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2020 Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show: POLL

Discussion in 'Boat Shows & Yacht Watching' started by YachtForums, Sep 9, 2020.

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Will you attend the 2020 Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show?

  1. YES

  2. NO

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  1. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    Yes, you get to keep the money paid for spaces for the show.
  2. 993RSR

    993RSR Senior Member

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    That’s interesting. The commissioners approved the show? The meeting was today but I understood the decision is to come.
  3. 993RSR

    993RSR Senior Member

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    Quote: Mayor of Fort Lauderdale, Dean Trantalis, issued a statement, saying, "I am extremely pleased that the County Commission gave clear direction today that the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show can take place as planned next month.

    Clear direction but not approved.
  4. RER

    RER Senior Member

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    It's doubtful I would have attended even without Covid. I had been in FL but drove back to CA in July. Who knows maybe I would have stayed if the Covid never happened but I doubt it. So my not attending really is irrelevant. But I will say walking the show as an attendee in my opinion is not that much different than going to Home Depot or Publix. I know some people may feel differently.

    But walking the show is only one factor.

    Yes there is the problem with travel to FTL and that will have a direct impact on attendance but the biggest problem in my opinion is with exhibitors. Specifically the exhibitor promotions. All the mixers and social gatherings that take place around the show. These parties are numerous and they are a huge part of the reason exhibitors participate in the FLIBS. I don't see any scenario where that type of social gathering is going to take place. Without them you are just showing your product which can be done 365 days a year in a hundred different ways. So if I am an exhibitor I have to ask myself, why am I here?
  5. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    As an exhibitor you're there only because they won't give your money back to you, so you poor more money on top.

    My understanding is that all the parties and gatherings are cancelled.
  6. RER

    RER Senior Member

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    They would have to be, I think. And honestly the after hours socializing is the show for many exhibitors. That’s where a lot of business gets done. For boat sales in particular I don’t see a point to the show without it.
    Last edited: Sep 10, 2020
  7. Change order

    Change order New Member

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    While it would be nice to have a show the fact is inventory is extremely low and therefore the quality of the show may be disappointing. While I agree we need to get things back to normal now is not the time to do so .
  8. chaz1260

    chaz1260 New Member

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    Exhibiting a boat there is enormously expensive. I cannot imagine most potential exhibitors will think the investment makes sense under these circumstances. By the way, I've attended nearly every year for at least 20, paid for my boats to be exhibited there for 4-6 years, and will not attend.
    Last edited: Sep 10, 2020
  9. RCWilkie

    RCWilkie New Member

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    Looking forward to attending knowing that all reasonable precautions will be taken by both show administrators and the public. While the overly political divide taints everything these days this show represents what most boaters love about our passion, I.e., our oceans, our friends and neighbors and the willingness to make informed positive decisions. For those with underlying conditions please stay home, but for those of us with good health take this opportunity to help restart and get back to living life as it should be.
  10. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    Easy for locals but last time I looked the rest of the world was important to the show, not just the world of Florida. I would love to know what the normal percentages of customers are from Florida, the rest of the US, and the rest of the world. And, when I speak of customers, I'm not talking about attendees, I'm talking about those who buy at the show. I'm sure the majority of attendees are local or semi-local. So far we know of 7 builders not coming also.
  11. Gratitude

    Gratitude Member

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    First and foremost, I hope all of you are safe and well along with your loved ones. These are uncharted waters we have been faced with in 2020.

    Interesting thoughts by all. IMHO. The U.S. and World economy has been hit hard by the COVID virus, yet 2 industries that I know have thrived tremendously during those months. RV's and boats/yachts! You would think opposite but because vacations and traveling by plane had been almost non-existent, many have opted to purchase either and make there own vacations by boat of RV. Once again, IMHO, I think this has been a little overblown and we need, as a society, to learn to co-exist with this virus and continue to move forward. Our economy depends on it. We need to get back to the best part of normalcy we can, but SAFELY. Personally I have chosen to move forward and not let this get the best of me, but I do it safely. So many people depend on all of us for their livelihoods to support their families. While the economy is coming back, there are still many more challenges to face.

    While the boat show may benefit, I think its a good thing to put on the show and allow people (vendors and guests) to choose themselves whether or not to attend. After all, that's what we all enjoy; the freedom to choose! Just follow the rules and guidelines set forth.

    Stay safe everyone!!
  12. MBY

    MBY Senior Member

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    We (Mag Bay) will be there exhibiting. Covid or not FLIBS is an important show for us that we budget for regardless. Getting our products in front of some eyes is better than none. I will let our dealers decide if they would like to attend and we'll do whatever safety precautions are necessary so our visitors feel safe and welcomed.
  13. Daniel Kiefer

    Daniel Kiefer New Member

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    I have attended the FLIBS for over 15 years as a Yacht Owner. Truth is, I will not be attending this year with the extreme and ridiculous restrictions on each person and the invasion of our personal privacy and movement. It simply will not be any fun and I honestly do not comprehend how any of the vendors will be able to participate given the lack of attendance which is surely evident as well as the extreme cost for them to participate. Sad no doubt.

    I will be out anchoring somewhere enjoying my boat, freedom and personal space during this time.

    Dan
  14. jim chin

    jim chin New Member

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    No, as a seventy year young person , it would be inadvisable to contribute to the spread of covid. Putting off the show for a year would be better for everyone especially in the USA
  15. Capt Scot

    Capt Scot New Member

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    If the entire country can wear masks and stand in line at a supermarket six feet apart, then they can attend a boat show, even stand in line to vote.
  16. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    The vast majority of your customers are in the US aren't they?
  17. MBY

    MBY Senior Member

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    The vast majority are US based but we do have some foreign customers. FLIBS generally isn't a big selling show for us but it is the best in terms of exposure. We missed having our new 42 at FLIBS last year and I think it hurt us a bit. I have talked to a few of our customers and potential clients and they all claim that they will be going to the show. Honestly the majority of the people in the boat industry that I have talked with about Covid are tired of it and are ready for shows to resume.
  18. Hatterized

    Hatterized Member

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    No desire to attend the show, much uncertainty here in Wash, DC and i am not referring to the politics :rolleyes:

    Just a thought......
    Another angle that many may be overlooking, are real bargain deals on both boats and parts/accessories to be had ?
    Many buyers are motivated by sales, with that in mind (despite the Covid) perhaps more traffic may be generated if buyers truly believe they are getting bargains from manufacturers desperate to unload inventories.

    Scott
  19. mapism

    mapism Senior Member

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    Why, do you know of any who will?!?
  20. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    No, I do not, just know of the ones I've been told will not be.
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