An invitation-only event concurrent with the Palm Beach International Boat Show (PBIBS) will strive to improve the event experience for both superyacht exhibitors and buyers. Superyacht Show Palm Beach premieres in just over four months, at the Flagler Museum in Palm Beach.
The Superyacht Show Palm Beach runs from March 26 to 28. These are the first three days of the PBIBS, which concludes March 29. Exhibitors and exhibiting yachts are not yet public. Regardless, Informa Markets, which manages both events, anticipates 10 to 12 megayachts to 300 feet (91.4 meters). “The concept is to offer a limited-access, high-end venue for those who want to exhibit and those who want to buy these magnificent ships,” adds Raymond Graziotto, vice chairman of the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County.
Indeed, the concept is similar to that of the Superyacht Village, which premiered at the recently concluded Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The Superyacht Village featured a select number of superyacht shipyards and related companies. Additionally, it included a handful of the largest yachts in the show. Since Informa Markets also organizes the Fort Lauderdale show, its management team identified expansion opportunities at both events.
In fact, according to Informa Markets and Graziotto, the new Superyacht Show Palm Beach has been a few years in the making. Originally, the goal was to introduce the event earlier this year. However, the federal government shutdown prevented obtaining approvals from the Army Corps of Engineers, and therefore additional permissions. Final authorization for 2020 came last week, when the Palm Beach Town Council approved temporary docks behind the Flagler Museum, in the Intracoastal Waterway.
“The Flagler Museum is incredible, and it’s been well preserved,” Graziatto enthuses. “The museum itself will offer an unparalleled, one-of-a-kind experience.” The museum gets its name from Henry Flagler, a founding partner of Standard Oil. It saw completion as his grand home, Whitehall, in 1902. Flagler entertained international business associates as well as celebrities there. The three-story estate boasted 75 rooms and 100,000 square feet (9,290 square meters) of space. Featuring a large courtyard, the Flagler Museum has 55 restored rooms with period furnishings.
The Superyacht Show Palm Beach will incorporate the Flagler Museum into special events. For example, one evening, select guests will have exclusive access to some rooms. Informa indicates that these may include the Grand Hall, with a double staircase, marble, and dome-ceiling paintings.
Palm Beach International Boat Show www.pbboatshow.com
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