Industry input forges new future for Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show

To raise the standard even higher in the lead up to the 25^th edition of the boat show, Mulpha Australia brought together marine industry proponents, manufacturers, exhibitors, representatives from government, sponsors and tenants to discuss how the event can best serve its stakeholders into the future.

These meetings are the first of others planned post-boat show, taking in to consideration the diversity of the marine industry.

Groups met with Winson Chow, COO and Greg Dyer, CFO of Mulpha Australia for discussions that aimed to “engage industry and form a working committee representing a cross section of stakeholder groups to work together and forge a positive and productive future for the event,” said Sue Thomson, boat show general manager.

“It was important to gather a group of people with varying perspectives to share candid and considered opinions with Mulpha Australia,” she continued. “These planning sessions are vital as the event is poised to celebrate 25 years in 2013. We want to approach this milestone in partnership with industry, and in a meaningful way that best serves the people whose livelihoods depend on getting return on their investment at SCIBS.”

The boat show has reached maturity in its present format, said Sue, who has worked on similar forward-planning forums during her tenure at Tourism Australian and Gold Coast Tourism.

“And now, with the support of the marine industry and boat show stakeholders, and with their input via a newly formed working committee, the show can build on the event’s assets, adapt to new conditions, generate change and revamp the SCIBS’ offering.”

According to those who attended, the show has a bright future with the support of the industry and Mulpha. Sue asserted that participants were enthusiastic in their response and expressed genuine passion for the boat show.

“There was a great mix of people, with differing viewpoints, but fantastic input and concepts that will bolster and grow the show.”

Discussions centred on how to boost the show and garnered the unanimous support of all attendees. A working committee will be established shortly to direct the show into its next phase.

Carl Amor Director and co-founder of Aqualuma will be part of the SCIBS Committee. “This is a fantastic result for the future of the show and the marine industry in general. Many issues and ideas have been put on the table and will be worked through over the coming months towards 2013, then beyond that.”

Up for debate were all facets of the event, from rate restructuring and ticket costs, to access, research on demographics, the entertainment program and the role of industry.

“Mulpha has pledged to support and grow the show and will be seeking to bring the event back to its glory days by 2013 with closer consultation with industry and a focus on bringing back the carnival atmosphere,” added Amor.

“We will be working through the five hours of notes to generate a clear list of objectives and goals,” said Sue. “Some will be achievable by this year’s event, in one week’s time, like the concept of a valet service for high net worth visitors and market research conducted on visitors to the show, and others will be unveiled next year. There will be several surprises among them,” she promised.

Winson Chow, Mulpha Australia chief operating officer said the sessions delivered valuable insight in to the mood of industry, its challenges and above all, its passion for Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

“Mulpha Australia has an unwavering belief in the role of the boat show and the potential for its future growth. We reiterated our commitment to evolve the event in unison with stakeholders to meet their objectives.”