INDUSTRY bookings for the 2013 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) are off to a great start, with 20 exhibitors re-booking space in the first hour for the 25th anniversary Show as registrations opened.
Reservations for exhibitor placements went live on Wednesday for next year’s Boat Show, taking place at the award-winning Gold Coast resort-style community from Thursday May 23 to Sunday May 26.
SCIBS exhibition manager Harry Davis said phone enquiries had been strong since bookings opened.
“We’ve had a great response from exhibitors straight away which is very encouraging,” said Mr Davis.
“This kind of response suggests that a transition from troubled economic times to a more optimistic outlook is on the horizon.
“We’ve even had companies calling this week before they go overseas to other boat shows to ensure they don’t miss out on optimum places at next year’s SCIBS.”
Long time exhibitor and renowned Whitsunday-based company Cumberland Charter Yachts was the first to re-book space for next year’s show, with general manager Adrian Bram booking the same location he has exhibited at for more than a decade.
“We’ve been exhibiting at the same space each year so it’s become our Gold Coast shop front in a sense,” said Mr Bram.
“Sixty-five per cent of our business is repeat and referral – people come back each year and expect us to be there.”
Mr Bram said SCIBS was not only a highlight event for the company’s marketing calendar but also a chance to catch up with industry stalwarts and newcomers alike.
“Our business doesn’t work with travel agents so boat shows and the internet are key to our marketing model,” he said.
“The event also brings the entire boating community together which makes for great networking opportunities.”
Mulpha Sanctuary Cove general manager of marketing and events, Sue Thomson said SCIBS had earned an international reputation as one of the best platforms for the marine industry to do business in an ideal family-friendly location.
“Sanctuary Cove and the Marine Village is the ultimate setting for a boat show and it offers something for the whole family to enjoy. Our unique part of the world attracts thousands of visitors to Boat Show each year and we are expecting a big turnout for the 25th anniversary.”
SCIBS has positioned itself over the years as Australia’s foremost marine trade display, which gives the community, boating enthusiasts and marine industry representatives the rare opportunity to network and view the latest and greatest boating and marine products on offer.
Boating brands, products and services will be on display in the Sanctuary Cove marina, throughout the pavilions and in Sanctuary Cove’s Marine Village during the four day event.
A raft of initiatives and attractions will be added to the program to celebrate the 25th anniversary for both visitors and exhibitors, making next year’s show the “must attend” event on the Asia-Pacific boating community calendar.
Tickets and holiday packages for SCIBS 2013 will go on sale online to the public late November. The official SCIBS 2013 Prospectus is now available. For more information on exhibiting, visit www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au.
The $A2 billion Sanctuary Cove, located on the northern Gold Coast, is Australia’s leading and most successful master-planned community.
Featuring two 18 hole championship golf courses, a 300 berth marina, five-star InterContinental Hotel, 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 very own waterfront commercial, retail and dining precinct, with more than 80 tenancies. Sanctuary Cove was acquired by current owners Mulpha Sanctuary Cove (Developments) Pty Limited in 2002. MSCD is an arm of Mulpha Australia Limited, which is a subsidiary of Malaysian listed Mulpha International BHD.
