Illustration and Design by John Potter - Escape Key Graphics
Client: Informa Markets
For information about the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show visit FLIBS.com
My work on the 2026 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show continued with a fresh revision of the illustrated map covering Bahia Mar, Las Olas Marina, and Hall of Fame. Dock configurations changed. Tent placements shifted. Exhibitor zones needed new positioning. Sponsor logos were added, removed, or relocated across the layout.
The map keeps the show's established color zone system. This approach creates a clear navigational hierarchy that serves an event as large and complex as FLIBS very well. Attendees can spot the general area they want and then drill down to specific docks or exhibitor zones. For both guests and exhibitors, clarity and easy movement are essential. This system provides both.
I concentrate the illustration on the official show footprint rather than the surrounding areas. Docks use lettered keys. Land based features get numbered keys. Common amenities such as restrooms and services appear as consistent icons. These choices keep the map clean and easy to read. They also ensure the piece works just as well in printed programs, on site signage, and on digital platforms throughout the event.
Since 2010, with the exception of 2021, I have been the map illustrator and designer for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. I collaborate closely with Informa U.S. Boat Shows to refine the look, usability, and precision of the show's cartographic materials year after year. My maps appear as the official printed show map, within the FLIBS mobile app, on exhibit signage, and as transit and foldable guides. Over the years I have adapted styles, software workflows, and presentation formats as the show has expanded in size and complexity. My goal has stayed the same. Balance technical accuracy with artistic clarity so attendees can locate exhibitors, boats, services, and key features without frustration, all while reinforcing the premium brand experience of FLIBS.
If you have attended the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and used these maps, whether in print, on signage, or in the app, you have seen how strategic map design elevates a major event. Great visual wayfinding improves user experience, strengthens brand perception, supports marketing goals, and boosts audience engagement across large scale environments. Whether you are 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. I invite you to explore the rest of my portfolio for additional examples.