16th China (Shanghai) International Boat Show - coming soon

by CIBS Media on 28 Feb 2011 Depending on the report you read, China now ranks second or third amongst the economies of the world. Shanghai provides over RMB500 Billion (USD75Bn) of that economy and last year the show sold over RMB300 Million (USD45M) in boats, all numbers which are impressive. The economy of China is not slowing down and neither is the apparent desire for Chinese enthusiasts to own their own piece of floating assets.

This is the 16th year of the China (Shanghai) International Boat Show. It itself is developing and moving further away from being an exhibition to being a true show, providing ever more variety for ever more visitors. According to the record of pre-registration, the number of visitors will increase 36% this year.

Over 400 various brands from more than 20 countries have confirmed attendance and display of their products, including nearly 300 boats in five halls and four outdoor squares of the Shanghai Exhibition Center. The total occupation area has extended to 32,000 sq m.

The Asian Marine & Boating Awards will be revealed at the opening night's black tie Gala Dinner. Nominations for awards are now with the panel of judges. The fourth CIBS Charity Regatta (still the only event of its type in China) has had the venue selected and is in final throes of organisation.

This is the last time that CIBS (Shanghai) will be held in the downtown exhibition centre - next year it will be moving to the former Shanghai Expo site, yet another step forward in the development of the efforts of the organizers in the promotion of water leisure activities in Shanghai and in China in general.

In conjunction with CIBS there are professional forums and marine conferences organized, and for the first time two elements for the artistically-inclined: the first 'Sailing Your Dream' Photography Festival, and the first 'Best Boat Model Maker' competition.

CIBS will have boats berthed on the nearby Huangpu River at the Shanghai Yacht Club for people to see them in their natural environment, along with a 'Try a Boat' Open Day at Dianshan Lake on the city’s outskirts. There's something for everyone - keen boaters, members of the profession or industry, the curious uninitiated, or even someone just looking for a different sort of day out.

Many in the international boating industry already appreciate the value of the show, with visitor numbers climbing year after year. France, Italy, Australia and Taiwan have traditionally had a strong presence at the show, along with, naturally, local companies.

Boats, Bits, Clothing, Safety gear, Views, Chat and New Toys to buy, the China (Shanghai) International Boat Show has the lot! The show runs for four days from 14th April to 17th April 2011.