2012 Gold Coast Marine Expo achieves strong exhibitor interest

by Stephen Milne on 17 May 2012 Preparations for the second 2012 Gold Coast International Marine Expo are well underway as exhibitors begin to show strong interest in the Expo, which will be held on November 2, 3 and 4.

The Expo is a partnership between Gold Coast City Marina, Riviera and Telwater, who help stage this annual not-for-profit community and family focused event, which will once again take visitors behind the scenes of the marine industry with hundreds of exhibits from the world’s best boating brands displayed over a 2.5 kilometre display circuit.

The brainchild of Queensland’s boating industry leaders, the Gold Coast International Marine Expo is expected to be bigger and better than the inaugural event, which last year brought almost 16,000 people through the gates over the three day event.

Gold Coast International Marine Expo spokesman Stephen Milne said the word ‘international’ had been added to the title this year to reflect the international brands that would be exhibited at the Expo.

'It will also demonstrate that it is not just a regional show but also an international show attracting exhibitors and visitors from around Australia and the world,' Mr Milne said.

'Based on feedback from last year, the show layout has been re-designed to optimise the full 36 hectares of waterfront property of Riviera and Gold Coast City Marina, and to accommodate a greater number of exhibitors based on the overwhelmingly strong level of enquiries we have received so far.

'The Expo will continue to be free entry to the public, however we do ask for a $2 donation which will go directly to the Rotary Club of Coomera River, Sailability, Paradise Kids, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. Our philosophy of showcasing the joys of the boating life to a wide cross-section of the general public for an admission free Expo will continue.

'In its first year, the Gold Coast International Marine Expo attracted 15, 796 visitors and we believe that this, our second year, could be the third largest boat show in Australia based on attendance level, which is an enormous achievement for such a young and innovative event.

'We believe it is the community spirit of Queensland’s boating industry leaders that has made this event so successful with all profits going directly back to the community.'

Mr Milne said this year’s event will still include the Artists’ Quarter, a further fundraiser for local charities, live boat building demonstrations, factory tours, Kids Club, many new attractions and interactive displays for 2012, international food and beverage stalls, live entertainment and more.

'Even though the Expo is still eight months away, we are beginning to receive strong exhibitor interest and I encourage exhibitors to secure their bookings early to ensure they receive their desired display location and size.

'Given the early demand for increased display sizes from last year’s exhibitors, we have extended considerably our volume of display space. This is one of the great attributes of our facilities here at Coomera, we can literally double or triple our displays if required.

'We will offer our 2011 founding exhibitors the first right of refusal of their same position and display space as a mark of thanks for their belief and support in our ‘dream’ last year.'

Organisers of the inaugural Gold Coast International Marine Expo are calling on all exhibitors to contact Emma Milne at emilne@gcmarineexpo.com.au to secure their displays.

The second annual Gold Coast International Marine Expo will be held on November 2, 3 and 4 and will be open to the public free of charge from 9am to 5pm over the three action-packed days.

To find out more visit www.gcmarineexpo.com.au