Organisers of the third annual Gold Coast International Marine Expo have just released an extra 20 per cent of extension exhibition space to meet growing demand for the unique annual boating showcase held from November 1 to 3 at the Gold Coast Marine Precinct in Coomera, Queensland.
The not-for-profit Expo has been described as ‘breathing life back into the marine industry’ and has now become one of the major boating attractions on the Australian boat show calendar and is expected to double in size over the next five years.
Gold Coast International Marine Expo spokeswoman Emma Milne said 99 per cent of the original extension space has already been sold to past and new exhibitors.
“With just two months until the Expo opens, we have had an influx of new exhibitors securing display sites and we expect to further expand the total site, which will mean we could have exhibits from Waterway Drive all the way to the Coomera River which would be incredible for our third year,” Ms Milne said.
“On the marina, the Expo has already sold 75 per cent of the berths and we are honoured to receive continued support from our founding exhibitors with a great many companies securing larger extension sites than previous years. We have a lot of new attractions and entertainment planned for 2013, such as the Expo high divers presented by JSW Powersports, so this year’s Gold Coast International Marine Expo is shaping up to be the biggest and the best yet.”
The impressive line-up of entertainment and attractions this year will include the new Family Zone which features 2000sqm of fun, entertainment and activities for children of all ages; the Coomera Cup paddle board race; the Flyboard X which is a water jet powered machine and is the most anticipated extreme water sport to hit Australian shores.
Other attractions include the Yamaha Supertank Fishing Show, the Club Marine Cooking Show with popular chef Bart Beek, the giant 50 Tonne Travel Lift Demonstration and a mock rescue in the Coomera River by the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter Rescue Service with further attractions to be announced shortly.
“We are also pleased to host a Riviera display that will give Expo visitors an insight into how a Riviera boat is designed in 3D computer aided design systems as well as viewing the various stages of construction of a world-class luxury powerboat,” Ms Milne said.
“We will also host a fascinating seminar on the history of the wooden boat and its construction that will include a display of completed wooden boats and canoes.”
In 2013 organisers expect to have more than 500 boats on display including over 100 boats in the on water display.
The Expo is a partnership between Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard, Riviera, Quintrex, International Paints, and Clipper Motor Yachts who founded and helped stage this annual not-for-profit community and family focused event. Expo is so much more than a boat show as it takes visitors behind the scenes of the marine industry and does so surrounded by hundreds of exhibits from the world’s best boating brands displayed over an enlarged three kilometre display circuit.
The third annual Gold Coast International Marine Expo is set to break its previous records, which attracts around 300 individual marine brands each year.
Ms Milne said attendance at last year’s Expo defied industry trends with a 24 per cent increase on the first year’s attendance.
“The three day Expo attracted a total of 20,752 people in 2012 from around Australia and New Zealand as counted independently by the Rotary Club of Coomera River, which is a tremendous achievement for such a fresh and new event,” Ms Milne said.
A gold coin donation is requested upon entry to the Gold Coast International Marine Expo which will be given directly back to community groups including the Rotary Club of Coomera River, Paradise Kids, the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter Rescue Service and Sailability.
Easy access including free on site parking is another major draw card for boating enthusiasts from across the nation.
The Gold Coast International Marine Expo will be held on November 1-3 from 9am to 5pm with free entry and free parking. To find out more visit www.gcmarineexpo.com.au
