Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show - New precinct plans announced

by Chanelle Rodger on 5 Nov 2015 The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) has announced an exciting array of changes and improvements to the 2016 Show, including dedicated new product precincts and a reworked layout set to improve the flow of exhibition space, maximising visibility for exhibitors and enhancing the visitor experience.

New to SCIBS in 2016 will be the introduction of a dedicated sport and trailer boat precinct, known as The Boat Yard. Located close to the iconic waterfront George’s Paragon restaurant and adjacent to C Pier, The Boat Yard offers 1600sqm of prime display space for exhibitors to showcase their latest models, while also being able to offer sea trials to prospective buyers.

Among other changes, the renowned Superyacht and Marine Pavilion will relocate alongside the Main Pavilion, encouraging foot traffic through an engaging display of Australian-made products, global service providers and the industry’s favourite gears and gadgets.

Next year’s layout will also see SCIBS further drive its reputation for showcasing the ultimate in luxury living, with a range of sports, convertible, luxury, prestige and supercars to be on display in their own precinct - aptly dubbed Supercar Street.

Following the success of the Sanctuary Cove Festival, exhibitors will be displaying the hottest performance models on the market. This showcase will be complementing the always spectacular display from major sponsor Maserati EuroMarque Brisbane.

Johan Hasser, general manager of SCIBS, said the new precincts promised to be something really special.

“Feedback from our sport boat and trailer boat exhibitors showed they are keen to display their boats in a specific location, which makes it easier for visitors to see them all at once, compare brands and models and take their time,” Mr Hasser said.

“With The Boat Yard featuring everything from skiboats and performance RIBS, to trailerboats fitted out for angling or diving, and Supercar Street showcasing the most impressive luxury vehicles on the road, visitors are guaranteed to experience ‘shows within the show’.

“We will also be investing in theming, custom flooring and an eye-catching portal to evoke visitors’ imaginations. There will be stalls, stages and entertainment, adding to the atmosphere.”

Andrew Bennett, dealer principal at Queensland Marine Centre, has been a SCIBS exhibitor since 1996. Representing classic US brands SeaRay and Boston, he is keen to return in 2016.

“We have always had large, well branded sites at SCIBS, but we would welcome The Boat Yard concept as a benefit to visitors and exhibitors,” he said.

“For visitors, it’s a logical way of seeing everything in one place and not missing a thing. For exhibitors like us, who invest a lot in our displays, we benefit from the theming and additional spotlight on our boats.”

For Mr Bennett, SCIBS is the one event his interstate and local clients really enjoy.

“The atmosphere of The Marine Village, access to accommodation, dining, bars and the beautiful landscape – it’s all there. It’s the perfect venue to demonstrate the joys of the boating lifestyle.”

Mr Hasser said The Boat Yard and Supercar Street were just some of the exciting initiatives the SCIBS team was introducing in 2016.

“Like all events, boat shows need to evolve and improve in order to provide a strong return on investment for exhibitors and continue to provide an even better experience for visitors,” Mr Hasser said.

“We have worked closely with our sponsors, partners and exhibitors to build on the success of last year’s Show to implement some exciting changes to SCIBS 2016 that will benefit exhibitors and visitors alike.”

The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, heading into its 28th year, is endorsed by Tourism and Events Queensland as an iconic Queensland annual fixture. It is also a member of the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO) and considered one of the world’s premier trade and consumer boat shows.

Running May 19 to 22, 2016 the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show attracts close to 40,000 visitors and 300 exhibitors to a spectacular showcase featuring hundreds of boats and thousands of marine products across four days.

SCIBS 2016 offers Free park ‘n’ ride services from Warner Bros. Movie World, along with limited on-site parking, available pre-paid.

Exhibitor bookings will be released in November. For exhibitor enquiries, please contact the Boat Show office on +617 5577 6011.