Due to health safety issues and restrictions on large gatherings amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Palm Beach International Boat Show will go virtual for the first time in its 35 years of operation.
The “Virtual Palm Beach International Boat Show” will commence on May 14, featuring almost 450 exhibitors showcasing new vessels along with marine equipment and innovations. Organizers claim the show will present over $1.2 billion in yachts and related products.
“The Palm Beach International Boat Show has a very engaged fan base made up of enthusiastic marine lovers. In the past 35 years, we have never faced a situation like the ongoing health crisis,” stated George Gentile, President of the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, Inc. “Though the show will not proceed in its traditional format, we wanted to ensure our dedicated audience could still enjoy a boat show experience, even if it’s online.”
With the Virtual Palm Beach International Boat Show, attendees will be able to “shop” for top marine gear to kick off their summer, as well as explore numerous new and used boats while interacting directly with brokers and manufacturers. A virtual shopping guide will assist viewers in navigating the show, categorizing exhibitors under headings like Yachts, Trawlers/Down East, Cruisers, Center Consoles, Sport Fishers, and more.
This year’s show features enriched video content, with hundreds of video walkthroughs highlighting new offerings, alongside educational videos and online seminars led by industry leaders, including youth fishing clinics by Hook The Future and IGFA School of Sportfishing seminars.
The boat show was initially slated for March and then moved to April before organizers opted to cancel it. The following year’s show is set for March 25-28, 2021. The Virtual Palm Beach International Boat Show will take place on its dedicated web platform, and registration for visitors is complimentary. For registration, visit virtualpbboatshow.com or for more details, check Pbboatshow.com.