Sydney Boat Show 2009 - the news

Recovering from the Sydney International Boat Show and its kms of displays, reflecting on the hugely positive feedback and superlative weather the Gods turned on, I am amazed and heartened at people's optimism.

EVERYBODY had a good show in one form or another. While it was pretty much unanimous, and the show's organisers have the figures to attest to it, that total numbers were up on last year, at least until Sunday night, the majority of exhibitors I spoke with also experienced good sales and strong leads.

By September-October, we trust the follow on sales will be testament to the BIA's concerted effort promoting the show, and exhibitors investment in appearing and making the most of the opportunity to encounter the boating public at close quarters – with good prices, great offers and as is so often the case, the customer service people are looking for in a competitive market.

Please send me your own experiences of the Sydney International Boat Show this year – observations, consumer feedback, what could have been better, what was an improvement on last year and how you feel the BIA performed.

Also this issue there's the latest related to the formation of the 'new improved' AMIF (perhaps a toothless tiger, as pondered by my colleague, Bob Wonders?), plenty of dischord in OEDA concerning engine emission legislation, and a tribute to Roy Privett, celebrating 21 years with the BIA NSW.

During SIBS, Sandman PR and the marine media united to present the inaugural ‘Hour of Power' seminar, this year featuring Rob Belgiovane – ad legend and creative genius from the highly awarded agency BWM.

Rob spoke of how any brand, regardless of budget, can benefit from modern Internet technology – using Twitter and YouTube – and make your own ad, load it, email it and watch what happens. In the age of the Internet, one simple concept can travel globally, as a virus, in a matter of days, amplifying your message and ROI many times over.

The ad world is a major user of PR/media relations to promote their sometimes mega-million dollar clients, in Rob's case, Bigpond.

Without PR, how would we know about the intent behind the message? Or the bigger picture human interest underlying the 'Keep the Rabbits Out' or 'I've Been Everywhere' campaigns?

There's no doubt that Rob's clients have benefited many millions of dollars in FREE media coverage thanks to effective PR - in most cases several fold ROI than the ad campaign itself. We will be running the transcript of the Hour of Power seminar later this week.

Congratulations to Sandman PR for the calibre of speaker at the first Hour of Power event. The team will be running a bigger and better event in upcoming boat shows, so keep your eyes peeled.

Have a great week!

Jeni Bone, editor

Boating industry ‘bathing in sunshine' thanks to Sydney Boat Show Bob Wonders, The 2009 Sydney International Boat Show has closed after one of the most successful exhibitions staged in its 21-year history at Darling Harbour. Needless to say, the Boating Industry Association of NSW, owner and organiser (on behalf of its members) of the Sydney International Boat Show, was absolutely delighted with the overall result.... [more] Onsend this story

Sydney International Boat Show: marketing made the difference! Jeni Bone, The Sydney International Boat Show has been and gone and the final stragglers are just packing up, sweeping up, then heading back to the coal face. Organiser, the BIA NSW is exstatic (and rightly so) with every aspect of the event - from the weather to the crowd attendance and on exhibitor feedback, sales.... [more] Onsend this story

Roy Privett – 21 years at the helm Bob Wonders, Boating industry's longest-serving executive celebrates his 21st. He credits much of the success to stability; 'In 21-years the association has had only three presidents, Peter Hunt, Ian McAndrew and Doug Olding,' he pointed out.... [more] Onsend this story

Proposed deadline for emissions legislation divides industry Jeni Bone, The federal government's preference for emissions legislation for boat engines is imminent, and could be as close as a year away. But a division in the ranks of the major brands – split 3:3 on the subject – is one barrier to its introduction.... [more] Onsend this story

Seven commercial vessel standards become law October 2009 NMSC, The National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC) today reminded the marine industry that the next raft of national standards for commercial vessels enters legislation nationally on October 1 this year through an amendment to the USL Code (Amendment 7)... [more] Onsend this story

Outback Marine relocated to tackle challenging times Market Focus, Leading marine electrical systems supplier, Outback Marine, has countered the economic downturn head on, relocating to company-owned premises in Labrador.... [more] Onsend this story

Marine Host Launched to Enhance Customer Service MIAA, A new customer service program called 'Marina Host' will be conducted for the first time in Australia at the Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay in NSW on Wednesday 12 August 2009.... [more] Onsend this story

Online advertising - research shows there's more to it than clicks! Media Services, Fresh evidence shows that online advertising offers more than just clicks, with qualitative data indicating internet users relate to and importantly, spend on the products they see advertised on their favourite sites.... [more] Onsend this story

2011-2012 Around Australia Ocean Rally planning well under way Ocean Events, Planning for a big fleet in the 2011-2012 Around Australia Ocean Race & Rally to visit ‘outback Australia' is well underway.' reports Event Director Bob Williams.... [more] Onsend this story

Ken Evans – stepping back from ‘the black' Bob Wonders, The 'face' of Mercury Marine planning on semi-retirement. Evans, currently Director of Outboard Sales and Service, will close the door on his career in January and expects to be involved for only six weeks or so annually.... [more] Onsend this story

AMIF – the Australian Marine Industry's ‘toothless tiger'? Bob Wonders, Industry needs a single, national entity claims NSW association. It was June 2009 that the board of the BIA of NSW reinforced its ideal that the only way to properly represent the interests of boating association members Australia-wide was via a single, national entity.... [more] Onsend this story

Super Servant 3 to 'sink' in Brisbane River Barby MacGowan, A bright orange ship will deliberately 'sink' off Fisherman's Island, Brisbane, on Wednesday August 5th at 8.00am and commence unload / loading operations at Berth 7, Port Drive, Fishermans Island, Brisbane. For Dockwise Yacht Transport (DYT), which owns and operates the 139-metre Super Servant 3, it will be business as usual, however... [more] Onsend this story

VEEM awarded for innovation AIMEX, VEEM High Performance Propellers has been rewarded for its innovative Interceptor Propellers by winning the category for Most Innovative Marine Industry Exported Product at the AIMEX 2009 Australian Marine Industry Export Awards.... [more] Onsend this story

Maritime online alert service launched Marine Business News, The bar continues to rise, as innovative new online services are being provided to improve boating safety. One of the leaders in this area is NSW Australia. NSW Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi today launched a first in Maritime safety – an on-line alert system to help boat owners and rock fishermen prepare and plan a day out on or near the water.... [more] Onsend this story

Boat Builders compete at Sydney International Boat Show Jeni Bone, Shipwrights had just 2 hours to create a water-tight craft to compete on the waters of Cockle Bay in the annual events at SIBS.... [more] Onsend this story

Two serious weekend emergencies show vital importance of lifejackets Ken McManus - Marine Rescue NSW, Two separate marine emergencies on the weekend involved men overboard in extremely cold water and highlighted the critical need to wear lifejackets at sea.... [more] Onsend this story

Buried treasure trove uncovered for trailer sailers Media Services, John Crawford Marine at Manly Road, Tingalpa, Brisbane, has created a valuable trailer sailer reference library for the boating public, based on information gathered by the dealership and customers over the past 45 years. It has released digitally reworked marketing brochures, boat tests, reviews and general information and uploaded it (www.johncrawfordmarine.com.au) for free public access.... [more] Onsend this story

$7.8 million Superyacht headed for Auction Powerboat-world.com, The stunning 98 foot motor yacht that was the star of the 2008 Sanctuary Cove Boat Show is headed for auction. It was purchased in 2008 by Brisbane entrepreneur Daniel Tzvetkoff's DSB Cruises which is now in receivership.... [more] Onsend this story

Melbourne's Sandringham Yacht Club new AUD$12.7 million premises Di Pearson, Conceived 10 years ago, the new world-class Melbourne facility, costing $12.75 million, is already causing a stir with its contemporary facade and interior. On completion, it will be the most modern yacht club in Australia.... [more] Onsend this story

Sydney International Boat Show attracts the crowds and buyers Jeni Bone, The numbers are in for the first two days of Sydney International Boat Show and they are looking good.... [more] Onsend this story

Boatforlife.com.au to shine a light on safety Jeni Bone, The NSW government has launched its “Boat for Life” campaign, investing $3m over three years to educating the boating public, and has appointed the first of several Boating Safety Ambassadors.... [more] Onsend this story

Internet 101 - Hits are not people - understanding basic web stats Rob Kothe, While the internet is now 20 years old, confusion still abounds about the basic recording of visits to websites. When you are being told about the wonderful traffic a website receives, check to see if the claimant has been impressed by the hits, the page views or the unique visitors.... [more] Onsend this story

BIA NSW President urges industry to 'keep the dream alive'! BIA NSW, Doug Olding, President of the BIA of NSW, welcomed guests, members and media to the annual BIA breakfast, this morning - urging all assembled to 'Keep the dream alive!' To follow, his speech outlining the initiatives, news and acknowledgment of sponsor support.... [more] Onsend this story

Hunts Marine scores 'Best Overall' Jeni Bone, Hunts Marine has been awarded 'Best Overall Display' as well as 'Best Hall Display' for this year's Sydney International Boat Show, surprising and delighting MD, Jon Hunt.... [more] Onsend this story

BIA NSW included in talks about AMIF Jeni Bone, With his Marine Queensland President hat on, Barry Jenkins reports that the meeting of state presidents on Thursday to discuss the potential of the AMIF and its evolution did include BIA NSW and was 'very amicable'.... [more] Onsend this story

SailSim - worlds first dynamic sailing simulator for iPhone/iPod Touch Jim Holland, SailSim is a sail training application like no other. When used with the iPhone 3GS (with inbuilt fluxgate compass) it simulates how a dinghy operates in the real world. You physically turn the phone and see the sails, centreboard and speed very as they would in real life. You can set the wind direction, so the sim can be used outside with the iPhone reacting to the real wind!... [more] Onsend this story

Boaties safer with WorkCover safety partnership Kate Sullivan, NSW Finance Minster Joe Tripodi said a new WorkCover initiative will assist the boating industry improve workplace safety. Mr Tripodi said the partnership between WorkCover NSW and the Boating Industry Association of New South Wales would involve businesses across the recreational and light commercial boating industry.... [more] Onsend this story

Boating industry unites to build new national entity AMIF, Australia's boating industry has confirmed its intention to develop a new single national entity to represent the interests of its members across Australia.... [more] Onsend this story

AIMEX Exporter Awards - the results are in! AIMEX, The inaugural 2009 Australian Marine Industry Export Awards run by the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) was showcased in outstanding fashion on Sydney's Darling Harbour last night, with a record number of 26 award entrants... [more] Onsend this story

NSW World Class Homebush Bay Maritime Precinct Media Services, NSW Premier Nathan Rees today announced the next step in developing one of the largest maritime industry precincts ever to be built in NSW.... [more] Onsend this story

AIMEX Exporter of the Year Awards - winners announced AIMEX, A host of members, media and clients gathered at the Club Marine AIMEX networking function last night to toast the winners of the inaugural Exporters of the Year Awards - scooped by Ronstan International.... [more] Onsend this story

Club Marine Mandurah Boat Show - new look! Media Services, The spotlight might be on Sydney this weekend, but over in the West, preparations are afoot for this year's Club Marine Mandurah Boat Show, October 9-11 2009 at Mandurah Ocean Marina.... [more] Onsend this story

Ports Minister Tripodi - Progress Report TetraMedia update, NSW Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi is generally regarded as an effective Minister who is delivering for the boating community. Here is his speech from the 2009 Sydney International Boat Show this morning in full.... [more] Onsend this story

2009 Modern Boating Boat of the Year winners announced Media Services, The BIA Breakfast was the venue for the recognition of this year's Boat of the Year, chosen by Modern Boating magazine.... [more] Onsend this story

BRP Evinrude calls for industry unity for a cleaner environment Evinrude, Adopting US emissions limits for non-road engines sold in Australia will bring significant benefits to the community, according to BRP Evinrude, following the OEADA meeting yesterday during the Sydney International Boat Show.... [more] Onsend this story

The rise of Zhik New Zealand Media Services, While many established businesses in the boating industry are struggling to pull through the economic crisis, there are also some success stories emerging from the shake up. Until very recently, Patrick Langley headed the marine products division of Line 7, and now he finds himself taking the lead for Zhik New Zealand, delivering a fresh outlook on technical sailing apparel.... [more] Onsend this story

Finlease shares insight on Charter options Jeni Bone, The charter boat industry is 'alive and well', according to Mark O'Donoghue, Principal at Finlease. And thanks to low interest rates, a rise in consumer confidence, and the popularity of 'staycations' – holidaying in Australia, rather than overseas – there's never been a better time to consider investing in the charter business.... [more] Onsend this story

Seawind at Sydney Boat Show Brent Vaughan, Seawind Catamarans are looking forward to an exciting Sydney Boat Show with a brand new Seawind 1000XL and Seawind 1160 on display located in berths 57 & 58 of the marina at Darling Harbour (near Pyrmont Bridge).... [more] Onsend this story

 



If you don't want to read the latest Marine industry news, a single click here and you won't receive another MarineBusiness newsletter 

Alternatively if you want to add another member of staff to our mailing lists Click here to subscribe them

Customised news feeds

Marine Industry companies, Clubs and Associations have asked can they received their own customised version of our Marine Business News, Powerboat-World & Sail-World news feed. The answer is yes, customised in content, news category, for example dinghies, small keelboats or just monohull racing, or Region of the world and appearance.

CLICK HEREto view examples and get free news tickers for your site


------------------------------------------------------------------

Too much Marine news? Not enough?