Florida business woman Gillian Dinnerstein, impeccably dressed in a gold and black evening dress, accented by a Chanel purse and glasses, Louis Vuitton scarf, and jewelry from Van Cleef and Arpels was chauffeured to the Palm Beach International Boat Show, from her spacious beachfront condo in Fort Lauderdale to meet Haute Residence Luxury Realtor, Veronica Caracciolo of Palm Beach Lux Group and me.
Dinnerstein was accompanied by long-time friends, Pat Riley and Laura Males, both notably attired. Martel Russell, a retired F-15 Air Force Pilot added to the eclectic mix, along with a few other out-of-state guests. The VIP guests were invited to a private yacht party aboard the $8 million 127’ Super yacht, "No Bada Bees," brokered for sale at the show.
Courtesy of Frank Kirschner
“It’s an absolutely gorgeous yacht,” Dinnerstein said. "And so is the West Palm Beach waterfront," Caracciolo proudly added as she pointed out over the starboard deck. Riley, founder of Florida-based cosmetics company, Clientele Beauty, and Males, a public relations consultant, gave tacit approval with delicate nods.
Owner Kimberly Glaser, an informative and gracious host, deftly addressed US trade policies, the stock market and the White House, as we all sipped Dom Perignon and Woodford Reserve Bourbon between hors d’oeuvres and opinions. Russell, who flew two tours in the Iraq War, added interesting viewpoints to the conversation.
Frank Kirschner and Veronica Caracciolo/ Courtesy of Frank Kirschner
Caracciolo and I, Haute Residence Partners in West Palm Beach, were there as Brand Ambassadors, promoting the Haute Living and Haute Residence brand in the ‘VIP Experience’ Lounge. New show owners, Informa Exhibitions, had to be pleased with their maiden voyage of the 33rd annual PBIBS (Palm Beach International Boat Show).
Mahogany is never out of style/ Courtesy of Frank Kirschner
Informa, who recently negotiated a 10-year agreement with Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, kicked off this year’s gala featuring $1.2 billion in yachts and marine merchandise. The mood was festive and upbeat and the weather cooperated, as tens of thousands of attendees flocked to the annual pilgrimage along the West Palm Beach waterfront. Visitors from New York, Boston, Nantucket, Annapolis, LA, Detroit, Chicago, Raleigh, Charleston and Toronto, just to name a few cities outside Florida, were in attendance.
Downtown restaurants were buzzing with patrons and the food and social cocktails flowed freely. "Bradley's," a popular local outdoor restaurant located at ground-zero, just outside the show perimeter, was a bee-hive of activity throughout the day and into the evening. But don’t let the 7pm daily closing-time of the Show give you the impression that the docks were quiet after dusk. To the contrary, many private VIP-guest activities just begin in the evening.
Courtesy of Frank Kirschner
The diversity of attendees, from fishing enthusiasts to those fortunate enough to live a lifestyle of the rich and famous, make the Palm Beach International Boat Show an event you’ll want to include on next year’s to-do list.
Frank Kirschner and retired F-15 Fighter Pilot, Martel Russell / Courtesy of Frank Kirschner
Laura Males, Veronica Caracciolo, and Pat Riley/ Courtesy of Frank Kirschner
Kimberly Glaser (right) and guest/ Courtesy of Frank Kirschner
Courtesy of Frank Kirschner
Courtesy of Frank Kirschner
Courtesy of Frank Kirschner
Frank Kirschner, MBA, is a Licensed Florida R.E. Broker, and Haute Residence R.E. Partner with Premier Brokers International. He is the founder of the ‘Palm Beach Lux Group’ specializing in customized marketing for hi-end properties. An industry freelance writer since 1993, Frank knows south Florida well & services client from Jupiter to Miami Beach. Contact him at frank@frankkirschner.com or www.palmbeachluxgroup.com VIP Hotline. 877-696-6386
