After a year of uncertainty, PBIBS 2021 is back. The show will take place on the weekend of 25-28 March along Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach, the US.
This year marks the 35th annual edition of the event, which is set to showcase more than $1.2 billion worth of yachts and accessories. The line-up includes hundreds of boats ranging from 2.5-metre inflatables to superyachts up to 92 meters.
The show this year is set to feature fun, educational activities including a new space called AquaZone and a fishing clinic for children by Hook the Future.
AquaZone is described by organizers as “a show within a show”, an experience that utilizes water sports and innovative products to keep visitors entertained. Previously held in a 40,000-gallon pop-up fresh water pool, the AquaZone’s new open-area location on the Intracoastal Waterway will allow product demonstrations to reach higher speeds and go for longer distances.
Located on the south end of the show, it will provide in-water demos on all show days. The area will also serve as a one-stop learning shop to pick up water sports knowledge and product information.
Aspiring anglers aged four to 16 can visit PBIBS’ fishing clinics to receive instruction in basic fishing techniques. Run by Hook the Future, these clinics offer interactive instruction for children and teens that want to learn how to select tackle and lures, cast a rod and reel, learn how to reel in a fish, as well as learn to understand fishing ethics. Children that complete all the learning stations are in with a chance to win a prize.
Hosted by Captain Don Dingman, the clinics take place in the Meyer Amphitheater field between Datura and Evernia Streets inside the show grounds. They will be held on Saturday, March 27 at noon and 2 pm, and also on Sunday, March 28 at 1pm and 3pm.
Fishing-averse family members need not fret, there is plenty to keep the others entertained too. Other attractions on the day include live music and refreshments at the show’s floating cocktail lounges; guests are invited to come by boat and can tie up to free docks located south of the in-water boat displays.
Treat yourself to a VIP Experience
The show’s Windward Club offers visitors the chance to embark on a VIP experience of PBIBS. Attendees will have access to a premium open bar, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, happy hours, and exclusive events in a unique indoor and outdoor lounge setting. Centrally located inside the Lakeside Pavilion on Flagler Drive, the Windward VIP Club is open from Thursday through to Sunday during show hours. VIP guests will also be able to enter the show an hour early across the whole weekend for exclusive first access to the event.
Informa Markets and the City of West Palm Beach have worked together to develop top-level safety measures in order to circumvent the threat of spreading Covid-19. The layout of the event has been updated and the entire exhibition will take place in the open air. Plus, there will be six entrances and exits to ease pedestrian traffic and promote social distancing. Attendees will also be required to wear masks.
President of Informa Markets U.S. Boat Shows Andrew Doole explains: “The health and safety of our staff, exhibitors, visitors, and community remains our number one priority.” He goes on to say, “We also recognise the importance of our boat shows to the local and state economy, and the marine industry at large. We look forward to safely welcoming boating enthusiasts and marine businesses to the Palm Beach show, in a world-famous destination during the most beautiful time of year.”
PBIBS will be organised in line with Informa’s newly adopted AllSecure health and safety standards, as well as all official government and local authority guidance and regulations. Association partners, peers, venues, suppliers, contractors, health officials, and federal and local authorities are all on board with the industry-wide measures that have been adopted.
General admission tickets cost $28 for adults and $15 for children aged six through to 15 years old. Children under six are able to enter the event for free. For a two-day ticket, adults should expect to pay $52. The VIP Experience, which includes access to the show and VIP Lounge, is $250. Guests must be 21 or older to access the lounge.
The show will run from 12pm to 7pm on Thursday, March 25, from 10am to 7pm on Friday, March 26, and Saturday, March 27, and from 10am to 6pm on Sunday, March 28.
Event organisers say social media fans can connect via @PBBoatShow on Instagram and Twitter, @PalmBeachInternationalBoatShow on Facebook, @InformaBoatShows on YouTube, and tag the show with #PBIBS2021 to join the conversation online.
Enhance your experience by purchasing your ticket online ahead of time at PBBoatShow.com.
