Due to safety concerns and restricts on large events because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Palm Beach International Boat Show is going virtual for the first time in its 35-year history.
The “Virtual Palm Beach International Boat Show” will launch May 14 and feature nearly 450 exhibitors showcasing new boats along with marine gear and technology. Organizers says the show will feature more than $1.2 billion in yachts and accessories.
“The Palm Beach International Boat Show has an extremely engaged following with a large audience of passionate marine enthusiasts. In the show’s 35-year history, we have never dealt with a situation like the current health pandemic,” said George Gentile, President of the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, Inc., in a statement. “While the show will no longer take place in its original form, we wanted to provide our loyal audience the opportunity to still experience the boat show, albeit virtually.”
Through the Virtual Palm Beach International Boat Show, viewers will be able to “shop” for the best in marine gear to kick-off their summer as well as tour hundreds of new and used boats while connecting directly with brokers and manufacturers. To help viewers navigate the show, a virtual shopping guide will be available listing exhibitors by category such as Yachts, Trawlers/Down East, Cruisers, Center Consoles, Sport Fishers, etc.
The show features enhanced video content, including hundreds of video walk-throughs highlighting new products, as well as educational videos and web-seminars led by industry experts, including the youth fishing clinics by Hook The Future and IGFA School of Sportfishing seminars.
“All 436 exhibitors as well as vessels on display from the Palm Beach International Boat Show will have presence in our virtual show,” said Andrew Doole, president of Informa Markets U.S. Boat Shows, in a press release. “Viewers will be able to directly engage with the exhibitors and ask questions through the virtual platform, while brokers and exhibitors will gain direct sales leads and engagement with consumers.”
The boat show was originally schedule for March and rescheduled for April before organizers to cancel it. Next year’s show will take place March 25-28, 20201. The Virtual Palm Beach International Boat Show will be hosted on its own web platform and visitor registration is free. Visit virtualpbboatshow.com to register or Pbboatshow.com for additional information.
