2020 FLIBS Illustrated Map
I've put together the new illustrated map for the 2020 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and this is my tenth year making this map and others for FLIBS. This years map wont appear in a program but it will appear on folding Z Cards at the show. Thanks to the awesome work of Z Cards North America for making those look so great every year. The map will also be on signage throughout the show for the convenience of visitors, but those are formatted differently and I'll post more on them later. I will add this map to my portfolio after the show or if it no longer appears on the show site, but for now please visit the map as it appears on the official show site. Thanks to my friends and colleagues at Informa Markets for putting in the work to put on the show. If you would like to see more of my maps please see my portfolio. To specifically see previous FLIBS maps please see the links below.
Bahia Mar, Swimming Hall of Fame and Las Olas Marina Maps for FLIBS :
2023 | 2022 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS): World’s Largest Marine Event & Custom Map Design Showcase:
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is widely recognized as the largest in-water boat show in the world, held annually in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - often called the “Yachting Capital of the World.” Produced by Informa Markets and owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF), FLIBS draws a global audience of yacht owners, buyers, industry professionals, and enthusiasts to South Florida each fall.
Spanning nearly 90 acres and more than three million square feet of exhibit space across multiple waterfront locations - including Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Las Olas Marina, Pier Sixty-Six, Hall of Fame Marina, Convention Center, and more. FLIBS features over 1,300 boats and hundreds of exhibitors from more than 50 countries.
A Global Marine Marketplace and Lifestyle Event
Each five-day show attracts more than 100,000 visitors, ranging from seasoned yacht buyers and marine professionals to aspiring boat owners and lifestyle attendees. Vessels on display span a remarkable range from sleek sport boats and performance center consoles to luxury superyachts and large world debuts making FLIBS the premier destination to experience the latest innovations in boating, marine technology, and luxury maritime living.
The 2025 show continued this legacy, showcasing a robust lineup of superyachts and high-end brokerage listings valued at nearly $2 billion, alongside new builds and debut models that underscore Fort Lauderdale’s significance in global yacht markets.
Beyond boats, the show offers immersive experiences including interactive exhibits, luxury lifestyle activations, VIP lounges, educational seminars, networking events, and opportunities to connect with top marine manufacturers, brokers, designers, and service providers.
Economic Impact and Industry Influence
FLIBS is not only a key showcase for product launches and industry trends, it’s also a powerful economic engine. Studies consistently highlight the event’s substantial impact on Florida’s economy, generating well over $1.7 billion in annual economic output, supporting tens of thousands of jobs, and driving significant tax revenue and tourism activity across the region.
Custom Map Illustration by John Potter / Escape Key Graphics
For many attendees, one of the most memorable elements of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is the illustrated map system used throughout the event, helping visitors navigate the sprawling multi-location layout with confidence.
From 2010 through present (with the exception of 2021), I had the privilege of serving as the primary map illustrator and designer for FLIBS, working closely with Informa Markets (previously Show Management) to evolve the look, usability, and precision of the show’s cartographic and visual wayfinding materials. These maps have been used:
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As the official printed show map, tailored each year to reflect expanded and redesigned show footprints
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Within the FLIBS mobile app to help users navigate docks, tents, marinas, and exhibitor displays
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On exhibit signage and environmental graphics throughout multiple show locations
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As transit, guide, and foldable maps for attendee convenience
Over the years, I’ve adapted styles, software workflows, and presentation formats to improve clarity, navigability, and visual impact as the show has grown in size and complexity. My designs aim to balance technical accuracy with artistic clarity, making it easy for attendees to find exhibitors, boats, services, and key show features while reinforcing the premium brand experience of FLIBS.
Why This Matters to Marine, Luxury, and Event Clients
If you’ve enjoyed the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and seen these maps in action, whether printed, on signage, or in your FLIBS app, then you’ve witnessed how strategic map design and illustration can elevate a major event. Great visual wayfinding not only improves user experience but strengthens brand perception, supports marketing, and enhances audience engagement across large-scale environments.
Whether you’re planning a future show, a corporate event, or a branded experience that needs clear, compelling visual communication, custom illustration and thoughtful map design can make a meaningful difference. Visit EscapeKeyGraphics.com to explore portfolio examples and learn how custom illustration can support your next project.
PORTFOLIOS:
By Application or Use:
- Boat Show Map Portfolio
- Resort Map Illustrations Portfolio
- Marina Maps Portfolio
- Real Estate Maps Portfolio
- Transit, Parking and Transportation Maps Portfolio
- Town and City Maps Portfolio
- Cover Illustration Portfolio
- Vehicle Wrap & Vinyl Wrap Portfolio
- Illustrated Park Maps Portfolio
- Wayfinding Maps Portfolio
- Proposal Renderings Portfolio
- Street Art
