EVENTS - 2009 Brisbane Boat Show begins today
The Best of the Best in 2009
From Thursday, August 27 until Sunday, August 30, Southbank’s Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre will transform into the ultimate marine showcase with the staging of the 2009 Brisbane Boat Show, organisers said.
This year’s Brisbane Boat Show is promising to be a fantastic display of everything the marine industry has to offer, said officials, adding that the range of product on show is something that has not been seen in Brisbane for some time.
Show organisers said further they are pleased to announce a range of activities and demonstrations to entertain the whole family.
“We have made a special effort to cater for everyone’s interests at this year’s show,” said Marine Queensland’s general manager, Don Jones.
“There will be wakeboarding, fishing and cooking demonstrations, model-boat racing, off?shore powerboat displays, and the increasingly popular Kids Marine Zone,” he said.
The wakeboarding demonstrations are expected to be a popular feature of the show with World Champion, Daniel Watkins, making the trip from America especially to attend the Brisbane Boat Show.
“We are also very excited to be giving away a Haines Traveller TF157 Boating Package (thanks to the Haines Group and Suzuki Marine) in conjunction with the Courier Mail,” Jones said.
Show organisers said the even will also boast the first ‘Seafood Café’ run by the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre’s award-winning catering team. Menu items on offer include seafood antipasto platters, wok-fried prawns, and salt and pepper calamari.
Marine Queensland said a priority has been to reduce the costs for exhibitors in attending the show, together with increasing the appeal of recreational marine activity to the community.
“As an industry association, it’s our responsibility to work for our members and deliver the best outcomes available,” said Jones, “That is why freezing space rates based on 2008 pricing was not an option; it simply wasn’t the best outcome we could have provided for our members.”
Marine Queensland said it initiated a lengthy negotiations process with venue management, contractors and suppliers at the conclusion of last year’s show, allowing the association to offer 2009 exhibitors a 15 per cent reduction on their space rates.
“This means that an exhibitor taking one of the smallest stands on offer has been able to save in excess of $300 on their space rental costs, while larger exhibitors have been able to save thousands off last years rates,” explained Jones.
Organisers said that there is a limited exhibition space still available and for information on how you can be a part of this years show please contact Marine Queensland, phone (07) 3390 4657.
Show times are: Thursday, Friday 10am to 9pm; Saturday 10am to 8pm; and, Sunday 10am to 5pm.
Admission prices are: Adult $16; Adult Two-Day Pass $24; concession/students $11; and, Children under 15 Free.
For further information, visit www.brisbaneboatshow.com.au