Inaugural Geelong Boat Show hailed a success

Geelong Boat Show © Boating Industry Association of Victoria

Organisers the BIAV and Exhibitors have hailed the inaugural Geelong Boat Show a success after it concluded on the Geelong Waterfront on Sunday afternoon.

Very favourable weather, an outstanding waterfront location, and a great display by Exhibitors made for a great day 1, on the Saturday. Spread across the Royal Geelong Yacht Club marina, Stony Pier Lane, Fairnie Park, and Transvaal Square the boutique event layout was excellent for exhibitors and visitors alike.

The two-day estimated 4,000 - 5,000 strong crowd took in the boat show, which was taking place alongside the Offshore Superboats racing, the yacht club sailing, as well as the usual waterfront activity. Exhibitors described the crowd as 'quality', and a genuine boat show crowd with real interest. Brand building was certainly at a premium, there were many leads generated, and there was quite a bit of evidence of people sitting at little tables in marquees with pen in hand!

BIAV CEO Steve Walker commented "Well done to the 25 high quality exhibitors that displayed a great array of fishing, cruising, ski, paddle, and sailing boats, as well as many boating accessories and services." Adding "Our thanks go to the Royal Geelong Yacht Club and the City of Greater Geelong, as well as the other supporters of the first-time event. All chipping in to make it possible, and successful."

Bar Crusher celebrated on Saturday evening at the Exhibitor Gathering and Pre-Dinner Drinks. They were awarded the best exhibit prize for their display that spanned the club entrance, across the lawn, onto the marina, and included sea trials. Delighted to take out the award, GM Sam Holmes went on to say, "Bar Crusher Boats enjoyed being a part of the inaugural Geelong Boat Show. With the ability to get out on the water combined with the great setting down on the waterfront with the Yacht club and marina as our background, it made for a spectacular spot for our guests". Another prize recipient was Premier Yachting's Jim Sismanes who took out the Know Your BIAV Quiz with a near perfect 9/10 score. Well done Jim. More than 25 years in the industry and plenty of knowledge!

Inverloch Marine GM James Cody was very enthused stating "We found the inaugural GBS to be great. It was well attended and even the wet weather on Sunday did little to keep visitors away. We were busy for most of the weekend and left with a number of great leads. We will certainly be back if the event is repeated." Chris Sawyer from AWS Action Watersports commented, "We really appreciated being there, loved our spot, made some good connections, got our shop name out there, and made a couple of sales." Aussie Boat Sales had a good weekend with Scott O'Hare commenting "An overall good boat show with lots of genuine interest, several leads, and some solid results."

BIAV will assess all of the exhibitor and visitor feedback and contemplate future options for the event, that will be in the mix with other locations around the state.