NEWS - MELBOURNE BOAT SHOW SPACE SELLING OUT FAST

The 50th annual Melbourne Boat Show is almost completely booked out by major exhibitors who have returned in force this year as the boat market recovers, event organisers said.

Exhibitors who have not yet booked are being urged to do so soon as display space at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre is almost sold out.

The Show runs from Thursday, July 1 to Monday, July 5 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, opening at 10am daily. One of the few areas still offering prime sites is Accessory Alley, which show organiser, the Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) said has been greatly increased in size since its highly successful introduction last year.

Several new models are scheduled for show debuts, including new trailerable boats from Streaker, Bar Crusher and Evolution Boats plus a new Caribbean flybridge, which is the biggest boat so far booked in for the Show.

BIAV said exhibitors were anticipating serious buyer interest to justify their increased stand sizes and new-model offerings.

BIAV general manager Clyde Batty said there was impressive confidence from exhibitors both large and small, which augured well for the year ahead.

“Whereas last year we saw exhibitors trimming their marketing budgets, this year they are back in full force, and they have got in early to be sure of their preferred positions,” said Batty.

“Clearly, the industry’s leaders see value in being at the Show, and we can take that as a promising sign for the whole industry as it recovers from its recent challenging times.

“Our 50th Show will be a special celebration of boating and all the many aspects of life on and around the water, and it’s shaping up to be a great year for a milestone birthday,” he said.

JV Marine World will be the Show’s biggest single exhibitor, closely followed by New World Honda and Regal Marine, while Leon and Paul Savage’s Streaker Boats, Phillip Island Marine and BL Marine complete the top six.

Ticket prices have been kept to last year’s levels of $17 for adults, $12 concession, $2 children (aged five to 16), and children under five free. For special online discounts – and a chance to win one of 50 great prizes – visit www.melbourneboatshow.com.au

For more details or to book space, contact BIA Events Manager Ashley Farr, phone (03) 8696 5600 or email: ashley@biavic.com.au

Photo: Major exhibitors such as JV Marine World are back in force for the 50th Annual Melbourne Boat Show.