of Sales & Marketing. As well as being responsible for developing and implementing marketing plans leading to revenue growth for numerous international marinas, he serves on several boards, including the United States Superyacht Association and Marine Industries Association of South Florida. “The Caribbean Charter Yacht Show is changing the boat show model by listening to the industry,” says Bert. “It’s a show owned by IYBA therefore it is a valuable event asset, specifically chosen to take place at a strategic marina location, the award-winning Yacht Haven Grande.” 

Main talking points discussed in the webinar: 

• Marketing: all participating yachts receive a complimentary yacht profile for 12 months on Superyacht Stories. This includes a beautifully presented overview of the yacht, a Q&A with the captain and chef, sample menu, images, specs, client testimonials and promotion on social media. Additional to this, they’ll receive a listing on the show website and IYBA’s MLS. A digital brochure will be available to all attending brokers, with full details and signposting to assist planning. 

• Transport: Thinking outside the box and removing logistical barriers, IGY Marinas has put in place special benefits for Europe-based brokers. The show is going beyond the expected by providing private flights from St. Maarten or Antigua to and from St. Thomas, giving value with cost savings for travel. There will be complimentary airport transfers and throughout the show, shuttles will run between hotels and the marina, for onward transport to St. Maarten or Antigua.

• Connecting flights: For registered brokers in Europe who need assistance with connecting flights from Antigua or St. Maarten to and from St. Thomas, please email Kettra directly on kettra@iyba.org.

• Likewise, the show organisers have committed to offering support for visa applications for show attendees. For visa assistance, show attendees can contact Petra directly on petra@iyba.org. 

• Hotels: The CCYS has preferential ‘first in first served’ allotments secured at hotels on St. Thomas including Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham and Bolongo Bay Beach Resort. Note: Blue Beards is already sold out. Accommodation information can be found on the CCYS website. 

• Fam trips: There will be opportunities for brokers to undertake fam trips which will be valuable for brokers who haven't visited St. Thomas before or haven’t been to the USVI for some time. IGY Marinas’ dedicated destination website has plenty of trip planning information: USVI Charter Destinations.

• Covid regulations: The show recognises the importance of up-to-date information regarding Covid regulations. Yacht Haven Grande will have on-site Covid testing which will facilitate ease of testing prior to show attendees departing back to their home destinations. The show organisers are monitoring the global situation and all procedures will be in line with government regulations. 

• Networking: There will be a welcome cocktail, dinners, Yacht Hops, and in-show activities to meet crew and other industry professionals. Don’t miss seeing the chef and cocktail competition or the sporting challenges! 

The show format is proving a breath of fresh air on the industry’s radar, with almost 30 brokers already signed up for December’s show.

Brokers can take advantage of a special registration rate of $125 before 31 August.

Register for the CCYS here: www.caribbeancharterys.com

Email: registration@caribbeancharterys.com

Watch the full discussion here: Caribbean Charter Yacht Show Webinar