Since 1990, David and Lee Ann Lester of Next Level Fairs, have organized more than 110 major international fairs in Miami, Palm Beach, Naples, Hong Kong, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and Greenwich.
Many of their fairs have been acquired by major media companies. Art Miami was purchased in 1998 by Advanstar Communications and the Palm Beach International Art & Antique Fair. ArtPalmBeach, Palm Beach Town and Country, and the Texas International Fine Art Fair were purchased in 2001 by DMG World Media. International Fine Art Expositions (IFAE) later reacquired ArtPalmBeach and the Palm Beach International Art & Antique Fair.
Long known as innovators in the fair industry, the Lesters established their most ambitious venture, SeaFair - The Megayacht Venue, in 2007. Expoships’ $40M specially designed and constructed vessel offered art dealers and luxury lifestyle purveyors access to many affluent communities along the US East Coast in a unique, smaller, club-like fair format.
SeaFair Miami is now permanently docked at 100 Chopin Plaza, adjacent to the InterContinental Hotel in Miami at Bayfront Park on Biscayne Bay - it is by far the most luxurious event venue available. Designed by internationally acclaimed yacht designer Luis De Basto, the 222 ft., 2800 international tons, the magnificent vessel is the largest commercial operation ship in the Intercoastal waterway.
The Lesters will continue Art Palm Beach, in its 22nd Edition, taking place January 16-20, 2019 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center and Art Boca Raton, in its 4th Edition, February 20-24, 2019 at the International Pavilion on the grounds of the FAU Research Park.
