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Palm Beach International Boat Show opens with ribbon cutting; organizers highlight grant program and economic impact
Summary
Organizers and city officials cut the ribbon to open the Palm Beach International Boat Show, promoting the event’s Give Back grant program and citing claims of $1.1 billion in regional economic impact and $1 million raised for marine education.
A ribbon cutting marked the opening of the Palm Beach International Boat Show in West Palm Beach on the morning of the event, where organizers highlighted the show’s grant program and economic benefits to the region.
Alyssa Freeman, executive director of the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, welcomed attendees and said the show’s Give Back grant program has returned funds to local nonprofits. "In 2 years we have given back $1,000,000 to our local community," Freeman said, adding the program supports "marine related projects and programs."
The program’s scope drew additional figures from city and show officials. Andrew Duell, president of US Boat Shows for Informa Markets, called the event "America's favorite boat show" and praised the number and quality of international exhibitors. Cheryl Chase, co-president and general counsel of Chase Enterprises and a principal of Palm Harbor Marina, described the marina’s role in hosting the show and said the facility offers "200 slips and the capacity to accommodate vessels up to 300 feet."
Keith James, mayor of West Palm Beach, noted the city’s partnership and attributed large economic benefits to the event. "The Marine Industries Association's Palm Beach International Boat Show has a $1,100,000,000 economic impact on West Palm Beach and South Florida," Mayor James said. He also cited Give Back figures: "Give Back has awarded half a million dollars to 29 local nonprofit organizations for sustainability and conservation," and said donors and ticket sales have helped raise money for marine curriculum.
Organizers and the mayor also emphasized family-friendly attractions and scale: the mayor said the show expects more than 55,000 attendees, highlighted the AquaZone family attraction on the Intracoastal, and noted the newly expanded Superyacht Show with about 200 large yachts among more than 1,000 boats on display.
The program concluded with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. The remarks in the ceremony were promotional and informational; no formal votes or policy actions were taken during the event.
