In early 1970s Fort Lauderdale, you would find a handful of boats bobbing along the New River, a scattering of land displays lining the banks and a couple of dozen vendors hoping to clear inventory: basically the marine world’s modest garage sale. That’s where the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show started. But then Kaye Pearson — a promoter with vision, gusto and a soft voice that commanded respect — decided the scene needed more than a sheen of glamour. He took the helm.
Before ducking behind the curtain of boat-show fame, Pearson launched into the maritime realm in 1971 as a partner at Pearson Potter Yacht Basin. His knack for promotion emerged early, and three years later, he pitched in to boost the nascent “Fourth of July” exhibition put on by the local industry group. By 1976, the Marine Industries Association handed over the reins, and Pearson’s newly formed Show Management, with a simple directive: Take it somewhere.
Pearson relocated the show to the bustling Bahia Mar Resort, shifted it from summer’s swampy lull to autumn’s crisp vibe (just in time for manufacturers to debut next year’s models) and gave it a new identity: the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. He added pop-up tents, upgraded food courts, fashion parades, live music and even circus-style attractions. Cocktail barges floated beside mega-yachts, and VIP arrivals felt like events themselves.
This approach worked because Pearson understood the psychology of the marine industry. A boat show wasn’t just about inventory; it was about excitement. By fusing business with entertainment, he attracted not only serious buyers but also a crowd that gave the show energy and reach. Industry insiders likened him to the P.T. Barnum of boat shows, but the glitz came with substance.
By the time he sold Show Management in 2006, the event spanned six venues and nearly three million square feet, hosting around 1,600 boats and 1,500 exhibitors. Its annual economic footprint stretched into the billions, cementing Fort Lauderdale as the yachting capital of the world.
Pearson’s drive extended beyond the docks. He was active in philanthropy, supporting youth programs, environmental causes and community organizations. Those who worked with him recall a leader who combined high expectations with genuine generosity, a man who could juggle the demands of exhibitors and entertainers with equal ease.
Pearson’s influence on the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show was not just a flourish of spectacle; it was the framework that allowed the event to grow into the world’s largest in-water boat show. His decisions on timing, location and presentation reshaped the industry calendar and elevated Fort Lauderdale’s standing in the global marine market. By the time he passed in 2009, his blueprint remained largely intact, guiding the show’s continued expansion. Today, the scale, economic impact and reputation of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show stand as enduring proof of the vision Kaye Pearson brought to the docks.
