In the lead-up to the 49th Sydney International Boat Show, owners and organisers of the event, the Boating Industry Association, say that it has never been more important to ensure the event delivers what the public want.
The show, with its roots going back to 1968, brings recreational boaties together with the industry players to make the recreational boating lifestyle a reality.
The success of the event can be attributed to its ability to attract quality exhibitors in the most challenging of times. Recreational boaters have the opportunity to see a broad representation of the products that make time on the water enjoyable, safe and successful.
The 2015 show delivered just over 51,000 visitors, with research showing that one in three arrived with a purchase intention. While the all-important services and ancillary products were critical to the mix, an astounding one in five arrived with the intention to buy a boat. These statistics emphasise the relevance of boat shows to the purchasing public, and the importance for the best of the industry to be present.
2016 will see the event again hosted at a dual location, with 20,000 square metres of undercover displays at the Sydney Exhibition Centre at Glebe Island, and the on-water component at the show’s door step in Darling Harbour. The refined transport arrangement will see guests transferred easily between the two locations by a free ferry service, with the awe-inspiring Sydney Harbour as the backdrop.
The split location has created a number of positive opportunities with the venue easily accessible for visitors. Its opaque ceiling casts a bright glow over the exhibition displays containing 700+ boats. The efforts of the industry to deliver above average and quality displays have enhanced the show organisers’ ability to take visitors on a journey of education and entertainment within the world of recreational boating, with something to offer most tastes and budgets.
With the undercover displays hosting the leading brands of trailer boats, kayaks, canoes, electronics, tourism, ancillary products and services, as well as most things needed for a healthy and rewarding boating lifestyle, the on-water displays of 145+ boats too large to take out of the water in Darling Harbour also have to be recognised as a huge and popular feature for show goers and the industry alike.
Visitors to the show can expect to enjoy the community atmosphere and be entertained, educated and inspired. They will see Endless undercover displays offering everything they want to see or know about boating, with a purpose-built marina to display large boats. A free ferry transfers visitors across the wonderful Sydney Harbour between the two venues.
Darling Harbour & Glebe Island
Thursday 28 July to Monday 1 August
Open: 10am to 6pm and until 7pm on Friday & Saturday
The event will be the door to getting Australians onto the water. For further information, keep an eye on www.sydneyboatshow.com.au.
