The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) has released the statement below, following the Gold Coast International Marine Expo’s announcement to stage its event on the same weekend as the 27th annual Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS)
“The Gold Coast International Marine Expo’s announcement to stage its event on the same weekend as the 27th annual Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) is surprising, but will have no effect on plans already well underway,” said Johan Hasser, General Manager for SCIBS.
“New dates for the Gold Coast International Marine Expo were presented to SCIBS late last week and we were told the new dates would go ahead, with or without us.”
Mr Hasser added there will not be a ‘combined boat show’ as stated by the Gold Coast Marine International Expo in a misleading statement recently provided to their exhibitors.
“Logistically, there is no way possible for 40,000 loyal visitors from SCIBS to be transported, by land or water, to the Gold Coast International Marine Expo, but we do understand why event organisers would want to leverage off the success of SCIBS.
“Time is extremely valuable to the thousands of loyal visitors who come to our Show and they do make plans to stay for the entire day to enjoy the vibrant lifestyle, restaurants, bars and entertainment program that The Marine Village offers.
“What is disappointing is that the Gold Coast International Marine Expo’s decision will force both exhibitors and visitors to choose which event they will go to for reasons of both time and money.
“This is a knee-jerk decision by the Gold Coast International Marine Expo and the ambiguous statement provided to their exhibitors yesterday presents a false perception that there will be a combination of shows, which is not true.
“The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is a premier marine event on the Australian and international boat show calendar. The Show is where the marine industries do business.
“It is business as usual and applications from exhibitors have been coming in strong since we opened registrations for SCIBS 2015 on November 6. We are already ahead of our expectations in terms of commitments from the expected 300 plus exhibitors in 2015,” said Mr Hasser.
Mr Hasser said since the inception of SCIBS in 1989, the marine industry, Sanctuary Cove and Mulpha Australia Ltd have continued to invest and develop the Show and would continue to do so.
“Last year, the economic impact generated by SCIBS for the local Gold Coast economy and community was an estimated $148 million according to research conducted by the Gold Coast City Council,” said Mr Hasser.
“We’re mindful of staying true to the Show’s proven formula and extraordinary legacy, while improving and innovating each year.
“The continuous investment in SCIBS benefits exhibitors, sponsors and the 40,000 visitors that come through the gates every year.”
The owner of Sanctuary Cove, Mulpha Australia Ltd, Chief Operating Officer Winson Chow said, “SCIBS is an integral part of Sanctuary Cove’s DNA and is what sets it apart from other developments that are built around a marine lifestyle”.
