Welcome aboard
The 2019 Sydney International Boat Show provides the successful platform for industry goodwill.
07 August 2019
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The Sydney International Boat Show closed on Monday 5 August, with visitors and exhibitors alike enjoying five glorious sunny days at the International Convention Centre Sydney and the Show’s purpose-built marina on Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour. Visitors to the show were treated to a broad offering that highlighted the diversity of the recreational boating industry in Australia.
The event delivered numerous memorable moments. On the opening night of the show, Ocean Media celebrated 15 years at the Sydney International Boat Show by presenting the Ocean Club party, hosted by Café del Mar. The event was sponsored by Pilatus, Oyster and Majesty Yachts, with support from Monaco Economic Board, M Yachts, Pantaenius and Crown Residences Sydney.
Owners, Captains and VIPs enjoyed an evening of cocktails and drinks generously supplied by G.H. Mumm, Sydney Brewing Company and Pernod Ricard, as well as live music, entertainment and free-flowing food.
Throughout the week, numerous exhibitors hosted exclusive launch events and glamorous parties to complement the abundance of new models and designs on show this year.
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Darren Vaux, President of the Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA), owners and organisers of the event, said “Boating appeals and is accessible to people from all walks of life. This year’s Boat Show has demonstrated that.
We’re very pleased with the diversity of the offering and the quality of the displays for our guests to enjoy.”
Friday’s official function bought together many of the industry’s leaders and stakeholders. Parliamentary Secretary Eleni Petinos provided an update on the Government’s latest activities and announced a new Personal Watercraft campaign due for release later in the year, whilst BIA President Darren Vaux delivered a compelling insight into the shifting dynamics of the boating world. The function ended with special guest Michelle Lee sharing her experience of crossing the Atlantic solo non-stop in a rowboat.
General Manager of Marketing and Events for the BIA, Domenic Genua said, “Our intention this year was to take our visitors on a journey. Our desire was to share all that is good about recreational boating.
Covering one hundred percent of the exhibition facilities, the show delivered seven halls of exhibits over two levels, and to complement that, the external Event Deck and Marina both proved very popular with visitors.”
Visitor numbers were on par with last year. Julie Balzano visiting with a delegation from the USA’s National Marine Manufacturers Association, describing the show’s attendance as “solid”.
Daily attendance figures released by the BIA showed 7,158 visitors on Thursday, 11,840 visitors on Friday, 17,888 visitors on Saturday, 18,033 visitors on Sunday, and for the very important final trading day there were 5,231 visitors. Total visitors for 2019 were 60,149, an increase of 396 people across the 5 days of the show, compared to 2018.
The BIA also expressed its gratitude to all the event partners, and particularly to the Show’s Partner in Safety, Transport for NSW.
“The BIA team is grateful to its partners who have gone beyond the norm to help, in their own way, contribute to the success of the show,” Domenic Genua said.
“We are also grateful to Transport for NSW with whom we work closely throughout the year to deliver safe boating education. Whilst the pinnacle of our activities occur at the show, the reality is that our efforts continue all year round.”
Show dates for 2020 have already been locked-in for Thursday 30 July to Monday 3 August.
sydneyboatshow.com.au
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