Sydney show impact

The Sydney International Boat Show powers $353m into the regional economy, despite a slight downturn in attendees for the 2024 event.

27 October 2024

The 2024 Sydney International Boat Show generated $353m in total economic output, according to Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) chief executive officer Andrew Scott. The event, held in August at Darling Harbour, was analysed through an independent economic assessment.

“The Sydney International Boat Show attracted 42,000 attendees, and there were thousands more enjoying the non-ticketed areas where our Discover Boating activities were accessible to the general public,” says Scott. “The social value and impact is important to BIA, and it was great to see 87 percent of attendees surveyed agree the event helps promote boating as a social and healthy family activity.”

Nearly 200 exhibitors participated, presenting a diverse range of boating activities, including paddle, power, and sail, over the course of the four-day event, which also played a role in increasing job opportunities.

The 2024 Sydney International Boat Show attracted 42,000 attendees at Darling Harbour.

The event's economic output reached $353m, with a $243m impact on the NSW economy.

There was a 40 percent increase in exhibitor costs this year due to higher logistics and staffing expenses.

An economic and social impact analysis conducted by Farnbach Consulting Network found that the event added $35m to the national and New South Wales economies, incorporating direct, supply-chain, and consumption effects. Of that figure, $243m was generated within the NSW economy.

The event also achieved several milestones, including 700 young people attending Marine Careers Days and over 1,500 participants attending a series of 10 marine-industry events. These events included a marine conference covering topics such as boating safety, vessel safety standards, marine careers, maritime property, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability and decarbonisation in propulsion. The Boating Safety Zone featured 13 State and Federal Government agencies, alongside non-government organisations, offering advice and information to the public on safe and responsible boating.

While overall attendance was lower than the 2023 show, which attracted almost 47,000 visitors, this decrease was in line with trends seen across other major Sydney events, reflecting the broader economic context and ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

The report also noted a 40 percent increase in exhibitor costs, including logistics, staff transport, accommodation, food and additional staffing, alongside higher venue expenses.

The BIA has organised this event—the largest held in the Darling Harbour precinct—55 times.

In a statement, BIA acknowledged the long-standing support of its exhibitors, many of whom have participated in the event for decades.

Next year’s event returns from 31 July to 3 August 2025.

bia.org.au
sydneyboatshow.com.au