Sydney show insight

“The popular fishing clinics and giant fishing demo tank will return, and visitors can learn all the tips and tricks from Australia’s foremost fishing experts, including show Ambassadors Paul Burt (7News Coast Expert & Host of Step Outside with Paul Burt) and Andrew ‘ET’ Ettingshausen (Host of Channel 10’s Escape Fishing with ET).

“For those who prefer being powered by the wind, the show is excited to highlight the many facets of sailing, covering all things from the modest dinghy to the speedy catamaran. Visitors are invited to learn about the sailing opportunities offered within Sydney and the surrounding waterways.”

This year, SIBS organisers are aiming to use the show as a platform to discuss and drive change around wider issues impacting the marine industry.

BIA President Adam Smith said, “After 55 years, we feel the Sydney International Boat Show has become more than just a trade or consumer show – it has become a celebration of the boating lifestyle and a platform for positive discussions to drive change across our industry and communities.

“All the issues facing our industry are important to us but, for 2024, we’ve identified three key areas to focus on – sustainability and decarbonisation; diversity and inclusion; along with fostering employment and careers in the marine sector.

“By using this internationally recognised show as a platform, we want to unite and inspire our stakeholders and community to tackle these issues together.”

Sustainability and decarbonisation

Sustainability and decarbonisation are high on the news agenda and show exhibitor Lisa Blair has become a strong advocate.

Blair, an Australian solo sailor with multiple world records to her name, is also a strong voice for sustainability in the response to climate change and the impact it’s having on Australia’s oceans and waterways.

“Over the past decade of my career, I’ve noticed the impact climate change has on our environment,” she said.

“The storms are more aggressive and less predictable, the absence of wildlife when years earlier those seas were brimming with life and the increased risk of collision with ice as the glaciers keep melting.

“These are all symptoms of climate change. What we know is that a greater awareness needs to be reached and action needs to be taken.”

Blair is the driving force behind Climate Action Now, a project that is designed to focus on actions that can be taken toward solutions, rather than the problem itself.

She continued, “I wholeheartedly believe that together we can deliver a very strong message, which will create meaningful conversations and then action, and what better platform to harness this than via the Sydney International Boat Show, which is expected to attract more than 50,000 people this year.

“For many people living in Australia, the waterways are their livelihood or their way-of-life, and we need to rally together to protect them.”

Diversity and inclusion

Another hot topic on the agenda is diversity and inclusion. Whether it is age, gender, cultural background or physical abilities, the Sydney International Boat Show is committed to building a culture that respects and embraces diversity.

The Boating Industry Association’s Women in Boating Committee Chair Tracy Souris said, “The industry is moving forward, and with it comes the desire to create a culture of belonging.

“It is a challenge but one the industry is excited to take on. Our aim is to build honest and fruitful relationships across divides and create an all-hands-on-deck industry that benefits everyone.”

“The Sydney International Boat Show is a perfect platform to inspire and educate the industry on the value of all members of our community and build awareness of the pathways available to those seeking career opportunities within the boating industry,” she added.

Employment and career opportunities

2024 is a significant milestone for Australian football legend Andrew ‘ET’ Ettingshausen as it marks 25 years since his national television show Escape Fishing with ET first started. Ettingshausen is using this milestone to help give back to the industry that has contributed to his success, by highlighting the vast employment and career opportunities available in the marine industry.

“This year marks 25 years of Escape Fishing with ET – I can’t believe I’ve been casting a line out on national television longer than my footy career,” he said.

“The marine industry, the people, businesses and places, have all played a huge role in the show’s success and longevity. So, in our 25th year I want to give-back by sharing why I love this community and by doing so hopefully encourage others to consider a career path in the marine industry too.

“In such a dynamic industry, there’s no end to the opportunities available. Whether it’s working around boats of all shapes and sizes, on or fishing in some of the best waterways in the world, the marine industry is diverse, with a wide range of pathways open to everyone,” he commented.

Off the back of last year’s event, the BIA commissioned an independent economic and social impact report for the first time. The findings revealed that the event had an AU$345-million impact on the economy, created 980 jobs and generated approximately AU$147 million in sales and orders based on respondent estimates.

Meet Lisa, Tracy and Andrew at the Sydney International Boat Show from 1 to 4 August. The 2024 Sydney International Boat Show is presented by the Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) and its event delivery partner Mulpha Events, and proudly supported by Partner in Safety – Transport for NSW, along with official event partners Walcon Marine and new for 2024, Century Batteries and GMSV.

Ocean Media will again exhibit on the marina within the Ocean Club Lounge and the team is looking forward to catching up with owners, advertisers and colleagues.

sydneyboatshow.com.au