Today, December 5, 2014, saw the Gold Coast International Marine Expo – a massive showcase of all things aquatic –announce new dates, new industry partners, as well as 35 per cent extra exhibitor space and on-site parking capacity in a strategic move that immediately elevates the city’s status on the world boating stage.
The Gold Coast International Marine Expo
From 2015, the Expo will be brought forward to align with the dates of Queensland’s other major boating events – the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show and the Riviera Festival of Boating – facilitating four fantastic days on the Gold Coast from 21-24 May for boat lovers and enthusiasts.
This new era of ‘strategic cooperation’ places the Gold Coast in the enviable position of hosting what will become the biggest combined boat show in the Southern Hemisphere, with major benefits for the marine industry and the state economy.
This exciting vision already has been endorsed by the largest shipyards and boat-builders in Australia, as well as several other high-profile boating brands. These companies include Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard, Riviera, Quintrex, Clipper Motor Yachts and International Paint, as well as new Expo partners The Boat Works and Stefan Boating World.
Collectively, the interests of the progressive captains of the Australian marine industry which have established themselves at the Gold Coast Marine Precinct represent an investment of more than $300 million in facilities, infrastructure and research and development. The Precinct – where more than 2000 people are employed – is also home to the Gold Coast Institute of TAFE’s state-of-the-art Marine Training Centre.
Expo chairman Patrick Gay said the concept draws on the collaborative efforts of successful events with established track records of attracting tens of thousands of visitors from interstate and overseas.
“The Expo is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when a competitive industry is prepared to work together toward a common goal,” said Mr Gay.
“I’ve long said that united we stand and divided we tumble down … and the fact the industry united in 2010 to stage the first Gold Coast International Marine Expo has ensured our survival.
“Now, as we move into 2015, we are presented with a very exciting opportunity – aligning the major boat show dates will enable Queensland to host a fantastic and truly international event that has far-reaching and long-lasting positive impacts for the state and for the wider boating industry.”
Mr Gay said that Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show has been respectfully invited to join the industry-led initiative and the door is open for Mulpha to participate.
“We genuinely believe we can work with all parties to build the greatest boating festival in Australia, one that will draw people from all over the world and one that will have obvious flow-on effects for our industry and every area of the economy,” he said.
“There are just so many extraordinary possibilities when everyone works together toward a common goal.”
Mr Gay said the consolidated festival concept offers a multitude of positives, not least of which is the fact the state’s major marine events will complement each other.
“They will add value to each other and there are precedents for a number of successful marine industry shows being hosted in the same city on simultaneous dates, one being the biggest boat show in the world: Miami,” he said.
“Miami International Boat Show itself runs concurrently with the Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show along Collins Avenue, and Miami Strictly Sail – and they all work together in close partnership to cleverly leverage promotion and marketing opportunities and maximise their exposure … and in so doing have created the largest combined boat show in the Americas with free shuttle buses linking all their sites.”
Mr Gay said 2015’s bigger and better Gold Coast International Marine Expo would be spread throughout the bustling Gold Coast Marine Precinct, with visitors enjoying free water transport between the Gold Coast City Marina, the Riviera yacht-building facility and The Boat Works, in addition to free courtesy buses along Waterway Drive, seamlessly linking the free car-parking with a minimum of four great Expo sites, including Telwater’s Quintrex factory.
“We have now opened applications for exhibitors and we look forward to working with new and existing businesses to realising all the opportunities that exist,” he said. “In expanding the not-for-profit Expo to four days we have held exhibitor rates to 2014 levels to help our industry and effectively deliver an additional day for exhibitors at no extra cost.
“The Expo will continue to offer free on-site car-parking – we are committed to ensuring the not-for-profit show remains not only the most affordable boat show in Australia, but also the most accessible … and one which truly delivers on its promise of being a boat show and so much more for the whole boating family.
“We will continue to showcase everything from super yachts to kayaks, jet skis to fishing equipment … and everything in between, and we will continue to offer affordable family fun including factory tours, live demonstrations and attractions every 15 minutes across our world-class event sites.
“Where else in the world can people experience a boat show of this calibre within the biggest boat manufacturing and shipyards in this country, where thousands of boats are manufactured and exported, and where over 6000 boats are slipped and serviced each year.”
Mr Gay said the earlier date will greatly assist manufacturers and retailers who launch new models early in the calendar year and will enable them to guarantee delivery before the summer season.
“It also takes advantage of favourable Gold Coast weather conditions, and where better to be than enjoying the warm weather and a truly awesome boat show than the Gold Coast in May.”
The Gold Coast Marine Precinct is home to Australia’s biggest boat and luxury yacht builders – all major exporters – in addition to an extensive list of repairers and vital support services.
“The marine industry is a major employer for Queensland – there are more than 2000 people working in the Gold Coast Marine Precinct alone, as well as many thousands more employed throughout the supply chain networks,” said Mr Gay.
“This exciting new direction will enhance our collective potential to tap that international market … and that means more jobs and greater prosperity for the Australian marine industry.”
• Leading into its 5th year, the Gold Coast International Marine Expo is a massive and diverse showcase of all things aquatic – from super yachts to kayaks, jet skis to fishing equipment … and everything in between. In the past four years, the not-for-profit Expo has helped raise and donate $68,000 to various charities.
• The Riviera Festival of Boating – now in its 4th year – is a unique event that brings together the global family of Riviera and Belize owners, and those keen to take the helm. The event’s focus is on fun social events and informative educational workshops, as well as showcasing the iconic Australian marque’s impressive line-up of luxury yachts from 36-75 feet.
