Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show VIP Packages

The 2015 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is right around the corner. To attract more high-end visitors, the show is adding VIP packages for this year’s edition.

For nearly $400 per day or almost $1,100 for three days, the packages offer valet parking, entry to the show, and all-day access to an air-conditioned VIP lounge at the Hall of Fame Marina that features gourmet food, a premium open bar and a concierge. The concierge can help VIPs with appointments for private tours of the top superyachts and access to other private boat show events, show organizers said.

The VIP packages are the first ever offered for the annual boat extravanganza, set this year for Nov. 5 to 9, said Brett Keating, vice president of consumer marketing at organizer Show Management.

To lure the heavy-hitters, show organizers teamed up with a company known for developing high-end packages for attendees at other major events. They’re working with Quint Events of Charlotte, N.C., which also offers VIP packages at the Kentucky Derby, Super Bowl, NBA All-Star Game, Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Collector Car Auctions, and other headline events worldwide.

“Because they produce so many of these VIP events, they can tap into their existing clients base” to draw VIP guests to Fort Lauderdale for the world’s largest in-water boat show, Keating said.

Organizers hope to sell about 200 to 300 VIP packages to the show this first year, Keating said.

In all, more than 100,000 people are expected to attend the 56^th annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, which will display nearly 1,500 boats across more than 3 million square feet of exhibit space.

Among the largest boats offered will be luxury superyachts at least 80 feet long. In 2014, the largest motorboat on display stretched nearly 197 feet and cost $46.25 million. That Italian-designed superyacht sleeps up to 12 and can carry a crew of up to 15 people.

In addition to superyachts, the show will feature a wide range of smaller boats, fishing gear, marine art and related marine items, offerings valued collectively at more than $4 billion.

More than 1,000 exhibitors for 30 countries are expected at this year’s show. Some will demonstrate kayaks, paddleboats, and other small craft in a 15,000-gallon pool dubbed AquaZone to be set up for the second year in the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.

Tickets for the boat show are available for preview Thursday for $41 online and $43 at the door. For Friday through Monday, they are $25 online and $27 at the show for adults, $10 online and $12 at the door for children ages 6 through 15, and free for children under 6. Two-day tickets for adults for Friday through Monday events are $41 online and $45 at the show.

Source: Doreen Hemlock, Sun Sentinel