Genoa International Boat Show 2014 responding to a changing market
by Event Media on 20 Sep 2014
Official announcement of Genoa International Boat Show 2014 Genoa International Boat Show
Visitors to this year’s his year's Genoa International Boat Show will find the event 'renewed and more dynamic', adapting to the needs of an industry that is just beginning to see Spring at the end of a long hard Winter. Exhibitor numbers are up on last year, with sailing boats and small-to-medium sized motor boats leading the charge. The show will have a new layout, and substantially enhanced services and infrastructure. 'This year, visiting the Show will be easier and a more engaging experience,' says Massimo Perotti, President of UCINA Confindustria Nautica (the Italian Marine Industry Association). 'Moreover, the two essential goals set from the outset for the 54th Genoa Boat Show have been fully achieved: strong internationalisation and promotion of all-Italian excellence, as showcased by our boating industry.'
The 2014 Genoa Boat Show, to be held from October 1 to 6, was officially announced on 18 September in Milan at the headquarters of Il Sole 24 Ore Group, the event's media partner, in the presence of Massimo Perotti; Anton Francesco Albertoni, President of I Saloni Nautici S.p.A.; Marina Stella, General Manager of UCINA; and Alessandro Campagna, Genoa Boat Show Manager. The presentation was opened by the Councillor for Culture and Tourism of the Genoa City Council, Carla Sibilla, and the President of Fiera di Genova SpA, Sara Armella.
There’s no better way to get an idea of the new show than by taking a look at the figures: a surface area of 180,000 sqm (of which 100,000 is i-water), 760 exhibitors, 1,000 vessels on display, and over 100 new features. In response to industry demands, the show has been extended by one day compared to last year.
The 2014 edition is the first step of a three-year plan for the reorganisation and revitalisation of the most important nautical event in Italy. This task has been complicated by the difficult economic situation that has hit the nautical industry particularly hard, although the 54th Genoa International Boat Show is revealing the first positive signs of recovery. In particular, the sailing sector has registered a 22% increase in the number of boats displayed, some being world premiered. The number of exhibitors of sailing accessories has grown by 50%, and the figures recorded by the multihulls sector are also excellent.
Inboards are broadly in line with last year's trend, while outboards - which this year will be on display in the water - have recorded an outstanding 50% increase. The strategy of allowing boat tests and sea trials proved popular last year, and is now anticipated as much as it is appreciated.
The Genoa International Boat Show is working hard to adapt to changing and complex industry needs, leaning heavily on more than 50 years of experience. Confirmation of the popularity enjoyed by the 2014 Boat Show may be found in the return of prestigious shipyards and international groups such as Ferretti Group, Sanlorenzo, Sunseeker, Groupe Bénéteau, Fipa Group, Hanse Group, Fairline, Cranchi, Absolute, Cantieri del Pardo, Solaris, Brunswick Marine, etc.
'From the outset, we set ourselves two major goals,' says Massimo Perotti. 'Firstly, we set out to focus on Italian excellence and production. Italian boats are a positive proof of our excellence in the boatbuilding world and in areas such as design and furnishings. Secondly, we worked hard to internationalise the event: the Show needs to promote our values abroad, and attract buyers and journalists from all continents. I am very pleased with the way the Saloni Nautici organisers have worked, enabling us to fully achieve both objectives.'
The first and most obvious change in 2014 is the new layout of the show. 'The format we experimented with in 2013,' says Anton Francesco Albertoni, 'was fully appreciated by the industry, and this year's more mature version fully meets the needs of exhibitors and the public alike. We have made it easier and more pleasant to move between the stands and along the quays.
The 54th Genoa Boat Show further consolidates the rapprochement between producer and consumer in an industry charged with passion on both sides, and continues to be unique in Europe for its variety, richness and completeness. I would like to thank Alessandro Campagna, who, in his role as Boat Show Manager, has once again made all this possible.'
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