The Best of the 2022 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show

Explore the events that took place at this year’s FLIBS.

With another successful year of the largest in-water boat show in the world under our belts, this year’s Fort Lauderdale Boat Show was truly a great one, filled with the industry’s most impressive boats and yachts. Besides the stars of the show–our amazing yacht and boat listings–a huge element of the show’s success was all the unique and special events our team put together for our clients. We’re proud to highlight the events that took place at FLIBS 2022, with a special thanks to some of our partners who co-hosted a number of them with us. As a leader in the industry and a proud Fort Lauderdale-based business, Denison works with other luxury brands to create an excellent experience for clients. Thousands of visitors came to the “Yachting Capital of the World” to experience all it has to offer: including the best in boats, cars, food, and anything waterfront. Our events all had a little (or a lot) of a mix of all of the above.

Denison + Holman VIP House

Holman Motorcars Fort Lauderdale is home to a full lineup of ultra-luxury vehicles. During FLIBS 2022, Holman Motorcars and Denison Yachting offered an exclusive VIP experience at the breathtaking Villa de Palma. Guests enjoyed onsight valet parking, private on-water transportation to and from the boat show, hors d’oeuvres and refreshments throughout the day, and the opportunity to tour luxury cars, the property, and yachts from October 26 to 30.

Jennifer Welker Peacock, Brand Partnerships Manager at Denison who organized much of the event, shared: “The partnership between Holman Motorcars and Denison Yachting shined bright for the second year in a row. The synergy between the brands comes to life during boat shows, but most impressively during the largest boat show in the world…FLIBS. This year’s VIP boat show experience afforded to some of Holman and Denison’s best clients included premium Penfold’s wine tastings and light bites, followed up by relaxing tender rides to and from the show.”

Transportation to the show was quite the picturesque ride, cruising the canals and Intracoastal by some of Fort Lauderdale’s most opulent homes. As VIPs approached the boat show via the water, they could see the whole length of the show from afar–a truly impressive spectacle.

As their authorized dealer, Holman was especially excited to welcome executives from Rolls-Royce & Bentley motorcars, who both held their annual parties during FLIBS at the Denison & Holman VIP House. Ralph Avila, General Sales Manager at Holman Motorcars Fort Lauderdale, shared: “Both brand presidents of Bentley of the Americas and Rolls-Royce attended, as well as some of our preferred clients, coming together with our partners whose clients love beautiful cars and beautiful boats.”

Denison was also thrilled to have partner Tropic Ocean Airways as a sponsor of this special five-day event. The Tropic Ocean Airways and Denison partnership provide owners and charter guests with transportation to superyachts anchored in remote destinations.

Denison + Nobiskrug Wine O’Clock

Denison hosted an exclusive joint event with Nobiskrug Shipyard during FLIBS 2022 for VIP clients, brokers, and press. The event focused on Project “Lycka”, a 77-meter yacht concept in collaboration with Tillberg Design of Sweden and Nobiskrug. On Wednesday evening, October 26, attendees of the event met at the Nobiskrug Booth at the Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six South to snack on cheese and wine, and hear a panel discuss the ins and outs of Project Lycka, hosted by Bob Denison. Among the panelists were Denison’s own Tony Smith, who is responsible for promoting all sales and marketing for Project Lycka, as well as Nobiskrug’s Head of Marketing, Stephan Lacheta.

Fort Lauderdale Concours

Denison was proud to be an official brand sponsor for Fort Lauderdale Concours on Friday evening, October 28, at Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six South. At the VIP event, the Denison display included a lounge area inside the pavilion, where guests could sit back and enjoy their cocktails and canapés and snag some Denison gear. In addition to the remarkable gallery of classic and exotic cars, there was also a collection of art in many forms, including fine and pop art, fashion, and live music by the Valerie Tyson Band and DJ Anna deFerran.

Denison Dock Party

Denison’s dock parties at boat shows have become a true favorite among clients, visitors, and staff alike. Better known as “Yachts After Dark”–and rightfully so–this year’s party for the 2022 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show was a total hit. On Saturday night, October 29, all our favorites joined us at the Denison booth at the Hall of Fame Face Dock for an exclusive after-hours event, filled with a ton of surprises, including live music (a percussionist and a DJ), specialty cocktails (espresso martini, anyone?), a magician (believe it!), and…you guessed it…about ten tons of PIZZA!

US Superyacht Association Awards Ceremony

At this year’s USSA’s Annual Meeting at the 2022 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, the US Superyacht Association introduced a brand new award at the Bahia Mar Hotel on Friday, October 28. Among the annual awards of excellence in the categories of Golden Compass, Beacon, Young Industry Leader, and Crystal Vision–the Gertrude Denison Woman of the Year Award was announced, a great source of pride for the Denison family. This great honor was awarded to Rose Damen of Damen Yachting. Congratulations!

Private Parties on Boats

Among the beauties at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show this year (yes, we’re talking about the boats), there were a number that stood out. Three of them, very conveniently, were located right at the Denison booth. Our two charter boats, VIVACE and ACACIA, were loved by many. In addition, CHAPTER 3 was the talk of the show. But these gals didn’t just sit there and look pretty. They also showed some select few a good time. On Wednesday evening, October 26, a private party was hosted aboard VIVACE. The CHAPTER 3 owner party took place on Friday evening, October 28. ACACIA too, had some VIPs aboard for an event. Throughout the show, owners and crew through private parties to show off the goods…what else should be expected at the biggest boat show of the year?

Exclusive Winward VIP Access

VIP ticket holders for the 2022 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show received exclusive access to the Windward VIP Club located at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center’s Captain’s Lounge. Some of Denison’s VIP clients chose to take a reprieve from Florida’s hot sun indoors…or enjoy that very sun outside at the lounge.

ALBA + Douglas Elliman + Denison Dinner

On Thursday evening, October 27, Denison took part in a collaboration dinner by ALBA and Douglas Elliman at Thasos Fine Greek Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. Jennifer Welker Peacock, Denison’s Brand Partnerships Manager, shared how thrilled she was to be a part of the “curated dinner celebrating the launch of ALBA Palm Beach alongside our partners at Douglas Elleman.”

Fox News Coverage at the Show

Fox News even stopped by the Denison booth to check out one of the most eye-catching yachts at the show, the Numarine 37XP. Safe to say they had a fun time imagining life aboard this gorgeous expedition yacht.

Denison is proud to have welcomed our guests onboard some of the most impressive yachts on display at FLIBS 2022, as well as at all our events. We’ll see you next year!