Sydney International Boat Show tops attendance so far

by Jeni Bone on 1 Aug 2010 At 4pm Sunday, Sydney International Boat Show manager, Domenic Genua is ecstatic! Not only have the visitor figures outshone last year’s event, feedback so far from exhibitors is that sales are flowing at every level.

'It has been huge!' he says proudly. 'The numbers are fun and important, but the reality is, what really matters is the opinion of exhibitors and how those figures translate into sales.'

The numbers he refers to are healthy and by all accounts, look to top the past few years.

On Thursday, crowds were 6% down, coming in at 6,967. Friday rose by 10%, hitting 13,275. Saturday reached 21,610 up 2% and today, Genua says expectations are high.

'There is a traffic jam along Victoria Road and all the car parks around Darling Harbour are full. I just came back from the boat building contest on the marina and it’s jammed. We’ve hit 41,851 so far and exhibitors are saying people are buying. Tomorrow will be very important too.'

Monday, traditionally quieter in terms of numbers than the weekend, is a real buyer’s day, says Genua.
'Monday is a hugely important day. People feel like they’re going to miss out. There’s a lot of spontaneous purchases. People say ‘let’s just bloody do it!’.'

It’s not a hard sell on a perfect Sydney day around Cockle Bay with temps hitting 22+.

When it comes to ticket sales, Genua states that there is nothing ‘dodgy’ or exaggerated about them. 'Nobody is counted twice! Our auditors come in during September and they are scrupulous.'

Reports back from a handful of exhibitors show the boat show this year has delivered strong retail sales, from the smallest accessory to the largest cruiser.

Angela from Sticky Mat made more sales by midday Friday than during the five days of another Australian show.
'She’s sold the company’s entire Australian stock, which she’s rapt about, but it’s a bit overwhelming.'

Gavin Webb from Webb Marine is also thrilled. He told Genua of a $320,000 sale of a Sailfish catamaran, fully kitted out for its new owner from Darwin. 'He thinks it will take about six months to build and it’s probably some kind of record for a trailerable boat.'

For the kids and newcomers to boating, the Boating Discovery Centre in the Marine Precinct, manned by Justin and James (Crossing the Ditch) has proven a sensational hit! 'The aim was to educate kids and have some fun. We had 1000 life jackets made to emphasise the importance of boating safety – and they’re all gone! I don’t know what we’re going to do next year . . . get 2000?! It’s been incredible.'

Genua will have scant time to celebrate a successful SIBS 2010. Planning begins almost immediately for next year's event. 'We do our visitor analysis, where they come from, consumer trends, exhibitor feedback from their own research, then we start liaising with our venues, suppliers and contractors to get costings. Then in mid-February, we send out invitations to everybody all at once.

'I’ve got Hall 6 booked already! I’m not taking any chances. People are reporting outrageous sales.'