The Sydney International Boat Show, hosted by the glamorous Australia yacht charter destination – Sydney from July 31 to August 4, has ended for 2014 with a resounding success. Organizers as well as exhibitors were thrilled that the results achieved at the dual venue event have surpassed expectations.
Sydney International Boat Show 2014 from above
The show attracted a diverse group of visitors seeking information, products and services across many of the boating lifestyle market segments. Being the 47th event, show organisers were keen to ensure that the visiting public were exposed to new products and technologies that would improve the boating lifestyle of those regular to the water. For those new to boating, it gave show organisers and exhibitors the opportunity to share the joys of recreational boating.
More than 150 luxury and prestige boats were moored at the purpose built marina at Darling Harbour. At Glebe Island, visitors had over 700 boats to peruse, as well as all manner of accessories, marine electronics and safety gear.
President of the Boating Industry Association Alan Blake said, “There has been plenty of optimism from show visitors. This is an early indication that we are set for a positive summer.”
Sunseeker Yachts at the Sydney International Boat Show 2014
Clear blue skies on each day of the show assisted with making a visit to the boat an even more pleasant experience. Visitors were most impressed with the Glebe Island venue. The quality of the facility and the manner in which the organisers adapted to it, ensured the show remains the leading boat show in the country.
“The positive presentation of the boating lifestyle at the Sydney International Boat Show this year is a credit to the exhibitors who have engaged at the event with the audience who came to learn, explore and buy,” said General Manager of the Boating Industry Association Roy Privett. “There have been challenges, and it is important that we recognise and acknowledge them. But we are very pleased with the results and will walk away ready to make the event even better next year.”
SIBS 2014
This year, visitors to the show were ferried between the two display locations with the on-water displays remaining at Darling Harbour and the indoor exhibits installed at the interim Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island. The ferry shuttle was an added bonus with guest experiencing the beauty of the harbour firsthand.
Sydney International Boat Show 2014 by night
“Our transport modelling was 95% correct and we will make changes to improve that next year,” said Boating Industry Association event manager Domenic Genua. “Some issues evolved around people being held up on ferry transfers, but as one commuter ironically asked ‘where would you rather be?’,” a reference to the show’s slogan.
The efforts of the show’s Partners in Safety, Transport for NSW, together with other promotional partners was evident, and went a long way towards making the show the success it has been.
The Sydney International Boat Show returns to Darling Harbour and Glebe Island 30 July – 3 August 2015.
