SIBS attendance down, sales strong

'SIBS, before the crowds arrived.' Jeni Bone Click Here to view large photo

BIA NSW has released the attendance figures for the first 4 days of the Sydney International Boat Show, proud that relentless marketing and a positive attitude have attracted nearly 58,000 people.

According to Domenic Genua, event organiser, while the numbers may be 13% down on last year - 58,000 compared to 66,000 last year - he is thrilled that exhibitors are reporting steady sales and genuine interest.

'I have been beating myself up about lower attendance,' he begins, 'But in the scheme of things, when you consider the impact of the cost of fuel, interest rates and the fact that families are really feeling the pinch everywhere, we've done a great job to get so many people here.'

The difference this year was the substantial increase in advertising support, running for a month prior and then throughout the show up until the final hours of the last day.

'We've done a hell of a lot more advertising this year,' says Genua. 'We are adamant that we as an industry are here to stay, come what may in terms of the economy and other factors.

'We have really put recreational boating in front of hundreds of thousands of people and shown them - even those who haven't been able to attend - the benefits and pleasures of recreational boating. That was our aim and we should be proud as an industry that we have achieved almost 58,000 visitors under such conditions.'

Exhibitors display at SIBS - Sydney International Boat Show - Sail-World.com- AUS&copy Click Here to view large photo

The Haines Group won Best Stand of Hall 3 and Best Overall Display and Maritimo took out the Best Marina Display, despite ferocious competition from lavish displays from boat show stalwarts.

The Haines Group invested in excess of $80,000 for floor space and stand, not taking into account staff, flights and other costs, according to Vanessa Norris, marketing coordinator.

'This is our 4th Year in a row for SIBS and last year we won a hat trick for Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane,' she adds. 'We're not getting our hopes up, but if we get Brisbane this year, we'll have scored another hat trick.'

The creative impetus behind the Haines Group display is all in-house. 'We design the stand and then rely on Harry the Hirer to carry out the construction work,' says Vanessa.

by Jeni Bone