Boat Show Covid-19 Updates: Cancelled, Postponed Or Virtual?

We’re providing the most up-to-date details on every major upcoming boat show, from Monaco to Fort Lauderdale.

Covid-19 has forced events across the world to make adjustments. As you look into the rest of 2020, what boat shows can you plan to attend? We’ve compiled the statuses of all major upcoming boat shows. Whether your favorite boat show is still planned to continue, or has implemented new precautions in light of the pandemic, we’ll give you the details you need to know before making travel plans.

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Status: Moving forward as planned.

Event Date: October 28 – November 1, 2020

Covid-19 Protocol: FLIBS will maintain social distancing guidelines of keeping 6 feet from other guests. Registration will be no-contact, and enhanced cleaning will be done before, during, and after FLIBS events. For a complete list of details on all FLIBS plans for maintaining Covid-19 protocol, see their outlined updated standards.

Monaco Yacht Show

Status: Cancelled + Scheduled to resume next year

Event Date: September 22-25, 2021

Boat Show Statement:“With much of the Super Yacht fleet currently located in the US and Caribbean and the normal calendar of activity severely disrupted, it has been agreed that it is in the industry’s best interests to postpone the delivery of a top quality, prestige experience 30^th edition of the Monaco Yacht Show next year, in September 2021, rather than September 2020.”
For more details, see the complete statement.

Cannes Yachting Festival

Status: Cancelled

Event Date: September 7-12, 2021

Covid-19 Protocol: The Cannes Yachting festival will require all boat show attendees, exhibitors, and employees. To avoid unnecessary contact, the show requests that you print your ticket in advance. In addition, the show has obtained a “Safe & Clean” badge from a third-party certification body. For a complete list of details on the Yachting Festival’s plans for maintaining Covid-19 protocol, see their outlined cleanliness standards.

United States Powerboat Show [Annapolis]

Status: Cancelled

Event Date: October 14-17, 2021

Covid-19 Protocol: Boat show attendees will be required to wear a mask and will be temperature checked upon arrival. All boat show events, such as meetings, workshops, VIP areas, etc. will be limited to 50% capacity. Regulation for attendance size will be regulated by pre-sold tickets and strict maximum capacity levels will be followed. For a complete list of details on the powerboat show’s plans for maintaining Covid-19 protocol, see their outlined 2020 boat show policies.

United States Sailboat Show [Annapolis]

Status: Cancelled

Event Date: October 7-11, 2021

Covid-19 Protocol: Boat show attendees will be required to wear a mask and will be temperature checked upon arrival. All boat show events, such as meetings, workshops, VIP areas, etc. will be limited to 50% capacity. Regulation for attendance size will be regulated by pre-sold tickets and strict maximum capacity levels will be followed. For a complete list of details on the sailboat show’s plans for maintaining Covid-19 protocol, see their outlined 2020 boat show policies.

Newport International Boat Show

Status: Cancelled

Event Date: September 16 – 19, 2021

Boat Show Statement:“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the cancellation of this year’s Newport International Boat Show due to COVID-19. We feel that it is the right thing to do for the safety of our exhibitors, sponsors, staff, and attendees. We will truly miss seeing you in September, but at the same time, we are excited to set our sails for 2021 and hope we can count on you to join us.”
For more details, see the boat show website.

LA Harbor Boat Show

Status: Postponed

Event Date: TBD

Boat Show Statement:“Due to ongoing health concerns from the spread of COVID-19 9 (coronavirus), the 5th Annual LA Harbor Boat Show scheduled September 17-20, 2020 at the Cabrillo Way Marina has been POSTPONED.”
New dates for the show will be announced on the show’s website.

Boats Afloat Show [Seattle]

Status: Cancelled, but still hosting individual broker open houses and virtual showings.

Event Date: September 18-20

Boat Show Statement:“Due to Covid-19, the Boats Afloat in-water show will transition into individual brokers open houses across the Puget Sound. The open houses are free to attend and will allow for appropriate social distancing while still continuing in the spirit of the show.”
Instead of a boat show, the “Boats Afloat Brokers Open House” will provide a safe alternative to see boats on the market, with a mix of virtual and controlled walk-ins. Get all details on the Open House on the show’s website.

Denison Yachting will be participating as an exhibitor at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. In addition to maintaining exhibitor status at select boat shows, Denison Yachting will host a virtual boat show for all upcoming major shows in 2020 and 2021- Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Palm Beach, and Monaco. These virtual boat shows will allow for guests who do not feel comfortable traveling to experience boat show deals, virtual tours, and personal broker attention from the comfort of their home.

See live interviews with yachting experts and influencers from of our most recent Virtual Boat Show [Day 5].