The Sydney Boat Show closes, laying foundation for a positive summer

by Domenic Genua on 6 Aug 2013 The 46th Sydney International Boat Show closed tonight with almost 60,000 visitors attending during the five day event.

The show also closed a chapter in its long running and distinguished time at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre. The venue that has been the home to the Boat Show for 25 events since 1989 has been earmarked for a major rebuild starting at the end of this year.

The Boating Industry Association of NSW, owners and organisers of the Boat Show have immediately starting to plan for 2014 where the show will have its undercover exhibits relocated to Glebe Island for three years during the rebuilding of the venue. Its existing on-water displays will remain in Cockle Bay Darling Harbour.

This years event had many positive indicators that are in contrast to the decreasing registrations that the industry has seen for a number of years. The talk of the exhibition floor was clearly that the decreased attendance was not an indicator of the level of product sales, with many visitors choosing to reward themselves having held back on boating for some time now.

Roy Privett, General Manager for the Association said, 'Whilst visitor numbers seem to be one of the events performance indicators, the reality is that under tough economic conditions, it is a more qualified audience that a show is seeking to attract. The number of show visitors will improve as the economy does, but for now, it is important that we continue to fulfill the needs of qualified boaties'

The Association believes that the move to Glebe Island will create numerous opportunities for positive change to meet the needs of both exhibitors and visitors. Planning will commence immediately with the view of maintaining the fine tradition and market leadership the show has delivered since its inception in 1968.

More at www.bia.org.au