Applications have now opened for exhibitors to secure their space at this year’s Gold Coast International Marine Expo. Representing Australia’s only “working boat show”, the event will run from October 17 to 19, 2014.
In 2014 the 3km-long display circuit features live attractions and demonstrations every 15 minutes
Organisers of the not-for-profit Expo say it will again be an exhibition of all things aquatic and expect this year’s crowd will surpass last year’s record 21,000 people.
“Already over 25 per cent of last year’s exhibitors have confirmed their spaces for this year and we will have many new attractions,” said Event and Marketing Manager Emma Milne. “That’s not surprising given that a 2013 event survey revealed 91 per cent of visitors rated the Expo eight out of 10, and 82 per cent confirmed they would be back in 2014.”
The three-day Expo – at the Gold Coast Marine Precinct at Coomera – brings together everything from kayaks to superyachts, fishing equipment to jetskis, and everything else in between, in a 3km-long display circuit featuring live attractions and demonstrations every 15 minutes.
Ms Milne said the event not only provides a key opportunity for the boating industry to showcase its array of equipment, accessories and boats – and a one-stop venue for the public to experience all things aquatic – it also provides a much-needed, pre-Christmas cash injection for local charities.
The Expo Team has some big plans in store for 2014
“Last year we were able to provide financial support for the Rotary Club of Coomera River, Paradise Kids, Sailability Gold Coast and the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter. To date the Expo has raised $50,000 for these organisations,” she said.
The date of the Gold Coast International Marine Expo has moved forward this year to take advantage of slightly cooler weather and remove any possible conflict with other major events, such as Melbourne Cup and Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
“The 2014 Gold Coast International Marine Expo promises to be our most successful event to date”, said Ms Milne. “We have just launched a new Expo website and exhibitor applications are now open – several world and Queensland premieres have already been confirmed for Expo 2014 so it is shaping up to be bigger than ever.
“All of our major attractions such as the Jet Pack demonstration, the Coomera Cup and the amazing High Diving Show will again be major drawcards, as well as a brand-new display from the water-propelled stunt bike, Jetonator,” said Ms Milne.
Exhibitors at the past three Expo’s have sung the praises of the event.
“Every year we attend Queensland’s major boat shows but in 2013 this was the best boat show result we had experienced in years”, said C Worthy Marine’s Carly Schneider.
“It was a fantastic turn-out last year and we had a very successful show, doubling last year’s sales … so we are very happy and we’ll be back for 2014”, said Jeff McNiven from JSW Power Sports.
“We just keep expanding our site and the concept behind the Expo, being run by the industry for the industry, is what makes it such a successful exposition,” said Managing Director of Sirocco Marine North, Dylan Lopez.
The 2014 Expo will again offer free on-site car parking and there will be a nominal entry fee of $8 per adult, $5 for seniors while children under 15 accompanied will be admitted free.
In support of the boating industry and being true to Expo’s philosophy, prices for all exhibitors will be held at 2013 levels and there will be a new layout to further enhance the Expo experience.
“This year we will have one central food court, even more entertainment and a new indoor/outdoor-style marquee as a display option,” said Ms Milne.
“It promises to be a lot of fun and will also offer boating enthusiasts the best chance to get afloat before the summer and Christmas seasons.”
