Tinnie and Tackle Show a winner

The inaugural Australian 4x4 and Marine Expo at Manly Boat Harbour held last weekend (March 7-8) has been hailed a huge success, exceeding the expectations of both consumers and exhibitors and even the organisers.

The post-show press release says more than 16,700 people attended the event, which brought together the Explore Australia Expo and Brisbane Tinnie and Tackle Show to create Brisbane’s first on-water exhibition.

The atmosphere, engagement and experience of the location coupled with the style and character of event was said to be a winning combination that captivated a lucrative market of outdoor enthusiasts.

Some showgoers said they struggled with the heat and lack of shade, and there were complaints about a lack of tackle, but will hopefully be addressed in future.

"We are very proud of the success of the Expo," Australian 4x4 and Marine Expo Event Manager Paul Morgan said. "It clearly demonstrates the success of a targeted marketing campaign, our alignment with key industry and community partners, the relevant, dynamic and extensive entertainment and the 'value for money' that the show presented for both visitors and exhibitors.

"We exceeded our goals along with the expectations of both the exhibitors and the visitors. The success speaks for itself and for a first run event at an untested location it was clearly a winner.

"Combining the 'off road' action and ‘on the water’ displays gave us an edge along with community partnerships that resulted in well run and informative displays from Four Wheel Drive Queensland, the Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club, the Queensland Quad Riders Club, Police Service and Queensland Parks and Wildlife," Morgan continued.

President of Marine Queensland, Matthew Hodson, said that by early Friday his nerves from the previous night had been turned into confidence as visitors just kept streaming in, boats were being sold and exhibitors were very pleased with the results and exposure.

"The marine component had exhibitors asking to rebook after just one day of sales," Hodson said. "Yamaha boats for one, asked for bigger sites for 2016 and the Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club were thrilled with the response to this first event."

Consumers were also invited to participate in over $20,000.00 worth of promotional giveaways including the Narva and Boating & RV $10,000 package, the Maritimo $6000 luxury escape experience and the Bundaberg Ginger Beer promotion.

The team at Explore Australia Exhibitions is now turning their focus to delivering Melbourne’s biggest and best 4x4, touring, camping, fishing and boating event – Explore Australia Expo at the Melbourne Showgrounds, May 29-31, 2015.

For further information on the Australian 4x4 and Marine Expo Brisbane, or Explore Australia Expo Melbourne,  email info@exploreaustraliaexpo.com.au.