Brisbane Boat Show kicks off on Thursday

by Marine Queensland on 21 Aug 2012 A host of new release products, expert talks, industry meetings and a visit from the Leader of Opposition, Tony Abbot – it is all happening at the 2012 Brisbane Boat Show which opens this Thursday.

Marine Queensland Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Don Jones said the positive start to the 2012 Australian Boat Show Circuit is indicating a renewed interest in all things marine.

'Industry has reported an encouraging boat show circuit to date with good results at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show and results out of last month’s Melbourne Boat Show and the recent Sydney International Boat Show indicating that this is a positive trend we will see continue through to the Brisbane Boat Show' said Jones.

'Today’s consumer is very savvy and the Internet has made it much easier to do your research,' Jones said.

It makes sense that our members and marine businesses in general attend a boat show instead of exhibiting at say a general show and you can really feel the energy. We certainly can see an increase in sales and interest after attending a show.'

The Brisbane Boat Show continues to provide a platform for industry to come together to address key issues. This year, the Brisbane Boat Show will host meetings for marine brokers, marinas and the Queensland Recreational Boating Council. An industry skills training group with representatives from the Queensland Government and Automotive Skills Queensland will also attend the show with a view to discussing marine industry vocational training needs.

'The Brisbane Boat Show plays an important role on the Queensland marine retail sector calendar as we move towards the Queensland boating season' said Jones.

'The Queensland market is a significant performer for the retail sector and the market penetration (visitation as a percentage of population) of the event within Queensland is significant by national standards.'

The manufacturing and supply chain sectors have also gotten behind this year’s Brisbane Boat Show viewing it as an important stage to launch new product. The Brisbane Boat Show is proud to see Australian and Queensland releases from iconic boat brands including Bar Crusher, Boston Whaler, MasterCraft, Cruise Craft, Malibu, Stabicraft, Hobie, Com Pac Yachts and Haines Signature.

Marine Queensland data collected before, during and after boat shows clearly indicate that exhibiting played a vital role in reinjecting enthusiasm and excitement to the marine industry.

'But nothing beats getting up close and personal to get a good look at a boat you may be interested in buying. Boating is so varied: there are so many different types of boats out there - each better suited to certain purposes so boat shows are a great and easy way to canvas the whole market and find out what craft would best suit your needs.

Adding to this year’s boat show will be a FREE Kids Marine Zone (running Sat & Sun), a cooking stage hosted by Club Marine, and a full program of presentations and demonstrations from Queensland’s fishing experts.

For full event information visit www.brisbaneboatshow.com.au