The Women Redefining Yachting’s Digital and PR Strategy: Barbara Giannakou and Sidney Bitter-Larkin at FLIBS 2024

Yachting is as much about storytelling as it is about the vessels themselves, and at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), two remarkable women were at the helm of IYC’s narrative. Barbara Giannakou, Social Media Manager, and Sidney Bitter-Larkin, PR & Content Lead, didn’t just represent IYC—they reshaped how the brand engages its audience, both online and in the real world.

Barbara Giannakou: Data-Driven Social Media Visionary

As IYC’s Social Media Manager, Barbara Giannakou has brought a laser-focused approach to crafting digital strategies that go far beyond posting pretty pictures of yachts. Her expertise lies in merging creativity with data analytics, ensuring IYC’s social presence isn’t just engaging but impactful. At FLIBS 2024, Barbara was instrumental in amplifying the company’s reach, showcasing its innovative offerings, and driving audience interaction through meticulously planned campaigns.

Barbara’s journey to IYC is rooted in diverse, global experiences. She began her career as a travel agent for one of the world’s largest tourism companies, which gave her deep insights into customer behavior and expectations. Armed with a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing from Spain, she transitioned into managing social media for luxury hotels, honing her ability to tell compelling stories that resonate with high-end audiences. Her subsequent role as a Performance Marketing Manager at a multinational company taught her how to leverage data-driven insights to optimize campaigns, a skill that now ensures every IYC post is both visually stunning and strategically sound.

At FLIBS, Barbara showcased her ability to turn raw data into digital gold. By monitoring audience trends in real time and adapting content to maximize reach, she ensured IYC stayed at the forefront of online conversations. Her skill in blending analytics with creativity is redefining how the yachting industry approaches social media, making IYC a standout in a competitive digital landscape.

Sidney Bitter-Larkin: The PR Powerhouse

If Barbara drives IYC’s online presence, Sidney Bitter-Larkin ensures the company’s voice resonates across multiple platforms and audiences. As PR & Content Lead, Sidney brings a global perspective and storytelling expertise that elevates IYC’s brand identity. At FLIBS 2024, she played a pivotal role in crafting the company’s public image, connecting with influencers, media outlets, and high-profile attendees to ensure IYC’s message cut through the noise.

Sidney’s multicultural background—having lived in New York, Geneva, Monaco, and more—has shaped her ability to navigate diverse audiences with ease. Her PR expertise includes working with brands like Adobe, Audemars Piguet, and Fraser Yachts, where she crafted results-driven campaigns that blend creativity with strategy. As Vice President of the Monaco chapter of YPY (Young Professionals in Yachting), Sidney also leverages her leadership role to build connections that benefit the industry as a whole.

At FLIBS, Sidney’s strategies were on full display. From coordinating high-profile media events to fostering influencer partnerships, she ensured that IYC’s presence wasn’t just seen but remembered. Her ability to create narratives that align with IYC’s vision is a testament to her PR finesse and creative depth.

The Dynamic Duo Leading IYC’s Growth

Together, Barbara and Sidney embody the modern, sophisticated approach that defines IYC’s brand. By combining Barbara’s data-driven social expertise with Sidney’s flair for storytelling and strategic PR, they ensured that IYC’s presence at FLIBS 2024 wasn’t just successful—it was transformative. These women aren’t just shaping IYC’s future; they’re reshaping how the yachting industry approaches marketing, content, and audience engagement.