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An Insider’s Guide Beyond FLIBS
Every year, as October winds down, a flurry of activity centers around the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS). For the better part of a week, the City transforms into a hub for all things maritime, drawing boating enthusiasts, industry professionals, and active consumers from around the world. The City has definitely moved past its previous reputation as a Spring Break destination – with immense growth and countless events taking place throughout the year. In fact, FLIBS is recognized as the largest in-water boat show in the world.
While FLIBS is a star during Fall, Fort Lauderdale is home to so many things, and it is rapidly growing beyond a tourism-based economy. The Greater Fort Lauderdale area is home to almost 1.9 million people and has 24 miles of Atlantic coastline beach. It now supports a diverse range of industries and is morphing into a world-class international business center. With high-end retail and luxurious waterfronts, it’s become a hot spot for advertisers and brand engagement.
Fort Lauderdale’s Charm
With an average year-round temperature of 76°F and 3,000 hours of sunshine, Fort Lauderdale is an ideal destination for everything under the sun. Affectionately known as the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale has 165 miles of inland waterways running through the City – opening a unique way to reach audiences in the out-of-home advertising space.
Even with the immense growth of the region, the City has managed to maintain its charm and local traditions – including hosting the popular holiday event, Winterfest, which has spanned five decades and has become the world’s “most watched boat parade.” Not to mention local festivals like Tortuga.
Connecting with – Fort Lauderdale Advertising during and Beyond FLIBS
The economic importance of Fort Lauderdale cannot be overstated. For FLIBS alone, it’s estimated that the event generates $1.79B in economic activity throughout the State of Florida. With hundreds of thousands of visitors, the event stretches across seven venues, connected by an intricate network of water and ground transportation services.
One of the ways Ballyhoo has stepped in for brands wanting to connect to these audiences is via the waterways. The Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi is the official transportation partner for FLIBS and is designed to help move passengers with ease from one designation to the next on a scenic route. Beyond the festival, it operates year-round attracting high-end tourists, business owners, and locals.
Ballyhoo’s innovative digital OOH technology onboard earns the attention of audiences on the move.
Some of the brands we highlighted this year include:
- Atlantis Paradise Island
- Tito’s
- Gallo – Whitehaven
- Guy Harvey
- Total Wine
The uniqueness of our digital boats and water taxi fins have provided brands with exclusive access to a range of consumers traveling through the City. With the Water Taxi operating daily along an 11-stop route, brands have been able to directly connect their message with their intended audience in places like the world-renowned Las Olas Blvd, sandy beaches, high-end hotels, waterfront homes and condos, and popular restaurants.
In OOH, creativity is key to driving results, and when it comes to creativity, we don’t draw lines or boundaries.
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