Conferences converge
ASMEX and two other major international marine industry events - the ICOMIA and IFBSO congress - will coincide with the 2017 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.
Photography by Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
25 March 2017
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The 29th annual Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) will this year coincide with three globally significant boating conventions, attracting influential delegates from more than 30 countries to the Gold Coast.
Leaders of marine industry associations and managers of leading boat shows from around world will converge on Queensland’s Gold Coast from May 22 to 28, for what is being hailed as ‘International Boating Week’.
The Australian Superyacht and Marine Export Conference (ASMEX), May 22 to 24, is expected to involve as many as 300 delegates this year and includes the 2017 Australian Marine Industry Awards gala dinner and presentation.
Held at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, ASMEX will lead directly into SCIBS, showcasing hundreds of boats and thousands of marine products from more than 300 exhibitors across four days from May 25 to 28.
Coinciding with ASMEX and SCIBS is the 2017 International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) and International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO) Congress – a four-day conference organised by the Boating Industry Association (BIA) that represents the world’s leading boat shows and assists with the development of marine trade exhibitions worldwide.
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This exciting confluence of marine events will allow unprecedented networking opportunities for the local industry, while shining a spotlight on Australian manufacturing ingenuity and promoting the Gold Coast as the country’s boating epicentre.
The National Marine Manufacturing Association (NMMA) is an advocate for recreational boating and the organisers of 20 boat shows in the US including the International Boatbuilders Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), which is the world’s largest technical marine event in the world.
NMMA president Thom Dammrich, who is a frequent visitor to SCIBS and ASMEX, said he plans to attend the four events (ASMEX, SCIBS, ICOMIA and IFBSO) on the Gold Coast in May and is looking forward to what he calls “an amazing opportunity to share and learn”.
“The international marine industry is one large ecosystem and the health of the industry globally depends on all the parts of the ecosystem being healthy,” Mr Dammrich said.
“This opportunity to come together with our colleagues around the world will be unprecedented.
The combination of these four events provides a unique opportunity to share, learn, network and advance the global recreational boating industry in a highly cost-effective manner.”
According to Mr Dammrich, ICOMIA and IFBSO combined have members in over 35 countries and he anticipates attendance from representatives from all member countries, manufacturers, and boat show organisers.
“I expect to see delegates from North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and, of course, Australia,” he said.
“As in previous years, it would be great to have representatives from South America too, which is an expanding market with lots of opportunity.”
A regular guest of ASMEX and SCIBS, and a fan of the Australian boating way of life, Mr Dammrich is generous in his praise of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show and its strong ties to the international industry.
“SCIBS is a member of IFBSO and is one of the premier boat shows in the world,” Mr Dammrich said.
“What a great opportunity for IFBSO show producers and MTA (Marine Trade Association) show producers to get to experience SCIBS as part of International Boating Week in Sanctuary Cove.
“ASMEX is one of the best conferences I have attended in the past few years. Everyone can benefit from the topics and speakers at ASMEX.”
SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser said the combined mega-marine celebration is an exceptional opportunity for exhibitors to gain valuable access to a key group of international industry leaders.
“ICOMIA and IFBSO choosing to hold their congress on the Gold Coast during the same week as ASMEX and SCIBS is an unparalleled opportunity for boating businesses and brands to meet global influencer’s right here at home,” Mr Hasser said.
“SCIBS’ reputation internationally has attracted these events and is testament to Mulpha’s sustained investment in the marine industry.
Mulpha Australia Ltd has demonstrated its commitment and passion for the marine lifestyle through its continued investment in SCIBS each year. Mulpha’s chairman, Lee Seng Huang, recently took ownership of the former Ragamuffin 100, renamed Scallywag, achieving 3rd place line honours in the 2016 Sydney to Hobart race, and 1st place in the 2016 Hong Kong to Hainan race.
Presented by the Queensland Government, AIMEX, Gold Coast City Council and SCIBS, the International Business Lounge (IBL) is a dedicated space for exhibitors, sponsors, and guests to network, meet and discuss industry issues at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.
“The IBL is a place to float new ideas with fellow delegates and industry leaders. There will be workshops and opportunities for dialogue across all levels of industry,” Mr Hasser said.
www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au
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