Biograd Boat Show - Sixteenth straight record show in Croatia
by Ivan Dujmović on 28 Oct 2014
Aerial view Biograd Boat Show
The Biograd Boat Show concluded its four day exhibition on Sunday October 26th, with a record 275 exhibitors from 13 countries, exhibiting 291 vessels (record) from two to 20m. Attendance was also record breaking, with more than 14,500 visitors coming to Biograd, which has a population of only 5,000, but more than 1500 registered vessels.
The quality of visitors to the show is extremely high, as most visitors travel a great distance to visit the show, many from the neighbouring countries of central Europe. All new foreign exhibitors expressed a high degree of satisfaction and a desire to return next year.
The 'Boat Show Experience'
The show is known for the special, intimate atmosphere of the resort town of Biograd, as well as the impressive facilities of Ilirija d.d., which include Marina Kornati, Ilirija hotels, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. Special pricing for all services adds to the atmosphere, while a pontoon bridge links the main marina with Marina Kornati West, offering a unique and attractive in-water exhibition.
Each day the sunset marks the end of the exhibits, and the beginning of a unique on-site evening program offering great food and live entertainment, continuing into the town centre until the late hours, all within a short walk. We call it the 'Boat Show Experience', and it has resulted in a strong reputation for 'business to business networking', as well as many affluent visitors from central Europe that make a holiday of the event.
Exhibition Hall C was more than doubled in size, and includes a new Yacht Charter Information Centre which provide centralized information on more than 1100 charter yachts offered by BBS exhibitors. This represents an important shift for the show as it plans to capitalize on the fact that Croatia has the largest number of bareboat charter yachts in the world.
Sailing yachts represent the most dominant boating segment with 19 manufacturers exhibiting models with a median length of more than 40 ft. Elan, the shows largest exhibitor, with 12 sailing and motor yachts, has launched its new Elan Impression 40 sailing yacht, and a new yacht builder from Croatia launched its first model, the D&D Kufner 54, drawing from extensive yacht charter experience from its owner Damir Kufner.
Central Europe’s In-water Show
The Biograd Boat Show is an important European regional show, as it attracts many exhibitors and visitors from Central Europe, due to Croatia’s strong reputation as a nautical destination.
BBS Joins the IFBSO (International Federation of Boat Show Organizers)
This year in Istanbul, the Biograd Boat show was accepted as the 34th member of the IFBSO, based on is important role in the European boating industry, and innovative approach to organizing the show, as well as our effort in creating a 'Boat Show Experience'
Gaining Importance with in Croatia
The show was visited by the President of Croatia, Ivo Josipovic, and was opened by the Minister of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure Sinisa Hajdas Doncic, while the Minister of Tourism, Darko Lorencin, was also present.
Yacht Charter Information Centre
A new feature of the show designed to consolidate the yacht charter offerings of our exhibitors which are dispersed throughout the show. At one central point visitors and agents will be able to obtain information and special deals on more than 1000 charter yachts. A meeting area will also available to conduct business.
Camping Corner -The show also sees the debut of a 'Camping Corner' where exhibitors will display the latest models of recreational vehicles, camping trailers’ and mobile homes. Many boaters in recent years have adopted the highway cruising lifestyle aboard their own land yacht. Visitors to the show in such vehicles will be treated to special rates in Ilirija's 4star Camp Soline.
Special Features of the Biograd Boat Show
• More than 100 used vessels on display, according to strict BBS standards
• The best program of meetings and presentation for both boaters and industry professionals
• Our 36m event ship 'Nada' will offer free on water tours and will be used for Meetings and presentations.
• Free rides will be offered on semi-submarines and high speed RIB vessels.
• Our legendary entertainment program offers plenty on open parties with live music, free food, and after parties in town.
• Our Festival of Authenticity offers numerous vendors with artisan foods, drinks and crafts.
• Four Regattas are connected with the show, including the Austrian Offshore Cruising Championships, Pitter End of Season Cup, Elan 210 match racing, and the one-day BBS regatta, open to various classes.
The show has developed a strong reputation throughout Central Europe and attracts many visitors from all neighbouring countries. These include many of the region's boat owners based in Biograd, as well as many of the thousands that participate in nautical events held in Biograd throughout the year. This year will continue to see an increase in European exhibitors, as a result of Croatia Joining the EU.
Visitors and exhibitors are offered special hotel rates at our Ilirija Hotels, with 4 star seaside rooms available for as little as 39,00 Euros per person per night. More information available at sales@ilirijabiograd.com or by phone at +385 (0)23 383 556.
This year’s show is titled BBS ver. 16.0, an 'open source' event where many exhibitors offer innovative touches that make each show a unique experience. The innovations will be evident at the show, while a complete view of the 2013 show can be seen through our unique 360° Virtual tour, with 70 viewpoints, an interactive map, and the ability to generate you own postcards of any position in the show.
Ticket price 35,00 Kn (just under 5 €) Free admission for Children 14 and Event website
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