Rivergate- Inaugural boat show delivers excellent results

by Grand Brands on 6 Nov 2012 The who’s who of the boating industry came together in early October at the inaugural Rivergate International Boat Show to showcase the very best the marine industry has to offer.

Rivergate International Boat Show general manager Narelle Jensen said the feedback provided so far from exhibitors pointed to a bright future for the show.

'Many exhibitors have reported success at the boat show thanks to a host of genuine buyers out in force over the weekend,' Ms Jensen said.

Sunshine Coast Yacht Sales principal Col Thompson showed many people through the impressive 385 Hanse yacht his brokerage had on water at the show.

'We had strong numbers keen to inspect our impressive 36 foot Hanse yacht, with many visitors seriously shopping for their next boating investment,' Mr Thompson revealed.

'The show definitely has a future, providing another valuable avenue for us to gain exposure for our brands, along with the chance to network with fellow brokers, manufacturers and other industry players,' he said.

Multihull Solutions sales and marketing consultant Rachel Haynes was impressed by the show’s thoughtful layout and on-water exhibition space.

'Being able to exhibit on-water in the city was a huge draw card,' Ms Haynes stated.

'We had a beautiful 57 foot sailing catamaran on display which attracted many potential buyers taking the opportunity to inspect the vessel in Brisbane, with some quality leads arising,' she concluded.
Gauzmau director Shannon Wright was another exhibitor who seized the opportunity to show to a new, more urban market.

'Rivergate International Boat Show offered a great chance for us to present our bespoke boat furniture to some very interested visitors, talking to them about the product and the possibilities custom design presents,' Mr Wright said.

Big Fish Specialist Import director James Fisher chose the show for the launch of the Marine Angel, an innovative GPS tracking and control device.

'Members of the public and industry were genuinely interested in the Marine Angel, and I am now taking on dealers to be distributors at a rate of knots,' Mr Fisher said.

'The show afforded us an opportunity to increase the brand awareness of our relatively new product, a factor that will see us returning next year.

'In the same way that boat shows support the industry, it’s important for industry to support the organisers and investors in order to grow these valuable marketing events,' he concluded.

Specialist marine coating company International Paints attended with partially coated boats to demonstrate the meticulous process the firm employs, explained technical sales representative Peter Nicholson.

'Shows such as these provide us with the chance to network with potential clients and educate them about the longevity high quality coatings afford owners; we look forward to continuing this at next year’s event,' Mr Nicholson said.

Aussie Soles director Craig Taplin was impressed with the organisation of the show.

'I will definitely be back in 2013, hopefully in exactly the same spot,' Mr Taplin remarked.

Narelle Jensen hinted at plans for next year’s event. 'Plans are already underway for next year’s show which is sure to be even bigger and better. We now know what exhibitors and visitors want in terms of venue, food and entertainment, so be sure to watch this space,' she said.

For more information, visit www.rivergateboatshow.com.au or ‘Like’ the event at www.facebook.com/rivergateboatshow.