More options, expanded precincts and larger pavilions
SANCTUARY Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) is accepting exhibitor applications for its 29th edition, running from May 25 to 28, 2017.
From November 9, boating and marine companies are invited to get on board for next year’s Show with 2016 exhibitors receiving a two-week window to secure their preferred position throughout The Marine Village.
Queensland’s premier boating event and one of the largest on the Asia Pacific calendar, SCIBS sees up to 300 exhibitors on display and injects up to $148 million into the local economy annually. This year’s Show welcomed more than 40,000 visitors to a spectacular display of boating and marine products across four days.
Along with global and Australian launches, SCIBS presents a stellar showcase of the latest and greatest the world’s marine industry has to offer in one spectacular location.
SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser said feedback from exhibitors had been extremely positive and their suggestions would be key to enhancing the 2017 Show.
“Every year we aim to improve on the success of the previous year’s Show. For 2017, we have taken on board feedback from our exhibitors and visitors as to what elements of the Show worked best and what they would like to see more of,” Mr Hasser said.
“Visitors enjoyed the concept of ‘shows within the Show’, which represented great value for money for ticket holders. Next year’s Show will be the place to see the big names in all segments of boating and marine, from trailerable craft to catamarans, from sailing boats to superyachts and everything in between.
“Added to this will of course be a full family-friendly entertainment schedule, boating education events and the return of the Women on Water program, making it the Boat Show that has something for everyone.”
An iconic trade and consumer show endorsed by Tourism & Events Queensland, SCIBS is also a member of the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO).
Mr Hasser said the Australian Superyacht & Marine Export (ASMEX) Conference will return to Sanctuary Cove in the two days prior to SCIBS, which from a trade perspective, was of great benefit to exhibitors.
“The ASMEX conference provides our exhibitors with a great prelude to SCIBS. It’s an invaluable networking opportunity for exhibitors in all areas of industry and we’re very happy to again be hosting ASMEX in its eighth year,” he said.
In 2016, luxury super yachts were a highlight of the SCIBS display program, along with the introduction of a new and dedicated fishing and trailer boat precinct The Boatyard, whose popularity will see it return in 2017.
SCIBS sales and exhibition manager Dominic O’Brien said demand across all display areas has prompted a review and expansion of several key precincts, including The Boatyard and spaces on the marina and pavilions, which sold out early for SCIBS 2016.
“The Boatyard precinct struck a chord with exhibitors in the trailerable boat segment and will be expanded to The Docks precinct in 2017 to accommodate this demand,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Other changes include an additional 300sqm of space in the Superyacht & Marine Pavilion, with extra space outside for exhibitors wishing to take advantage of traffic through the Marine Village.
“Then there’s the additional berths on the marina and more interest from superyachts for next year’s Show.”
This year’s SCIBS saw local manufacturer Maritimo showcase one of their biggest on-water displays, with international sales and marketing manager Greg Haines saying it was a highly successful Show and saw the Maritimo display visited by a record number of people.
Maritimo’s display highlights included the very popular M65 and M58 cruising motor yachts alongside the world premiere of the M61, and the Maritimo Offshore Racing world championship winning race boat also drawing the crowds.
“Our numbers were up and we finalised a significant number of deals at the show, with plenty of quality leads to follow-up,” Mr Haines said.
Attending the event were Maritimo dealers Fran Galati and Jay Dee Jackson from the huge USA marine operation Galati Yacht Sales, Craig Harvey from Spencer Ship, Monaco, Bill King from Hampton Yacht Group in California and Eric Koh from SGBOATING Singapore.
“Our dealer partners came from the USA, Europe, Asia and parts of the Americas, bringing clients with them. We have found that because Sanctuary Cove is such a lifestyle event with multiple facets, our international contacts are always very keen to be involved,” Mr Haines said.
“For many of them it is a big commitment in time and effort, being so far away, but many wouldn’t miss it!”
Maritimo founder and industry icon Bill Barry-Cotter has been involved in every SCIBS since its inception and says that involvement will continue.
“The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show has a reputation nationally and internationally that cannot be beaten and in 2017, Maritimo will again have a major investment in the show,” he said.
“People come to Sanctuary Cove for the atmosphere, to view the very latest boats and all things marine and to enjoy the whole package and that includes the shops, the restaurants, the hotel, the Village ambience, the whole thing. It is unique and will stay that way.”
For SCIBS 2017, Mr Haines said Maritimo plans a large on-water display with a variety of new models including the first S70 sedan cruiser.
Long-time exhibitors Integrity Motor Yachts are based at Sanctuary Cove and managing director Brett Flanagan said SCIBS is the company’s most successful marketing exercise each year.
“We always sell boats, we always grow our database, and the location and facilities allow us to present out boats and brand in a manner that attracts many new admirers,” Mr Flanagan said.
“The 2016 Show was the best in years and with buoyant times returning to the boating market, we have no doubt 2017 will be even bigger and better.”
Aqualuma lighting director Carl Amor said the company had a great Show this year and were looking forward to 2017.
“We anticipate strong consumer confidence and slow but steady improvement in the industry,” Mr Amor said.
“For 2017, Aqualuma will have the full range of marine LED products and a display of our commercial industrial lighting.”
Carl and Grant Amor have been exhibiting with Aqualuma since the company commenced operations in 2005 and, prior to that, have exhibited with their previous business since 2001.
“In our opinion, SCIBS is the most important and significant boat show in the southern hemisphere, certainly in the world’s most picturesque setting,” he added.
Back in 2017 will be the exclusive VIP Lounge the International Business Lounge, live entertainment, a kids’ zone, demonstrations and the Women on Water program.
For more information, or to register as an exhibitor, visit www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au or phone the Boat Show office on +617 5577 6011.
Running May 25 to 28, 2017 the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show attracts more than 40,000 visitors and 300 exhibitors to a spectacular showcase featuring hundreds of boats and thousands of marine products across four days.
SCIBS offers FREE park ‘n’ ride services from Warner Bros. Movie World, along with limited on-site parking, available pre-paid.
ABOUT SANCTUARY COVE:
The $A2 billion Sanctuary Cove Resort, located on the northern Gold Coast, is Australia’s leading and most successful master-planned community.
Featuring two 18-hole championship golf courses, a 226 berth marina, five-star InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Country Club including full fitness centre, tennis courts and 25m swimming pool, Sanctuary Cove is also home to some of the most diverse waterfront, golf course fronting or hilltop residential house and land options on the Gold Coast.
At the heart of the community is The Marine Village – Sanctuary Cove’s vibrant precinct featuring more than 80 tenancies, including a selection of shopping, cafes, business services, restaurants and bars.
