FLIBS 2025 Bahia Mar, Swimming Hall of Fame, Las Olas Marina, Map Illustrated Map

Illustrated Map For the 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Illustration and Design by John Potter - Escape Key Graphics
Client: Informa Markets
For information about the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show visit FLIBS.com

This year's map is a three page centerfold spread!

For the 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, I continued my ongoing work updating the Bahia Mar, Las Olas Marina, and International Swimming Hall of Fame illustrated map. Dock layouts, tent locations, and exhibitor areas were revised to reflect current show planning, while sponsor logos were added, removed, or repositioned as needed. The Swimming Hall of Fame portion of the map was significantly updated to reflect major changes to the site, including the new building, redesigned pool, and the dramatic high dive platforms.

The map maintains the show’s established color zone system, which creates a clear hierarchy for navigation. Visitors can first identify the general area they want to explore and then quickly narrow their focus to specific docks or exhibitor zones. This approach is especially effective for large and complex events like FLIBS, where clarity and ease of movement are critical for both guests and exhibitors.

To keep the map easy to read, the illustration focuses primarily on the official show footprint rather than surrounding areas. Docks are identified with lettered keys, land based features are keyed with numbers, and recurring amenities such as restrooms and services are represented with icons. Together, these design choices support efficient wayfinding and ensure the map works equally well for printed programs, signage, and digital use throughout the event.

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Maps 2025:

Bahia Mar, Swimming Hall of Fame & Las Olas Marina Map | Transit and Parking Map | Marinas (17th St Cswy) Map | Broward County Convention Center Map | Program Layout

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Maps:

Bahia Mar, Swimming Hall of Fame & Las Olas Marina Maps: 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010
Parking and Transportation Maps: 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2015 Bus | 2015 Water Taxi | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011
Broward County Convention Center Maps: 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2016 | 2015 Ext | 2014 Ext | 2014 | 2013 Ext | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010
Marinas Maps: 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2016
Program Layouts: 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022
Signs: 2013 looking north | 2013 Engine Tent
Video: 2013 54th Annual
Illustrations (not maps): 2014A | 2014B

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:

As the official printed show map, tailored each year to reflect expanded and redesigned show footprints
Within the FLIBS mobile app to help users navigate docks, tents, marinas, and exhibitor displays
On exhibit signage and environmental graphics throughout multiple show locations
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.