From luxury experiences to family-friendly activations, the 41st annual boat show will bring an unforgettable experience to Flagler Drive
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (March 3, 2023) – Get ready for the 2023 Palm Beach International Boat Show! Owned by the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County and produced by Informa Markets, the Palm Beach International Boat Show will be taking place Thursday, March 23rd through Sunday, March 26th along Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach, directly across the Intracoastal Waterway from Palm Beach Island.
“As we round out the 2023 winter boat show season, we are excited to return to Downtown West Palm Beach to celebrate the 41st annual Palm Beach International Boat Show,” said Andrew Doole, President of U.S. Boat Shows with Informa Markets. “From the fan-favorite AquaZone to the Windward VIP Club, this year’s boat show will bring incredible fun and relaxation for the whole family to enjoy.”
Since 1982, the Palm Beach International Boat Show has grown to occupy a dominant position in South Florida as both a leader in the marine industry and as an economic engine to the tri-county area. Last year the boat show generated over $1 billion for the State of Florida, cementing its position as one of the most impactful boat shows in the entire country.
This year’s boat show will feature new and exciting activities that will provide visitors, exhibitors, and the entire West Palm Beach community with a memorable weekend. The 2023 event will bring visitors up-close to hundreds of boats ranging from 8-foot inflatables to superyachts nearly 300 feet in length. Among this year’s notable debuts is the Honey Fitz, a prestigious, 93-foot wooden yacht that has been used by five U.S. presidents: Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, and – most notably – President John F. Kennedy. The 92-year-old ship was originally built by Defoe Boat & Motor Works in Bay City, Michigan, in 1931 for Montgomery Ward tycoon Sewell Avery.
Now docked in West Palm Beach, the Honey Fitz has been fully restored by its current owner, Charles R. Modica. In February 2020, Modica embarked on an extensive, historic restoration that kept the Honey Fitz from completely deteriorating. The three-year restoration tied in elements from its original build in 1931, but mostly targeted the historic era as a presidential yacht during the Kennedy Administration. Historical functioning parts of the vessel dating back to 1931, World War II, and the presidential eras from 1945 to 1971, can be seen throughout the ship. The vessel will make its first debut at the Palm Beach International Boat Show in March.
Also making its debut is the latest in yachting from Benetti, who will be showcasing the M/Y “Calex,” a bespoke 67-metre yacht with a steel hull and an aluminum superstructure. The sleek exterior styling is by Cassetta Yacht Designers, while the contemporary interiors, featuring precious marble and fine wood, are designed by the Shipyard’s Style Department. Nautical Ventures will also debut several products, ranging from the innovative Axopar 45 XC to the Windy SR44 SX.
“As the proud owners of the Palm Beach International Boat Show, we are thrilled about the new things to do and see at the boat show this year,” said Alyssa Freeman, Executive Director of the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County (MIAPBC). “MIAPBC is grateful for the longtime community support and its partnership with Informa Markets, which has created a first class boat show with over a $1 billion economic impact.”
Activations throughout the show will cater to all ages and adventure-seeking lifestyles that are passionate about our marine and yachting industry. For visitors interested in new electric technology, be sure to check out Ford’s F150 and the Mach-e, which will be located at the Clematis Street entrance.
One-a-kind experiences, only found at the Palm Beach Boat Show, include:
VIP Treatment provided at the Windward VIP Club and Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary Art Fair
For attendees looking to experience the show as VIPs, the Windward Club offers the luxuries of a premium open bar, gourmet food, and sponsorship pop-up activations in a unique indoor and outdoor lounge setting. Guests will be able to experience an exclusive sanctuary within the Palm Beach International Boat Show to relax, wine, dine, and plan the day.
VIP guests will have access to beverages provided by Anheuser-Busch and exclusive tastings of Tanqueray, Kettle One, and Crown Royal made possible by Diageo’s ready-to-drink (RTD) line. Goslings Rum will also be serving a full range of drinks, including the signature Dark and Stormy cocktail. VIP ticket holders will receive complimentary tote bags provided by Douglas Elliman. For those interested in purchasing a boat or yacht at the show, LaVictoire Finance will host a special activation to learn more about available financing options. Located inside the Lakeside Pavilion on Flagler Drive, the Windward VIP Club is open during regular show hours.
The Windward VIP Experience also includes one-day general admission to the Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary (PBM+C) Art Fair, as part of Informa Markets’ Art Miami division. Both events will deliver a breadth of luxury experiences from Thursday, March 23rd through Sunday, March 26 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center and bring a world-class, internationally respected group of art galleries and marine enthusiasts to Palm Beach.
For more information about the Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary Art Fair, please visit www.artpbfair.com.
To purchase a Windward VIP Club ticket, please visit www.pbboatshow.com.
The AquaZone
A “show within a show,” the AquaZone, presented by Nautical Ventures, is an exciting and engaging attraction designed to give show-goers an upfront and personal experience with various water sports and innovative marine products. This hands-on attraction will include continuous demos that range from live paddle boarding to flyboard aerial aquabatics, Hobie kayak demonstrations, Sea Bob diving sleds, Aquabanas Party City, Fliteboard electric foil boards, Yujet electric surfboards, and much more.
NY Concours at Palm Beach
Purchase a Windward VIP/Concours Bundle ticket to get exclusive access to the NY Concours at Palm Beach, presented by Lotus at the Windward VIP Club on Friday, March 24th, from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Enjoy an open bar and delicious canapés while viewing rarely-seen classic and exotic cars and a special surprise by Lotus. Dance to your favorite hits under the stars, with fellow automobile collectors and enthusiasts.
A Windward VIP/Concours Bundle ticket costs $520 for adults and is valid for any one-day throughout the show.
Kids’ Fishing Clinics by Hook the Future
For aspiring anglers ages four to 16, the Kids’ Fishing Clinics offer instruction on basic fishing techniques hosted by Captain Don Dingman. Presented by Hook the Future, the Kids’ Fishing Clinics provide interactive education in selecting tackle and lures, casting a rod and reel, reeling in a fish, and fishing ethics. Upon completing all learning stations, participants are eligible to win special prizes.
COX Science Center and Aquarium STEM Activity Station
Don’t miss out on an incredible STEM activation taking place at the boat show this year! The COX Science Center and Aquarium, a landmark institution in West Palm Beach, will host an anchor booth featuring exciting activities for kids and families to partake in at the boat show.
The numerous hands-on activities that will be on-site include:
● Sunscreen Challenge: Teaches guests how to choose sunscreens that are better for them and the ocean.
● Shark Senses: Interactive activity that teaches students about the 7 (some argue 8) senses that sharks have.
● Fish/Coral Memory/ID: Using fish cards, we teach participants how to identify corals, sponges, and animals in the water.
● A Solar Boat activity pool run by Northrop Grumman, a local aerospace and defense company that partners with the Cox Science Center on a number of engineering events throughout the year.
Join Us in Supporting Ocean Education and Conservation
Help bring educational programs and services to those in the community who most need them!
There are children and citizens who live within a mile of the ocean and rarely see it. Your donation will help community members and visitors become environmental stewards, learn about Palm Beach County’s marine industry, and enjoy a variety of activities on the water.
A donation can be made when you purchase your ticket. For More information, please visit: www.marinepbc.org/community-involvement.
Show Information
Enjoy One-Day, Two-Day, and Windward VIP Experience ticket options at the Palm Beach International Boat Show.
Tickets are valid Thursday through Sunday. Children under the age of six are free if accompanied by an adult, and guests must be 21 or older to access the Windward VIP Club.
● Children (6+) – General Admission One-Day Ticket: $16
● Adult – General Admission One-Day Ticket: $31
● Adult – General Admission Two-Day Ticket: $56
● Adult Windward VIP Experience One-Day Ticket: $370
● Adult Windward VIP Experience/NY Concours One-Day Bundle Ticket: $520
Sunday will be family day at the Palm Beach International Boat Show! Children (15 and under) attending the show with a ticketed adult will receive free entry. Active military and veterans will also receive free entrance on Sunday, March 26th.
The show runs from 12 pm to 7 pm on Thursday, March 23rd, 10 am to 7 pm on Friday, March 24th, through Saturday, March 25th, and 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday, March 26th.
Boat Show Parking Provided by the Related Companies
Follow Boat Show signs for directions to various municipal parking garages and privately operated lots located throughout downtown West Palm Beach. Most are within walking distance of the show entrances.
● Phillips Point (777 South Flagler Drive) – Valet only
● Esperante Corporate Center (222 Lakeview Avenue) – Valet only
● Hibiscus Garage at The Square (545 Hibiscus Street or 713 South Rosemary Avenue – there are two entrances/exits)
● Gardenia Garage at The Square (501 Hibiscus Street)
● Sapodilla Garage at The Square (499 South Sapodilla Avenue)
● Okeechobee Garage at The Square (620 Hibiscus Street)
Social media fans can connect with @PBBoatShow on Instagram and Twitter, @PalmBeachInternationalBoatShow on Facebook, @InformaBoatShows on YouTube, and tag the show with #PBIBS to join the conversation online.
For more information on activities, boats on display, exhibitors, transportation, and parking, visit www.PBboatshow.com.
About the Palm Beach International Boat Show (PBIBS)
The Palm Beach International Boat Show is owned by the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach and produced by Informa Markets. Since 1982, the boat show has grown to occupy a dominant position in South Florida as both a leader in the boating and marine industry, and as an economic engine to the Palm Beach community and the tri-county area. An analysis of the boat show from 2022 showed that the event has an estimated total statewide economic impact of over $1.05 billion. With over 55,000 visitors attending the show in previous years, this has contributed to over $725 million in total sales resulting from the event. The 2023 event will feature exciting sponsors such as Related Companies, Douglas Elliman, and Anheuser-Busch, among others. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.pbboatshow.com.
About Informa Markets
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate, and grow. We provide marketplace participants around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience, and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, targeted digital services, and actionable data solutions. We connect buyers and sellers across more than a dozen global verticals, including Boating, Pharmaceuticals, Food, Fashion, and Infrastructure. As the world’s leading market-making company, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.
About the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County
The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, Inc. (MIAPBC) is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1986. Their mission is to promote and protect the sound growth of the marine industry in Palm Beach County for the benefit and education of its members, the community, and the environment. The MIAPBC brings the community two annual signature events: the Palm Beach International Boat Show and the Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade. MIAPBC supports over forty local marine-related events and nonprofits that protect and promote the marine industry in Palm Beach County and beyond with a portion providing scholarships to deserving students. Since its inception, the MIAPBC has donated over $2.5 million to local nonprofit organizations and scholarship candidates.
