By: Scott Way
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the world's largest in-water boat show, has announced it will indeed host the annual event Oct 28th-Nov 1st, 2020.
The show is a big event for the industry, as well as the Florida economy, as it generated $1.3 billion in 2019.
Informa Markets, who own the event, also announced there will be "AllSecure" health and safety guidelines in place that were drafted with the coordination of local and federal health authorities, vendors, suppliers, and partners involved with the show.
“The health and safety of our staff, exhibitors, visitors and community remains our number one priority,” said Andrew Doole, president of Informa Markets U.S. boat shows, in a press release. “We also recognize the importance of our boat shows to the local and state economy and the marine industry at large. Since the inception of the pandemic, we have been focused on a plan that prioritizes safety and an exceptional visitor experience so that every person who attends our events can do so safely and with confidence.”
Doole also said organizers are prepared to amend the protocols as needed.
“We are adjusting to the new normal and remain flexible and prepared to adapt quickly if need be, given rapidly changing conditions, policies and guidelines... We are excited to bring the marine community and boating enthusiasts back together in October and are moving full steam ahead to a robust boat show season.”
Informa and AllSecure will be following health standards set by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council — an international organization composed of leaders in the fields of “pathogenic threat analysis, mitigation, response and recovery."
Upon entry to the event, all patrons and vendors working the show will be required to wear masks and will have their temperature taken. Phil Purcell, CEO and president of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, said these measures will ensure a successful show: “Informa’s standards and guidelines, coupled with the show’s seven sites and nearly 90 acres of outdoor space, will allow every guest and exhibitor to feel confident and safe.”
The safety protocols will include “complete overnight disinfection, electrostatic sprayers with EPA biodegradable disinfectants and continuous sanitation throughout the course of the boat show, with a focus on high-touch areas such as door handles, restrooms, and food and beverage areas,” Informa said in their statement. There will also be handwashing stations throughout the 3 million square foot exhibition space, clear signage and floor markings to ensure physical distancing, non-contact ticket sales and registration, and controls for both pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
You can read the full statement in the Informa Markets press release.
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