Brisbane's 50th hailed as first rate

by Bob Wonders on 3 Sep 2010 Fifty years is a long time on anyone's scorecard, but for the 2010 Brisbane Boat Show 50 turned out to be a very good number indeed.

Staged at the Brisbane Convention Centre at Southbank, almost on the shores of the Brisbane River, the show attracted more than 25,400 visitors over its four days.

Coincidentally, the visitation was almost exactly the figure attainted last year, a fair result when one considers boat show attendances worldwide have been more inclined to fall.

Jason Plant, events manager for show owner/organiser Marine Queensland, said the positive vibes from the show gave confidence not only to the boating industry, but to the economy in general.

The more than 100 exhibitors displayed in excess of 400 boats, personal watercraft, canoes, kayaks, fishing tackle and all manner of boating accessories and equipment.

Bargains were there for the enthusiastic shoppers, with many snapping up $5 boat rods and reels slashed from $120 to $20.

Jason Plant was delighted with the feedback received from visitors.

'Negative comments have been totally absent,' he said.

'We've heard only first class comments regarding the show, with exhibitors like Yamaha Finance, for example, writing in excess of $4 million worth of business.

'Many others reported strong sales and major interest from visitors throughout the four days, with the Saturday and Sunday, understandably, by far the busiest.

'In fact, by mid day Saturday sales had already exceeded all expectations and gave a lie to any fears of a quiet show after the global financial crisis last year,' he added.

Greg Haines, of The Haines Group, the company's impressive display dominated by Haines Signature boats and Suzuki outboard engines, said his company could look back on all 50-years of the Brisbane show.

'This year we have achieved strong sales and huge amounts of traffic have been drawn to our stand,' he said.

Another show veteran, Brisbane Ski Boat Centre's Gary Holzwart (30 shows) said the 2010 show was one of the best experienced, with sales well ahead of expectations and visitors attending from as far afield as Cairns to check out the range.

Gaven Patterson, Queensland manager, Yamaha Motor Australia, confirmed the excellent performance of the company's finance arm and said the popular Yamaha Waverunner PWCs had also achieved solid sales with plenty of follow-up to be dealt with.

Even the smaller exhibitors experienced a valuable show; Kevin Barr, of Barz Optics. described the show as 'one of the best' for his optical range with strong sales particularly on the two opening days.

Fishing tackle retailer Michael Tuma rated the show as ‘the best' in his 10-years experience.

Wynnum Marine was another to ‘wax lyrical' at the show's success.

On the Saturday evening following the show's closure, Marine Queensland played host to more than 150 industry identities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the show.

Marine Queensland president Sharon Russell described the 50th anniversary as 'a significant achievement.'

'We have been through one of the hardest periods our industry has ever faced and to look around the show and see the time, effort and investment that have gone into he displays is a testament to the resilience of our industry,' she added.

During the evening key presentations were made to Northside Marine, which has exhibited at 46 consecutive shows and Wynnum Marine, the only exhibitor to post a show presence for all 50-years!

Barry and Kevin Nichols, of Wynnum Marine and Cruise Craft fame, related some tales from past shows, while father and son Keith and Greg Nickerson (Northside Marine) paid tribute to the many family-run businesses in the industry.

Greg Haines also shared some of his family's history dating back across the show's 50-year history.

Awards were presented also to 2010 exhibitors currently involved with their 10th consecutive show.

Those honoured were Allstate Boat Licensing and Training, Australian Master Marine, BLA, Boat Books, Brisbane Ski Boat Centre, Bush ‘n Beach Fishing, Club Marine, Coorparoo Marine, Cunningham's Marine, GME, Hobie Cat Australasia, Leisure Marine, Marine Tune, Queensland Fishing Monthly, Stones Corner Marine, The Jetty Specialist, TMQ International, BRP Australia, Honda MPE Australia, Mercury Marine, Yamaha Motor Australia and The Haines Group.

With Brisbane, 2010 now behind it, Marine Queensland will begin detailed planning for the ever popular Tinnie and Tackle Show set for the RNA Showgrounds, April 8-10, 2011.

For further information contact Marine Queensland, telephone (07) 3390-4657.