The Saint Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show Map 2023

Illustrated Map for The 2023 Saint Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show

Illustration and Design by John Potter - Escape Key Graphics
Client: Informa Markets
For information on attending the Saint Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show please visit StPeteBoatShow.com

For the 2023 edition of the Saint Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show, I introduced colored zones to the map design. This was an attempt to create additional visual consistency with The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, as both events are part of the Informa portfolio. However, this concept was discontinued the following year. While it achieved a degree of stylistic alignment, it ultimately provided little practical navigational value for attendees or exhibitors.

As is typical for this annual event, there were changes to the layout of floating docks and land based exhibits, all updated according to the revised site plans supplied by the client. The system for identifying facilities and amenities remained consistent, using the same set of graphical icons. Points of interest continued to be marked with the established system of numbered blue dots, though the associated text listings in the key required the usual updates.

My master three dimensional digital model of the location continued to serve as the backbone of the illustration. Only the specific aspects of the show that required revision were altered. Both this systematic approach and the minimal need for major structural changes each year reflect a solid foundational design and a professional methodology built on experience.

Maps for recurring events often undergo multiple rounds of revision, sometimes continuing right up until the final files must be delivered for printing. The more complex the underlying illustration and graphics, the greater the demand placed on the illustrator and designer. Hiring an efficient and experienced professional is the best assurance of a smooth process and a successful result. A single client request can necessitate alterations across multiple files in several different software applications. Strong organizational skills and deep software proficiency are essential to manage these tasks accurately and on deadline.

This map was utilized across multiple platforms, including print materials, onsite signage, and digital formats. An attractive illustrated map like this serves as an excellent marketing tool. It allows potential attendees to vividly visualize the experience of the event, providing a clear sense of the number of exhibitors, the location of facilities like restrooms and food vendors, and the overall layout of the show. This represents a more substantive investment than generic lifestyle photography, which may generate excitement but fails to provide the concrete information that truly helps guests plan their visit.

For more examples of my illustrative cartography for events, please visit my Maps Portfolio.