QLD Boating Industry get together to launch the Gold Coast Marine Expo

by Stephen Milne on 19 Jun 2011

Staff from the Gold Coast Marine Precint celebrate the launch of the Gold Coast Marine Expo Stephen Milne

Queensland Boating industry have joined forces to establish a unique, not-for-profit boating experience – The Gold Coast Marine Expo, Australia’s first working boat show.

Stephen Milne from Riviera at the launch © Stephen Milne

The Expo will be held over three days at the Gold Coast Marine Precinct in Coomera where boating enthusiasts from all over Australia and overseas will have the chance to experience a boat show like no other.

Many of Queensland’s finest and most reputable boating companies will showcase their craft, marine products or services alongside many international brands at the inaugural event.

The Gold Coast Marine Expo has been dubbed Australia’s working boat show because not only will boating enthusiasts see the finished product on display, they will also have the chance to view the construction process through factory tours of some of the nation’s leading pleasure craft manufacturers.

Gold Coast Marine Expo spokesman Stephen Milne said it was encouraging to see the marine industry coming together as one for this event.

'It is great to see a real spirit of co-operation and support from the major boat companies and the wider industry to make this event a real success,' Mr Milne said.

'The Marine Expo will be an interactive and entertaining event where people can take a look behind the scenes and see first hand the boat building process from design through the various stages to the finished product as well as boat repairs and refurbishing and practical demonstrations by the experts in their field.

'This truly is a unique event and we are pleased to have many of the industries major brands committed already to supporting The Gold Coast Marine Expo such as Quintrex, Clipper, MTU, Stacer, Riviera, The Gold Coast City Marina, International Paints, Savage, Hampton, Go Boating Publications, Endurance and Alaska. We have also confirmed Boatpoint.com.au as our first official media partner for the Expo.'

Dean Leigh-Smith at the launch from Gold Coast City Marina © Stephen Milne

The family event will be held on November 4, 5 and 6.

'This is an industry initiative. The businesses within the Gold Coast Marine Precinct and the wider industry are working in partnership together to showcase the best of the Australian and International boating industry.

'The Gold Coast Marine Expo will be a very cost effective event for both patrons and exhibitors. Admission is free of charge but we do ask people to give a gold coin donation to the non-profit organisations that will be assisting us over the three days. We have free onsite parking, helicopter transfers from Southport and bus transfers from the Coomera Railway station so access to the Expo will be extremely easy.'

There will be hundreds of new and brokerage boats both power and sail of all different sizes from Kayaks to Super Yachts on display within the marine precinct both on land and on the marinas on the Coomera River.

There will also be a wooden boat festival within the Expo, international food stalls with a range of cuisine and a VIP invitation only event on the Saturday night.

'Thirty-six hectares will become the Showcase that will be the Gold Coast Marine Expo in November,' Mr Milne said.

For more information about the Expo or to register as an exhibitor contact the organisers by email infor@gcmarineexpo.com.au or phone Jodie Hall, Event Administrator on 0447 758 884.