AIMEX members' success at IBEX

by AIMEX on 6 Oct 2010 The International Boatbuilders' Exhibition (IBEX) held from 28 Sept-1 Oct at the Kentucky Exposition Center, a new location this year in Louisville appeared to stimulate business at the show. However, on discussions with exhibitors and visitors there are still mixed feelings regarding this move away from Miami and whether it is the right move long term.

More than 500 exhibitors were in Louisville to show off their latest products, systems and services. There were seventy first-time exhibitors and this year the show included the MAATS aftermarket pavilion.

Although these are challenging times, the US boating industry has a strong base of more than 17 million boat owners and 70 million participants, and even in a sluggish economy boating remains a US$31 billion business.

Although people are buying more used boats than new ones - 82 percent versus 18 percent in 2009 – there is still good business to be had if you have the right products at the right price.

MaryAnne Edwards AIMEX CEO said: 'The Australian exhibitors certainly did have the right products with exhibitors leaving the show with good numbers of quality leads to follow up and in some cases direct sales.'

Aqualuma is certainly making its mark in this market with their new range of exterior lights and their cutting edge underwater lights attracting constant attention throughout the show.

Carl Amor from Aqualuma stated: 'We have invested heavily into this market and it is paying off for us. We will also have a significant presence at Fort Lauderdale and are now becoming a major player in this market sector. Our increasing range of products now means we can supply a variety of market segments.'

Hugh Carroll the US distributor for Polyflex and MultiPanel said: 'I finished the show with over 70 leads to follow-up. A good show and an improvement on 2009.' Several AIMEX members attended the awards breakfast where Thomas Dammrich, President of the NMMA gave an overview of the current state of the US market.

'New-boat sales are down 55 percent, but total boat sales are down only 16 percent from their peak in 2006,' he confirmed.

Dammrich said indicators such as improving consumer confidence, a slowing rate of decline in new-boat sales, an uptick in sales of RVs and light vehicles and four consecutive quarters of GDP growth bode well for boating.

Despite a very high Australian dollar which continues to put considerable pressure on Australian exporters the general view of participants at the show was that the show had produced positive outcomes for all.

AIMEX had a strong line up of exhibitors at the show including: Austral Propellers, Aqualuma, Cooper Anchors, Coursemaster Autopilots, FinScan, Hydrive Engineering, Marine Tuft, MultiPanel, Palm Plastics, Polyflex, Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, Stress free Anchors and VEEM Propellers.

More at www.aimex.asn.au