Innovations, incentives and new fee structures for SCIBS 2014

by Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on 22 Oct 2013 Plans are well underway for the 2014 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show with applications open to exhibitors from 9am Wednesday October 23 and the 2014 Exhibitor Information Kit available online at www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com

The Boat Show website has been upgraded as a one-stop information spot for exhibitors. The site features a simple online application process which exhibitors can use once they set up a secure exhibitor profile in the section called My SCIBS.

As a registered exhibitor, users can access this section at any time, check or edit any of the details relating to company contact information, the status of their account, display area, extras requested and much more.

Exhibitors will also be able to access event information, promotion and publicity, order forms, terms and conditions, display regulations and SCIBS management contacts.

Following on from the shows milestone 25th anniversary, the SCIBS team is committed to building a 'new era event' that will stand SCIBS in good stead for the next quarter century, and beyond.

Mulpha Sanctuary Cove head of events, Johan Hasser said from exhibitor and sponsor feedback, and in line with the evolution of major international boat shows, the SCIBS team had responded and honed a world-class event into what they are confident will be a new-look, sharper-focused event, serving both trade and consumer markets.

'We have worked closely with our major exhibitors and partners over the past few months to craft a new generation show that is improved for exhibitors, sponsors and visitors alike,' said Mr Hasser.

Mr Hasser said an innovation in 2014 would include the new orientation of Pavilion A (the main entry Pavilion), which has been rotated 90°, positioning the main entry at the north end. Inside, it has been reconfigured to increase floor space to 4,250sqm, with the added advantage of wider aisles.

'We have changed the main entry pavilion layout and improved signage for better visitor flow, directing traffic through this pavilion should ensure greater exposure for exhibitors,' he said.

Pavilion C has been re-named the Australian Marine Pavilion (formerly the AIMEX and Superyacht Australia Marine Hub), appealing to local manufacturers, companies and brands specialising in Australian-made goods and services.

In 2014, display fees for pavilion space will be charged according to stand location in the floor plan. Pavilion display rates are priced in three colour-coded categories. The online application computes the cost of the preferred stand/s and generates the display fee.

On the water, the method of calculating display rates (previously based on the overall length of boats in metres) has also changed. For 2014, marina displays will be calculated in square metres on the LOA and maximum beam of each boat, aligning marina space with the way fees for pavilion and open area space have traditionally been calculated. Square metre rates reduce in steps as an exhibitor’s total area increases.

'Our objective for SCIBS 2014 is to increase the number of boats on water, so we have adjusted the fee structure to square metres, similar to the open area rate system, to support exhibitors and encourage them to bring more boats to the show,' said Mr Hasser.

The Marine Village has also undergone significant changes. The old Village Green will soon be the site of new restaurants, a brand new IGA Village Market will open in November 2013 on Masthead Way and the lower boardwalk on The Promenade is being raised to street level.

These additions have resulted in a new Open Area layout with added display space on the Promenade/Quay St, and newly landscaped Docks areas.

The Sea Trial Display Area offers exhibitors the ideal zone for demonstrating boats, products and services to clients and the media.

The 2014 show program is already shaping up to be a winning combination of activities and demonstrations. For exhibitors, there will be more networking and social events, the same great atmosphere and 9am to 5pm show hours to allow exhibitors to close the deal over dinner or a drink, renew old acquaintances, or see the sights the Gold Coast is famous for.

'All these upgrades and innovations will contribute to an event in 2014 that better serves exhibitors and enhances the show experience for visitors,' said Mr Hasser.

'We have already had significant interest from our seasoned exhibitors and some newcomers. Companies or individuals wishing to exhibit in 2014 should go online and secure their space to ensure their preferences.'

Mr Hasser said Marine Industry members will receive a 10 per cent discount on their display space and on top of that, as an early bird incentive, all exhibitors who book and pay in full by November 20 will also receive a 10 per cent discount.
'This is a great incentive to secure space now and reap the rewards for 2014!'

The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is again proudly sponsored by Club Marine, and will run from May 22 to 25.

For more information, visit the SCIBS website at www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com