Australia’s two biggest boat shows are reporting positive industry reponse
The two biggest boat shows in Australia – the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) from May 21-24 and the Sydney International Boat Show (SIBS) from July 30 to August 3 – are both reporting positive industry response to the 2020 editions of each show.
Domenic Genua, general manager of Marketing, Events & Communication for the Australian Boating Industry Association Ltd, says interest is extremely high for space in the exhibition halls and the marina.
The Sydney International Boat Show returned to the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney and Cockle Bay in Darling Harbour in 2019. As the largest recreational boat show in the Southern Hemisphere, it fills the entire exhibition space and both levels available at the ICC, as well as the show’s purpose-built marina on Cockle Bay.
Once again Cockle Bay marina will be home to hundreds of power and sailing yachts, cruisers and trailer boats, including many world premieres. The adjacent ICC will house most of the equipment suppliers and marine retailers, plus the biggest display of trailer boats under one roof in Australasia.
International interest is high and Genua says it is always a juggling act getting everyone in and making sure they have enough space to display their products.
“The boat show circuit provides a forum for the broader boating community to gather, share insights and learn about the latest technology and innovation that makes life on the water just that little bit better. Since their inception, boat shows have been the hub for buyers to either get into boating or upgrade their existing boating gear and SIBS has been an important part of that,” says Genua.
He adds that for 2020 the show will continue building on the foundation of education and entertainment. The 2019 show saw over 260 exhibitors, with 210 boats on the purpose-built marina and an attendance of over 60,000.
The 2020 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) has attracted a strong response from exhibitors, all of them enthused by the prospect of an enhanced larger layout and additions to the program for this year’s show.
Australian manufacturers and the cream of international boat brands have already signed up including Riviera, Maritimo, Princess Yachts, Horizon, Palm Beach Motor Yachts, Ocean Alexander, Ferretti, Azimut, Galeon, Fleming, Whitehaven and Integrity. From the multihull segment, Seawind, Lagoon, Leopard, Fountaine Pajot, Aquila and Iliad will have new models on show.
In the popular ‘Sports Leisure and Fishing Precinct’, brands including Boston Whaler, Sea Ray, Mastercraft, Cruise Craft, Quintrex, Makocraft, Tracker, Sea Jay and Stessco have been quick to secure space. From the burgeoning RIB category, Brig will have around 30 models on display.
Electronics equipment specialists such as Raymarine, Simrad, B&G, Lowrance and Garmin are planning major launches of products that enhance the boating lifestyle in navigation, safety, fishing and entertainment.
According to SCIBS sales & partnerships manager Dominic O’Brien: “Over 80% of the site has already been booked and the show is expected to sell out well in advance. SCIBS is significant as the first boat show of the Australian calendar, attracting more than 45,000 visitors – consumers and B2B customers – from all over the country, New Zealand and Asia.”
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