Sanctuary Cove Boat Show exhibitor success, online triumphs

by Jeni Bone, editor on 29 May 2012 Brace yourselves for a tonne of reportage back from Sanctuary Cove, not just the 'PR fluff' but direct quotes from exhibitors who are pleased as punch with sales and quality leads.d

Exhibitors may have been scarcer this year, down about 50 or so, but the pavilions, streets and marinas were rocking with happy, interested and motivated visitors, spending up.

The MarineBusiness-World.com pavilion was buzzing throughout the entire four days, with advertisers signing up as they realised the might of online and our complement of publications now reaching 2.2 million individual boaties per annum. That's exceptional ROI, so get onboard.

Show coverage and communication was all online this time too, with tablets, smartphones and other gadgets ruling and the on site wi-fi feeling the load, as visitors, exhibitors, media and locals hooked in and checked out all the latest offers, comparisons, codes and demos online. We will be bringing out all the news from SCIBS while it still is news, so stay tuned.

Our thanks to Mark Burgin, official show photographer, for his great shots, presented in full colour here, as well as his easy manner and passion for boating.

Also, a big 'cheerio' to boat show pillar, event manager, Phil Shaw, who is departing for the thrill of the V8 Super Cars. Phil has been a great marine industry supporter who has seen the show evolve over the years and contributed to its development, success and renaissance. We will miss you.

This week it's not all Sanctuary Cove - there's an array of stories from all over Australia, New Zealand, Asia and around the world, and while this newsletter is being prepared, many more stories in the pipeline, including previews of Sydney, Brisbane and Mandurah boat shows and a wrap up of the recent Yacht & Boat Korea from exhibitors and organisers there.

At the end of June, I will be heading to Taiwan for a media famil and launch of the Taiwan International Boat Show, slated for 2014. That coincides with Horizon's 25th Anniversary celebrations, which will be a great party no doubt, but also offer incredible insight into the local yacht building capabilities and plans for the next phase in their evolution. Can't wait!

Meanwhile, time for some good news and signs the market is back - nervous about buying perhaps - but active and enthused about the boating lifestyle.

Pop back for plenty more in the coming days.