Sanctuary Cove Show sets exhibitor record

by Kate Duryea on 5 May 2007 The 2007 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show has cemented its status as a premier world event with a record number of exhibitors at more than 450.

The 19th annual event is now the largest marine display in the southern hemisphere with more than 4km of on-water marina displays plus pavilions and open-air exhibits. The Show is staged at Sanctuary Cove from Thursday, May 24 to Sunday, May 27.

'Sanctuary Cove is now unquestionably the largest boat show in exhibitor numbers in Australia with this year’s record of more than 450 – beating our previous record of 423 exhibitors in 2006,' said Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show general manager Barry Jenkins.

'We expect to have more than 400 boats on water plus hundreds of other boats and marine products on show during the event,' he said. 'We know there are 25 world launches and close to 50 Australian marine product releases.'

The event is significant to the marine industry attracting international buyers and executives. Exhibitor survey feedback and direct comment revealed more than $A140m in sales and sales leads from the 2006 event.

'There are definitely international delegations coming from Taiwan and China and we understand there are groups coming from Korea,' explained Mr Jenkins. 'And we’ve received confirmation the Hon. Helen Liddell, The British High Commissioner, is visiting the event.'

As in past years, it is anticipated visitors, buyers and industry executives will attend from the US, UK, throughout Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Africa.

This year the marina space has been extended – if boats on water were placed end-to-end they would extend 5km. There is a further 16,000sqm of pavilion and open-air exhibits.

'We find a number of marine groups and industries cluster events around the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show,' said Mr Jenkins.

An associated Boat Show event on Friday, May 25, is the Smart State Marine Industry Breakfast. Sydney to Hobart yacht race winner Lindsay May is a guest speaker, detailing key elements leading to his 2006 win on Love & War. There is a welcome address by the Hon John Mickel, MP, Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations. Innovators Allan Lear and Shane Faulkhead will discuss their world releases.

Other marine events staged on the Gold Coast around the time of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show include the Australian Marine Industries Federation Australian Marine Awards; major international conferences Marinas 2007 and the Australian Superyacht Gala night on May 25.

An International Business Lounge operates at the Show in a joint arrangement between Austrade, Queensland State Development, AIMEX, Gold Coast City Council and Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. International buyers may meet with government groups to receive introductions or networking with Australian companies.

The 2007 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is staged at and by Sanctuary Cove. This year the Show runs 9am to 5pm daily from Thursday, May 24 to Sunday, May 27, 2007. Admission fees: Adults $A21, concessions $A18, children 5-14 years $A7 and children under 5 years free. Two-, three-day passes are available. Four-day passes must be pre-purchased directly from Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show office. There is no on site public parking however streamlined transport options include park ‘n shuttle, taxi, limousine or helicopter drop off or water taxi transfer. www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

Valued sponsors of the 2007 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show include Club Marine, Trader Classifieds, Channel 7, Classic Hits 4KQ, The Gold Coast Bulletin, Queensland Government, Maritime Safety Queensland, 92.5 Gold FM, Gold Coast City Council, Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove and supporter Ford Australia.