Sanctuary International Boat Show 2011 Cove Preview

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show now celebrates its 23rd year. The Show maintains its focus as the place “Where the Marine Business Does Business” with many Australian and international companies choosing to exhibit at the Show to reach significant local and international markets.
As with past years, the 2011 event will again feature about 400 exhibitors and we expect at least 100 world and national marine product and service launches.

There are a number of reasons why exhibitors choose Sanctuary Cove for their launches. Over two decades, Sanctuary Cove has invested in international marketing to gain its global reputation.

Management personnel have promoted the event around the world with attendance at major international boat shows, while a comprehensive global marketing and publicity campaign reaches buyers and the industry in North America, Europe and Asia.

In a recovering economic climate, the show is even more important for companies as a means of reaching other marine companies.

Boat Shows are a cost-effective way to meet a wide array of current and prospective business partners and consumers. It allows marine businesses to view what is also on offer in the market, check out competitors and learn about new developments.

Years ago, a decision was made to showcase only marine products and services at the Show. The sacrifice of possible short-term profit for long-term strategy has paid off. Marine companies and executives know that when they visit the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, they will see the very latest and best technology, vessels and marine products on the market. Quality brings quality – that’s why so many leaders in the marine industry exhibit at or visit the Show.

The Boat Show’s hours allow exhibitors the time to meet to entertain clients, meet with suppliers and network with other exhibitors. Many exhibitors hold their dealer conferences or VIP events while at Sanctuary Cove.

The wide array of marine exhibitors is also a drawcard. A busy marine executive can visit the show and see everything on the market from custom super yachts through to trailerable craft, engine suppliers, marine fit-out and electronics and the latest accessories. Exhibitor feedback suggests many companies attend the Show to find distributors or representatives for their marine manufactured products.

Several years ago, a study by Griffith University’s Centre for Tourism, Sport and Service Innovation evaluated the marketing and economic impact of the Show for the Gold Coast region. The research report found a direct economic impact of the Boat Show at more than $A310 million. Estimated sales and orders from exhibitors accounted for more than $A276 million of that total. The Show’s importance is also borne out by exhibitors’ own comments.
Just days after the 2010 Show, Maritimo released a public statement reporting an excellent result of the show describing Sanctuary Cove as “a strong gauge for the market”.  Prominent Australian company Riviera also made public statements after the Show stating 19 new boats had been sold at the 2010 event with a total value of more than $A20 million.

Long-time exhibitor Flexiteek Oceania confirms Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is very important to the company’s sales and marketing. The company’s Paul Enders said that sales and leads from the 2009 event comprised around 58 per cent of total Australian sales during the 2009 calendar year while sales leads from the 2010 Show are currently over 60% of total Australian sales. As usual, this year’s event draws a huge range of exciting new displays.

World launches are too numerous to list but they cover the widest span of the marine sector with superyachts, luxury power vessels, engines and high-technology ware.

Responding to exhibitor feedback, the Show has again maintained the Sea Trial area which was an Australian initiative in 2010. This dedicated display within the marina allows companies to demonstrate their vessels to prospective buyers.

The Prestige Brokerage and Charter display will again feature in 2011. This year the Show acknowledges the role of women within the marine sector with a Women on Water program. Of interest to the industry is the invitation-only luncheon which will feature a panel of high-achieving women from the marine sector.

Friday’s Australian Marine Industry Breakfast staged at Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove is expected to draw crowds with guest speaker, President Monte Carlo Yachts S. p. A Carla Demaria.

And in 2011, the Show introduces VIP packages for visitors seeking luxury accommodation, helicopter transfers and even pampering packages for partners.

I invite you to view the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show website to see the full list of activities, events and ticket options. Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show’s small but dedicated team wish the marine industry a very successful Show.