Victoria to celebrate the return of the boat show
New events and a revitalised format mark the return of Victoria’s premier boat show after a three-year absenceVictoria will host its first boat show in three years in 2022 as the state finally winds back the harsh COVID-19 restrictions that have stopped it from going ahead.
From today, most of the Victorian COVID-19 restrictions that have essentially put a halt to large groups of people gathering in the same spot have relaxed enough to make the event viable.
However, next year’s celebration of boating will kick off with February’s Discover Boating Showcase, a new on-water event held at the National Water Sports Centre on the Patterson River at Bangholme in Melbourne’s southeast.
In June, the long-delayed 60th anniversary of the Melbourne International Boat Show will take place at its now traditional venue, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in Southbank.
Powering ahead
Steve Walker, the chief executive of the show’s organiser, the Boating Industry Association of Victoria, said the BIAV was pleased to see the further easing of restrictions and the growing event confidence in Victoria.
“A likely full MCG on Boxing Day and a likely packed Rod Laver Arena at the Australian Open are things that give us great confidence,” Walker said.
“We are powering ahead with our boat show portfolio in 2022 and we can’t wait. There’s pent-up boat show energy, and a best-ever appetite for boats, boating, and the boating lifestyle. So yes, we are quite excited by the prospects.”
Boosting the prospects of a good show are the successes of the events that were able to go ahead this year, including the Perth, Sanctuary Cove and Auckland events.
“The demand for boats, boating and the boating lifestyle is at unprecedented levels and the 2022 Shows have the potential to be Victoria’s best ever,” the BIAV said.
On-water tests
The Discover Boating Showcase will be a two-day event but gives exhibitors the chance to invite potential customers along for on-water tests on the day before and after the showcase officially opens its gates to the public.
There will also be a large land-based boat display. Organisers will also plan for what they believe will be a big influx of first-time boaters, with a Welcome to Boating hub that will show people the basics of how they can get out on the water.
The 2022 Melbourne International Boat Show is expected to host about 100 exhibitors spread across 30,000 square metres of space.
The event will also host a “near-new” display, as well as another space dedicated to classic and restored boats.
The Discover Boating Showcase will officially run from February 17-22 while the Melbourne International Boat Show will run from June 16-19.
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