Curtain down
Sydney International Boat Show wrapped up for another year, with exhibitors reporting positive sales and interest across the event.
08 August 2018
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After five days of Australia’s premiere boating showcase, the Sydney International Boat Show has closed for another year.
Early reports suggest that around 59,753 visitors explored the marina and halls of the International Conference Centre during the 2018 International boat Show.
The Boating Industry Association (BIA), organiser of the show, said in a statement: “The Sydney International Boat Show for 2018 has closed, with industry participants feeling positive and buoyant about the event following some apprehension in 2017 when entering a new facility.”
Domenic Genua, event manager for the BIA, commented: “This year’s show hosted 59,753 visitors over the five days. Whilst this is 5% (or 3,292) less visitors from the 63,045 last year, it is also above expectations.
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Both history and research showed that an element of last year’s visitors were those inquisitive about the new facility. This bodes well for the show and is a testament to the importance of the event with the rebound from our days at Glebe Island continuing.”
SIBS returned last year to a central site of the Sydney International Convention Centre (ICC) and Cockle Bay marina in Darling Harbour.
This was after three years of having a split site while the ICC was built.
It is known that a sizeable amount of business was achieved during the event, but with the show only just ending full details will take a little longer. As one the largest boating event in the Southern Hemisphere, the show reflected the growing strength of the Australian marine recreational market which has been improving over the past two or three years.
SIBS 2018, the 51st edition, included some 250 exhibitors and around 1,000 boats with over 200 afloat in the marina, which for this year was named in memory of David Lockwood, the leading Australian marine journalist who recently passed away.
The Marina featured numerous boats and yachts making their debuts, wether it be Show, Australian or world premieres, including offerings from Team Windcraft, Beneteau and Ensign Brokers.
President of the BIA, Alan Blake, said: “We made a few changes to the venue layout and signage this year to assist with visitor traffic flow and experience. Along with the impressive industry response presenting A class exhibits, visitors to the show enjoyed an exceptional opportunity to satisfy their expectations and to help make their time on the water safer and more fun.”
“Overall, a positive result for everyone,” Domenic Genua added.
The show dates for 2019 are August 1-5.
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