Changing of the guard at SCIBS
Just before the 2008 and 20th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, the exhibition's popular 'front man' Barry Jenkins announced he was 'stepping aside.' 
'Barry Jenkins (left) and successor Mark Jensen ’press the flesh’ during their nine-month handover of Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show responsibilities.'
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It was not a rash decision, it was in fact a decision that had been taken some time previously and been in the planning stages long before 'BJ', as he's known, made his announcement.
The industry can take heart on two fronts; 'BJ' will still be around and his replacement, Mark Jensen, comes across as a more than able replacement.
Last week, under sunny skies and the typical Sanctuary Cove ambience, the two men agreed to outlay their thoughts, plans and ideas for Marine Business News.
Incidentally, you must really ask where did 'BJ' ever find the time to carry out his vital role as general manager of the show?
After all, this is the man who is currently president of the Australian Marine Industries Federation, president of Marine Queensland, a director of AIMEX and chairman of Superyacht Base Australia (phew!).
'Sure, I'm a busy man and I've loved every minute of it,' 'BJ declares.
His immediate plans centre on what he has termed an 'Ambassadorial role' for the boat show, for as he puts it, one does not promote such an event as the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show by sitting in an office.
'I well remember the early days, trekking the length and breadth of Fort Lauderdale handing out leaflets trying to promote the show,' he recalled.
'Next year, we went back again and again the year after that, and finally they (the American industry) recognised that we were serious and really did have a worthwhile boat show on offer.'
Looking back over 20-years, 'BJ' says he feels well satisfied with the show's achievements.
'I can't really say there's much we would have done differently,' he says.
Asked for an opinion on recent suggestions that the show's sheer size necessitated more than one venue, he recalled, 'We did that a couple of times, around '03 and '04, working in conjunction with the Gold Coast City Marina.
'I would not say it was a failure, but our feedback was that those who exhibited at the Gold Coast City Marina felt they were out of the mainstream.
'Having said that, it does not mean we have closed the door on the subject.
'In fact, I never have a closed door,' he added.
Mark Jensen came on board early this year and is the first to admit his initial six months has been a 'learning curve.'
Originally a Victorian ('Don't hold that against him, ''BJ' was quick to interject), he has had broad experience in tourism, hospitality and hotel management, all factors which should prove valuable in his future endeavours.
Mark and family have resided on the Gold Coast for the past six years and are more than happy to refer to the area as 'home.'
Asked if he would follow 'BJ' into the 'political' side of the industry with AMIF, AIMEX or Marine Queensland, Mark said such a move was far from his current thoughts.
'I'm still very much a learner,' he said, 'I've got a long way to go and many aspects of my role to come to terms with before start thinking along those lines,' he added.
'BJ' was quick to add that in the future, if Mark decided to stand for positions within industry bodies, he would not hesitate to nominate him.
'Let me simply add that Barry and I are in the midst of what is a nine month hand over of responsibilities and during that time there's much I need to absorb, budgets in particular,' Mark said.
'I can say that Barry and his team, with particular mention of Harry Davis, have done a terrific job and I don't envisage any significant changes.
'If there are changes that will rate as significant, they will come about due to the expansion of the Sanctuary Cove redevelopment and when complete the marina, which is the heart and soul of the show, will increase from about 300 berths to somewhere between 550 and 585 berths.
'As far as actual conduct of the show, I certainly don't see where I can improve in any way what has been achieved to date,' he added.
On his role as an 'Ambassador' for the show, 'BJ' believes in the 'global platform'.
'We must market the show internationally and on top of that represent our loyal exhibitors on the world stage as well,' he explained.
'The show has been extremely fortunate over the past 20-years to have had valuable support from the State and Federal Governments, the Gold Coast City Council and organisations such as Austrade.
'I will be doing what ever it takes to retain or improve on that level of support,' he added.
While Jenkins to Jensen does represent a true 'changing of the guard', I'm sure the industry will be pleased that one segment of the show remains constant - and his name is Harry Davis.
'Definitely no change there, Harry remains an important member of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show family,' 'BJ' declared.
'I'd like to make one more thing very clear, there's no doubt in my mind that we have chosen the right man for the job in Mark Jensen,' he added.
by Bob Wonders
sunrise beach, QLD
