In a move that could change the face of boat shows as we know them, the Queensland Marine Expo got off to a flying start last Friday (November 4).
The Expo differs from all other boat shows in that it is a 'not for profit' event according to spokesman Stephen Milne: "We’re not here to make a profit," said Mr Milne. "We are here to showcase the marine industry and let the public see (for free) what wonderful products and facilities we have here on the Gold Coast."
The event was held at Gold Coast City Marina and at the adjoining Riviera factory.
Two marinas (one at GCCM and the other at Riviera) were used and the public got see not only the world-class boats on the water, but also boats being built. Riviera opened their factory to the public to see just how a boat is put together.
Other highlights were a simulated search-and-rescue demonstration where a person was pulled from the water by helicopter, stalls and demonstrations of electronics gear, radios and stereos, V8 Super Boats, fishing gear, and heaps of fun for the kids.
According to the organisers nearly 15,800 people attended the event which ran over three days -- and not one of them had to pay to get in or to park. The entire event was free to enter and we even saw a stall on Friday handing out free sausage sandwiches!
Retailers told Boatpoint that interest and enquiry was solid throughout the event. Some of the more successful were Catalina yachts who sold three boats toatalling over $1m.
Norm Ambrose from Catalina said: "We believe we will sell another $1 million worth of Catalina Yachts before Christmas as a result of the show and we look forward to next year’s Expo."
The brainchild of Queensland’s boating industry leaders, the Gold Coast Marine Expo featured hundreds of exhibits from Australia’s and the world’s leading boating brands sprawled over 36 hectares.
Anthony Antees from Gold Coast Sea Doo said it was an excellent show and they received a lot of positive feedback.
"It’s the right formula with free entry, free parking, easy to get to and lots of on-water activities," Mr Antees said.
Russell Wright from Horizon Motor Yachts said the secret to the Expo’s success and popularity was keeping it casual and the exhibitor rates affordable.
"From the start, the organisers have hit on a catchy name and excellent branding. I am sure we will all be back next year," Mr Wright said.
JD’s Boatshed at Runaway Bay is a family-owned and operated boat dealership with a range of Cobalt, Formosa, Seajay, Glastron and Yamaha outboards and boats from six to 45 feet including inflatables, aluminium and fibreglass. Manager Mark Taylor said the Gold Coast Marine Expo was a huge success.
"Having participated in car and boat shows across the country since the 80s, I can honestly say that this was the very first show that supported retailers 100 per cent," Mr Taylor said.
"I think it was a sensational effort by all, with what was an infectious energy and enthusiasm that only helped the exhibitors maximise the opportunities before them."
One excited visitor said it was the best show he’d been to in years: "There are no queues, it’s roomy to get around, and best of all, it’s free. I can come back tomorrow and have another look around and it won’t cost me a cent," he said.
Stephen Milne said that although exhibitors were charged a fee, most of it went on marketing and infrastructure.
"The Expo set out to be a true family event with free admission to attract more new people to consider what boating has to offer, easy parking and public transport access. It was a real not-for-profit community event raising funds for local charities and showcased the skill and expertise of the businesses based in the Gold Coast Marine Precinct as well as providing a platform displaying new and pre-owned boats and creating general leads and sales in the critical pre-summer selling period," Mr Milne said.