2023 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show Highlights

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

Yesterday marked the culmination of yet another successful year of the largest in-water boat show in the world–the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. With 30 yachts on display–17 of which were over 80 feet–Denison was proud to have the largest number of boats on display for four years running. On top of these impressive yachts, we also had some remarkable events especially for the show for our clients and industry contacts. As a leader in the industry and a proud Fort Lauderdale-based business, Denison works with other luxury brands to create a unique experience for clients. We’re excited to highlight the events that took place at FLIBS 2023, with a special thanks to some of our partners who co-hosted a number of them with us.

Denison + Holman VIP House

Together with long-time partner Holman Motorcars Fort Lauderdale, Denison Yachting offered its third annual exclusive VIP experience during FLIBS 2023 at a beautiful, private waterfront mansion. Guests enjoyed on-site valet parking, private on-water transportation to and from the boat show, music, hors d’oeuvres and refreshments throughout the day, and the opportunity to tour luxury cars, the property, and yachts from October 25 to 29. Denison Brand Partnerships Manager Jennifer Welker Peacock did an amazing job putting together all the events, including the strategic partnership with Penfolds Wines and Magellan Jets, our newest partner. As their authorized dealer, Holman was proud to welcome executives from Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, and Bentley motorcars, who each held their annual cocktail parties during FLIBS at the Denison & Holman VIP House.

Once clients arrived at the show from the property, they got to feast their eyes on Denison’s incredible listings as well as an Aston Martin right at the booth: the F1 Vantage Roadster. Bringing a little bit of the VIP experience to our booth, passers-by got to enjoy the beautiful spectacle of Denison’s luxury listings and this exotic sportscar, affording the opportunity to interact with them one-on-one.

Denison Press Event

Denison hosted an exclusive press event during FLIBS 2023 on Wednesday afternoon, October 25, hosted by Bob Denison. At the event, he highlighted some of Denison’s achievements for the year, including its large display at the show, the growth of the charter fleet, impressive partnerships, the newest issue of FRANK Magazine, cryptocurrency transactions, and the soon-to-open new global headquarters. Denison superyacht broker Alex G. Clarke also spoke about some major new build projects, such as Project PEGASUS and HORIZON, both exclusive with Dension.

Influencer Interactions

Denison was honored to spend the day with multiple influencers in the industry, including Pushing Pistons, Aquaholic, and Jimmy Darts. Touring boats, cars, and the VIP house, lots of fun was had by all and some great content was generated. Check out our in-depth interview with Aquaholic–you’re going to love it!

Denison Charter Lunch

Denison partnered with Banyan Air to host a customer lunch, greeting their clients as they flew in for the boat show. Denison team members Nick Duke, Rose Jolis, and Clive McCartney were in attendance at the Denison-sponsored charter lunch on Wednesday afternoon, available for any questions guests had. Rose shared: “It was very exciting to meet the clients and crews who flew in to attend the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. Clients had lots of questions about yacht management, particular yachts available for sale, and yacht charter. Clients really appreciated learning about the full suite of services that Denison provides.” Flying in with Banyan, these special guests were later able to tender into the show with Denison for the full exclusive VIP transportation experience.

Denison Dock Party

Denison hosted another fabulous dock party at the boat show, everyone’s favorite. This year’s party for the 2023 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show featured a DJ, multiple bars, fancy chocolates, and the hottest entertainment–a fire show.

On Saturday night, October 28, Denison clients, friends, and staff joined together at the Denison booth at the Hall of Fame Face Dock for an exclusive after-hours event celebrating the show and the launch of the newest edition of FRANK Magazine: Issue 06!

HAIG Prosperity Summit

HAIG Partners hosted a Family, Prosperity & Legacy Summit at the Lauderdale Yacht Club on Thursday, October 26. At the event, Bob Denison had the honor of speaking, sharing anecdotes about the Denison family history, Fort Lauderdale’s history, and even a bit about the history of yachting and where its future is heading. Bob also got the chance to introduce celebrity guest speaker Captain Sandy Yawn from Below Deck. She shared her experience with beating the glass ceiling, self-leadership, helping others, and prioritizing mental health. The summit was an informative and interactive one, with plenty of questions answered. After the event, guests tendered over to the boat show to experience it first-hand.

SuperYacht One Magazine Party

On Thursday, October 26, SuperYacht One Magazine hosted a private party aboard ROCKIT, a Numarine 37XP superyacht listed with Denison. At the event, a number of luxury brands came together to showcase what they have to offer, including Billionaires Row brandy on pour and Bennisson watches on display. It was a wonderful evening of light bites, great people, and one beautiful superyacht.

Denison is proud to have welcomed our guests onboard some of the most impressive yachts on display at FLIBS 2023, as well as at all our events. We’ll see you next year!