Gold Coast Int'l Marine Expo - Strong show of support

by Gold Coast Marine Expo on 25 Nov 2015 Marine industry exhibitors have enthusiastically secured display sites for the sixth annual Gold Coast International Marine Expo in 2016, with almost 88 per cent of 2015’s exhibitor space sold and reserved in a matter of weeks.

Interest from companies who have not previously exhibited at Expo is also extremely positive, accounting for over 14 per cent of the impressive total to date.

“This strong show of support for Expo from our marine industry is a great endorsement for our massive showcase of all things aquatic and it certainly sets the foundations for an even bigger Expo from 19-22 May 2016. This news will certainly be welcomed by Expo’s visitors – real boating enthusiasts who enjoy a diverse, hands-on marine display,” said Event and Marketing Manager Emma Brown.

“The world’s leading marine brands will once again be represented at Expo 2016 and they will span everything from luxury motor and sailing yachts to trailer boats and jet skis, kayaks to fishing equipment, engines to boating accessories … with displays from hundreds of exhibitors,” she said.

“On behalf of the Expo committee, I’d like to say thank-you to all our valued Expo exhibitors who are partnering with us in a genuine effort to uniquely showcase our industry and to foster jobs, growth and opportunities throughout the wider Australian marine industry.”

The not-for-profit Expo is staged right in the heart of the Gold Coast Marine Precinct – where the marine industry actually does ‘do business’ – and in 2015 the event directly generated over $50 million in sales activity for exhibitors.

Over 17,000 qualified visitors streamed through the welcome gates across the four fantastic days of Expo 2015 and the official visitor survey revealed over 41 per cent of them resided outside the Gold Coast. A total of 22 per cent of visitors spent more than two days enjoying the vast array of marine displays and family fun attractions on offer and 91 per cent of visitors surveyed also stated they would happily recommend Expo to their boating friends.

Mrs Brown said organisers were extremely humbled by the fact Expo’s new concepts announced in September are being keenly received by the industry.

“We announced our dedicated precincts for like-minded exhibitors, sea trial marina berths, alfresco dining experience and new indoor pavilion with shell scheme displays on September 10 and this demonstrates our continuing approach to innovating the boat show experience for visitors,” she said.

“In 2016 we will continue our leadership and there are many more fascinating new features and attractions to be announced over the coming months.”

Expo was recently honoured with the Australian Events Industry’s Best Exhibition award for 2015 and while Mrs Brown said this national recognition is great cause for celebration, it also serves as inspiration to drive Expo 2016 to be the biggest and best yet.

“The Expo was the only Queensland event to receive a major honour at this year’s national Australian Events Industry Awards ceremony and being named Best Exhibition is a real boost for our small Expo team,” said Mrs Brown.

“We proudly share this national honour with all our supporters, visitors and exhibitors and we are absolutely focused on ensuring our sixth Expo in 2016 will be the most successful yet.”

Exhibitors wishing to reserve space should visit website or telephone Event and Exhibitor Coordinator Shannon Brice on +61 415 758 888 or email admin@gcmarineexpo.com.au.