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2015 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show: What To Expect

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Few events are as unique and exciting as Fort Lauderdale’s International Boat Show. With over three million square feet of exhibit space, ground and water transportation options, and six marinas and a convention center, this show is the largest in-water boat show in the world. Entering its 56th year, the 2015 show will be unlike any other, and Frigibar is looking forward to being a part of the show as an exhibitor.

While most boat shows focus on one segment of the boating industry, the Fort Lauderdale show has it all. “It’s got everything from stand-up paddle boards and kayaks to some of the largest yachts in the world all at one show,” said Danny Grant of Pierson Grant PR. Danny says the show is where the “entire boating industry comes to do business,” and referred to it as the industry’s “Super Bowl.”

Show organizers have partnered with Starmark International, a creative marketing company, who will help create new digital branding efforts and give the show a fresh new look.

The show attracts more than 1,000 exhibitors. As an exhibitor, Frigibar has been a part of the event for over 40 years. “Exhibitors make the show. Without them, there is no boat show,” Danny stated. Event organizers go out of their way to make it an amazing and exciting event for exhibitors and attendees. Over 1,500 boats will be on display, and 100,000 people will attend the event, which will be held November 5-9. Asked why people should attend, Danny Grant said, “It’s fun to people watch, walk the docks, come with friends, enjoy a drink and see what’s new.”

Advice for Attendees

Those looking to be a part of the festivities should purchase tickets early to receive a discount and reserve a hotel room as soon as possible. Hotels near the show fill up months in advance.

Danny recommends attendees visit the show website at ShowManagement.com to get a feel for the seven locations of the show and to plan based on what areas of the show they would like to see the most. “If you’re coming for a certain thing, make sure you know how to get there.”

Make sure to stop by the Frigibar exhibit space at booth 541. We hope to see you there! Follow us @Frigibar on Twitter and Frigibar on Facebook to keep up to date with news and events.

Uber Back in Broward!

After not being available in the area since July 31st of 2015, Uber is coming back to Broward County. In an email sent on October 14th, Uber stated:

“We have always prioritized riders’ and driver-partners’ safety with rigorous background checks, a $1 million insurance policy, and accountability and transparency built into the Uber app. We are proud to have provided over one million safe rides here in Broward, and we look forward to providing millions more.

Thanks to Commissioners Bogen, Furr, Kiar, LaMarca, Ritter and Mayor Ryan for creating a modern regulatory framework that enables us to once again operate in Broward County.

We couldn’t be more excited to call Broward home again – and to get back to providing you with safe, reliable transportation at the touch of a button.”

Uber returning to Broward County is great news for attendees of the 2015 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and will help attendees and exhibitors get to and from each of the events on-site locations.

Family Fishing: Interview with Liquid Fire Fishing Team Captain Mark Henderson

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“If you want to be the best at something, you have to put the effort and energy in it.”

As a business dedicated to the marine industry for over 40 years, Frigibar has seen the hard work and commitment needed to be a boat owner. From boat upkeep to managing a crew, each owner has a unique story and motivations for what they do. When a boat owner is also the captain and lead angler of a fishing team, there’s a whole new level of devotion required.

Frigibar recently interviewed boat owner, captain, and 2008 Yamaha Professional Kingfish Tour’s Angler of the Year, Mark Henderson. Henderson started the Liquid Fire Fishing Team in 2005, just a year after participating in his first competitive event with friend Ben Beasley. “I was hooked.” A decade later, the team is still going strong and competes in 15-22 competitions each year on their Intrepid 375TE CC Open, powered by triple Yamaha 350s.

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As team captain, Mark handles marketing, promotions, sponsorships, speaking engagements, and more in addition to angling. There are many responsibilities and things to consider for each captain, but according to Mark, nothing is as important as putting the right team together. “Having people around you that are dedicated and care as much as you do, that’s the most important thing as a captain.” Mark has compiled a team of skilled anglers he knows very well — his family. The team consists of his sons Joshua and Crockett, wife Audrey, and several guest anglers including his brother-in-law, Chris Waters. “Surround yourself with people that are passionate about the sport and who you can count on.”

Having a reliable team full of your family has additional benefits. The ability to spend time with his family while living out his passion is a dream come true for Mark, but it doesn’t make his job easy. Although Mark has an everyday job, he takes each aspect of leading a competitive fishing team seriously and advises hopeful anglers to do the same, because competitive angling is more than just a hobby. “The dedication of being a professional at anything is the most critical thing to have…you can overcome a lack of talent or anything else with hard work.”

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The 21 events the team will compete in this year requires travel and flexibility depending on the weather, which Mark says drives decision-making as a captain. “You have to be able to monitor the weather to get the most out of your trip.” Teams are often given 2-3 days to choose from in a competition, and choosing a day with choppy waters or strong winds can put an end to your tournament chances before it begins.

Outside of making the big catch, competitive fishing is about preparing, studying, listening and being aware of your surroundings. “The misconception is that it’s all about fishing…the fishing part of it is what people see and read about,” Mark says. He also cautions amateur anglers to avoid getting caught up in how competitive fishing is portrayed on television or by other sources. “Be aware that it’s not everything that you see in a 30-minute television show or hear during an hour-long seminar.” To get a real look at competitive fishing, Mark Henderson recommends visiting the Southern Kingfish Association website, FishSKA.com, and to research and follow teams on social media. The Liquid Fire team has over 8,000 Facebook followers, and shares information and pictures regularly. To contact Mark Henderson, email him at Mark@FishLF.com, and follow the Liquid Fire Fishing Team on Facebook and Twitter. Follow Frigibar on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.