2002 Sydney International Boat Show
press release...
Planning Well Underway for 2003 Sydney International Boat Show
23rd September 2002
Despite the doors closing on the 2002 edition only six weeks ago, planners at the Sydney office of show organisers the Boating Industry Association of NSW are already deeply involved in preparations for the 2003 Sydney
International Boat Show.The 2002 show wrote itself into the record books with a record visitor attendance of 89,248, smashing the previous record established in 1989 by nearly 3000.
Domenic Genua, marketing and event manager for the association and a key man in the presentation and promotion of the show, admits it will be difficult to top the 2002 show next year.
"We were delighted with this year's operation and all the feed back from the more than 300 exhibitors was positive to the extreme", he said.
"Sales have been estimated to have exceeded A$250 million and are still being made through strong follow-up".
The 2003 show is scheduled for July 31 to August 5.
One major hurdle confronts organisers; Hall six, one of the prime exhibition areas within the vast Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre is unavailable to the boating industry next year.
"This will cost us about 10 percent of our exhibition capabilities", Roy Privett, general manager of the association explained."Hall six was booked by another party several years ago and it's one of those things we just have to accept.
"Fortunately, we'll be able to take up some slack with the marina on adjoining Cockle Bay being increased from 160 vessels to 200.
"Nevertheless, intending exhibitors should be aware and make certain their registrations for space are attended to as a matter of urgency".
The 2002 show has been acclaimed as the "biggest and best" recreational boating exhibition ever staged in the Southern Hemisphere. Not only did it attract a bumper crowd, but it was a crowd in spending mood.The spectacular marina, used this year for the first time and installed by the Australian office of the United Kingdom company, Walcon Marine, lifted the Sydney show to a higher level of professionalism.
Walcon Marine has been responsible for the marina at the Southampton International Boat Show for the past 30-years.
"The praise for the new marine system was very pleasing", Genua said, "both exhibitors and show visitors were suitably impressed."It's intended to become a regular feature of the Sydney International Boat Show".
Within the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, a revised floor plan also assisted the show to present a "new look".
In appearance, the Sydney International Boat Show rates with the worlds best.
Peter Jenkins, marketing manager of the award-winning Australian manufacturer The Riviera Group, attends the world's major boat shows on a regular basis.
He described the Sydney show as "certainly in the top 10, perhaps even in the top six".
Privett lavished praise on the exhibitors for the show's superb presentation.
"It was obvious to all that exhibitors invested ample time and money into their displays and it paid off with the record attendance", Privett said.
"They deserve full credit for their efforts".
To assist future intending exhibitors plan their arrangements, the Boating Industry Association of NSW has confirmed dates for the Sydney International Boat Show through to 2015.
Interested parties can check the dates by visiting the website, www.sydneyboatshow.com.au
For further information contact the Boating Industry Association of NSW (Australia), telephone + 61 2 9438-2077 or e-mail info@bia.org.au