Sydney International Boat Show - sun brings the quality crowds

by Jeni Bone on 31 Jul 2010 Day three of the Sydney boat show and the crowd numbers are up, so are sales and expectations, says event organiser, Domenic Genua.

As the sun broke over Cockle Bay, the BIA NSW and boat show dynamo, Domenic Genua knew the crowds would respond. 'It seems that they don't want to miss out on half the show outside on the marina, so waited for the sun to return before they decided they would come to the boat show,' he said, referring to the first day's slump in visitor numbers, down 6% on last year.

'But Friday we saw them up 10% and today it's busy inside and out.'

Good news for exhibitors, by all reports the crowds are 'quality'. 'It's an overused term, I know,' says Genua, 'But they are interested, they are sussing out all their options and according to many exhibitors, they are spending.'

Coming in thick and fast are dealer and brand feedback of sales. Sunseeker has sold an 86, Webb Marine one of its larger trailerable boats, and Maritimo and Riviera 'have got a few away too', affirms Genua.

And while exhibitors are already looking to sign up bigger and better for next year's show, Genua is holding off taking their commitments. 'Everybody is saying 'what can we do next year?' and 'what can we take in terms of space?' but we have to make it fair for everyone because we have more demand than we have space. In February 2011 the invitation to exhibit will go out at the same time to everybody.'

One of the key attractions this year - along with the broad range of high profile speakers like Jessica Watson, Don McIntyre and the 'Fat Paddler', Sean Smith, fashion parades and harbour jaunts to immerse visitors in the actual boating experience - is the Marine Precinct just inside the main entrance.

According to Genua, this has proven highly appealing for kids and adults alike. Visitors can see safety campaigns while they enjoy giveaways and take part in collecting information in safety passports for an array of prizes on offer. Manning the stands, along with actual safety personnel, are celebrity kayakers, Justin Jones and James Castrission of 'Crossing the Ditch' fame.

Interspersed with his role as overseer of operations at SIBS, Genua is generous with his time, treating students from Moriah College Sydney to marketing and event management sessions with the Sydney International Boat Show as their case study for their major project.

'They are not studying the boats, but the underlying business principles of running the show and exhibiting at the show, as well as marketing, demographics and ROI.'

The school students are just one group in attendance which will experience the many facets of this year's boat show, adding to the groundswell of growing passion for the boating lifestyle.

More at www.sydneyboatshow.com.au