Palm Beach International Boat Show Map 2026

Map for the Palm Beach International Boat Show - 2026

Illustration and Design by John Potter - Escape Key Graphics
Client: Informa Markets
For all the latest event information and to be sure you are looking at the latest map revision please visit the official site of the boat show.
If you are interested in hiring me to create an original map or illustration please contact me.

Map for signs Palm Beach International Boat Show Map 2026

About the Show

The Palm Beach International Boat Show takes place March 25 through 29, 2026, in West Palm Beach, Florida. It is expected to draw around 55,000 attendees and generate more than a billion dollars in economic impact. Over 600 brands will be on display, with more than a thousand boats in the water and on land. I have attended this show many times over the years, and I have to say it is probably my favorite. It makes for a relaxing day out. Parking is convenient, and there are plenty of dining options nearby.

How This Map Is Made

This map, like most of my boat show maps, is built on a digital three dimensional model (I created this one back in 2013). That model covers this area of downtown West Palm Beach, including not just the waterfront but the neighboring buildings and streets. Every year I update the locations of floating docks and exhibitor spaces on the model. Then I render it from the desired angle, retouch and refine in Photoshop, and finally update logos, map keying, and all other graphics in Adobe Illustrator.

The process is seldom a straight line. Clients supply revisions along the way, and most of those come after I have already been through the full cycle at least once. This year I saved over forty versions (not including changes to the 3D model) of this specific map before we got to final approval. That is not unusual. It just reflects the level of detail we all care about.

Changes for 2026

This year saw fewer changes than some, but there were still adjustments. We made the transportation icons black and white to match the look and feel of the other icons. The client asked me to move the facilities icon key closer to the other map keys for better grouping. I also made most of the white area more opaque than in previous years, trying for more visual continuity with the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show map. Eventually I pulled that back a bit because the road labels started to look like they were floating in space. This kind of back and forth illustrates something important. Different shows require different treatments. There is no one size fits all approach to map making.

Client and Sponsors

I completed this project for Informa Markets, as I have for many years. Several sponsors supported the effort. Palm Harbor Marina, which covers the northern section of the map, has been a longtime partner. SYS Yacht Sales, ICON Electric Vehicles, and Summit Fire & Security also contributed, along with others. Their participation helps make the map possible year after year.

Map on sign at show Palm Beach International Boat Show Map as sign 2026

Signage Version

Every year I also produce a vertical version of this map for use on signs. That requires separate renderings and a reorientation of the whole composition, but the same three dimensional model and map keying developed for the primary version serve as the foundation. It is more work, but it keeps the visual language consistent across formats.

Where the Map Is Used

This map will be used online, in the printed program, and on signage throughout the show. That is making good use of a single asset. It serves both as a wayfinding tool and a marketing piece. Before the show even starts, it gives prospective visitors concrete information about the event, helping them visualize the experience and plan their day. It is not just a fluff piece. It provides real data about an event that has not happened yet.

Your Map

If you need a map for a boat show, an event, or any other venue that requires clear, detailed, and visually consistent navigation, contact me. I have done this work before and I would be glad to do it for you.

Map in show program Palm Beach International Boat Show Map in Program 2026