BIA brokers solution for warring Gold Coast boat shows

As just reported on our websites, boat show arrangements on Australia’s Gold Coast will change in 2017, following intervention from the Boating Industry Association (BIA).

This intervention and mediation arose from ongoing communication and concerns received from industry participants wanting to eliminate the challenges associated with two major events — the Gold Coast Marine Expo and the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show — run concurrently without transport links and synergy.

Showgoers, exhibitors, media, interstate visitors and locals were all scathing about the organisers of the boat shows and their inability to find common ground and promote their marine events harmoniously along the river to create a fully fledged marine showcase.

"The Gold Coast region is the heartbeat of Australian boat and yacht manufacturing and an area we should showcase to the world," National CEO of the Boating Industry Association Howard Glenn said.

"Both the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show and the Gold Coast Marine Expo have a clear purpose in the market. The timing of the two shows created concerns for both industry and show visitors.

"For complex reasons, the two shows were unable to unite as a single event, and the Coomera event was not able to run later in the year. 

"We are pleased that a separation has now occurred, and that the renamed Gold Coast International Boat Show & Marine Expo will run at a separate time, more than two months prior to the Sanctuary Cove event."

"This will allow each event to present its offering to the market place without any possible confusion. It is a positive step forward and will help us to continue championing the region."

The Coomera-based show will change its name to the Gold Coast International Boat Show & Marine Expo and will move to March 17-19, 2017, which means that much of the planning associated with the running of the event needs to be expedited. 

The BIA will become the delivery partner to help with resources to support operations, marketing and back of house administration.

"Our support for the Gold Coast International Boat Show & Marine Expo will not diminish our ongoing support for the Sanctuary Cove Show. Both shows will provide an important opportunity to build our industry’s prosperity," Mr Glenn said.

Mr Glenn said that the process of change for the Gold Coast shows has been underway for some time, and he thanked all the key stakeholders for participation in effective dialogue and solution.

Exhibitors are invited to register their interest by contacting the show team via gcmarineexpo.com.au.