Boat Shows vital place in mix, SCIBS woos new & old, Marine13 for B2B

by Jeni Bone on 26 Feb 2013 As the east coast of Australia endures still more torrential rain, washing away our beaches and clogging up waterways, tourism bodies and Councils are considering a major pow-wow on investment in offshore reefs, dredging programs and ways of staunching our marine assets against the tropical deluges of our southern summers.

These 'once in a 100 year events' are happening with monotonous regularity, with billions of dollars in damage to coastal and riverside communities.

We will keep you posted on this important issue for the Australian marine industry and what our governments come up with as possible solutions.

Meantime, this is a week bursting with news and views, and one major feature that delves in to the relevance and role of boat shows.

We hear from BIAs and boat show organisers around the country, as well as the president of the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO), Jurij Korenc, who foresees a few more challenging years for Europe - not just because of economic factors, but because of the psychological malaise some regions find themselves in. In Australia, NZ and Asia, we can be grateful for economies that have proven more resilient and people who are determined to adapt to the consumer changes impacting at every level.

Marine13 International Conference and Trade Exhibition is one such initiative to elevate industry at a dealership and grass roots level, investing in this inaugural event to bring the world's experts on all facets relevant to the boating and marina industries, across the board. There is truly something for everybody.

Don't take my word for it. Check out www.marine13.com for the full program and book before Thursday for the Early Bird offers.

On another positive note, boat shows the world over seem to be registering high appeal with exhibitors. Both Dubai and Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show have reported good enquiry, with SCIBS taking bookings for 39 first-time exhibitors and plenty of stalwarts stepping up for the 25th anniversary event. Marine Qld advises that the Brisbane Tinnie & Tackle Show, 15-17 March was booked out one month in advance - like the good old days!

AIMEX will have a strong presence in Dubai next week, led by Victorian manufacturers and brands with the support of the State Government of Victoria. According to AIMEX CEO, MaryAnne Edwards, the Middle East is a market with a lot of potential for Australian manufacturers and the group will be there in force, 5-9 March.

Plenty of other product and people news, including our mate Kevin Barr seeking a US distributor for his superlative range of polarized sunglasses under the Barz Optics brand. The US is proving a burgeoning market for this little Aussie brand that proves quality is in demand across the globe.

Wherever you are, enjoy the water, but stay afloat!