Phil Shaw swaps Sanctuary Cove Boat Show for Supercars

by Jeni Bone on 4 Jun 2012 One of the familiar faces working all year round on the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show for four years, Events & Operations Manager, Phil Shaw departed the marina this year, attracted by the allure of the V8 Supercars.

It was fitting that his send-off was on a high note, with high levels of exhibitor satisfaction at 2012 visitor numbers, boat show program and significantly, sales results.

Sue Thomson, boat show general manager praised Phil for his stewardship of the event, many under trying circumstances – torrential rain and storms one year which cancelled the first day of the show, last minute changes to the program, logistic challenges and of course, working with the various stakeholders to create an event that delivers ROI for each party.

'Phil was a great asset. He worked collaboratively with boat show stakeholders and in his role provided guidance for the boat show team. Phil has been a tireless supporter of the marine industry and will be missed by the boat show team.'

Before joining Sanctuary Cove, Phil worked at Riviera for four years as boat show manager, which took him to events around the world, and prior to that, with Marine Queensland as event manager on the Tinnie & Tackle Show and Brisbane International Boat Show.

Of his tenure as Events & Operations Manager, Phil speaks fondly of the boat show team and his experiences over four events. 'It was a fantastic experience, challenging times with the economy, but rewarding too. I met a lot of characters over the years, some I will never forget, and many friends and contacts that will last a lifetime. I will miss the marine industry.

'This new opportunity is a chance to develop and hone my expertise in a new environment on land, not water.'

There’s no rest in between gigs for Phil. One week post-boat show, he is immersing himself in his new field, with the GC600 looming in October then Sydney in the first weekend of December. 'So I will have to hit the ground running. But I have good training and that is the nature of the events industry.'