Rivergate International Boat Show harnesses social media

by Rivergate International Boat Show on 10 Jul 2012 Long gone are the days when newspaper advertisements and printing and distributing thousands of colorful flyers were the only ways to share boat show news!

Successful businesses now acknowledge the importance of including both strategic public relations, internet and social media initiatives in marketing strategies and the Rivergate International Boat Show team are thrilled to announce the appointment of a specialist PR consultant and a Social Media manager.

These days, there are more people online than in the streets and the best way to reach those people is via social media.

With extensive experience in all aspects of communication, former deputy editor of The Courier Mail, Stephen Sealey has been engaged to manage social media for the show, set for 5 to 7 October 2012.

Sealey’s role will be to source and post regular updates, information, news and links to all aspects of the show and related industries and will work closely with exhibitors and sponsors to share content, identify ‘news’ angles and engage with their online pages to achieve maximum reach.

Seasoned PR professional, Anna Streater from Grand Brands will devise a media savvy campaign and alert relevant journalists, editors and reporters to newsworthy stories relating to all aspects of the show ensuring show news is shared with a wide and varied audience.

The RIBS marketing plan also includes a mix of traditional marketing concepts such as advertisements in magazines and newspapers, radio and television campaigns, direct mail and on line news and advertising

Tracey Toovey, General Manager of the Rivergate International Boat Show, said: 'Social media is already a crucial part of the RIBS experience. We are using www.facebook.com/rivergateboatshow to generate excitement as more fans come on board and as more exhibitors are announced.

'During the build-up to the Rivergate International Boat Show www.facebook.com/rivergateboatshow updates everybody with our latest news. It gives visitors, exhibitors and media a space to speak directly with RIBS and with each other too.'

She asserted that for those who love boating, sailing and the marine lifestyle, 'the Rivergate International Boat Show is going to be an amazing long weekend on the water'.

'As the Rivergate International Boat Show draws nearer we will use www.facebook.com/rivergateboatshow to reveal exciting activities that our exhibitors have planned. This will include lots of exclusive interviews, videos and promotions only available on www.facebook.com/rivergateboatshow.'

'The Rivergate International Boat Show community at www.facebook.com/rivergateboatshow is growing really fast. Every day we introduce another exhibitor which is great publicity for them – and our fans know what to look out for when they come along 5 to 7 October.'