There is a big difference between simply attending a boat show and truly working one to your advantage. The smartest exhibitors understand that the opportunities are considerable, but only if you create reasons for people to stop, engage and remember you. At the 2026 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Pantaenius Insurance looks set to provide a strong example of exactly how that can be done.
Running from 21 to 24 May on the Gold Coast, SCIBS remains one of the marine industry’s most important annual showcases. For Pantaenius, it is clearly about much more than brand presence alone. The business is using the show as a platform to reconnect with existing clients, generate goodwill across the industry, and actively pursue new business in a way that feels both natural and well considered.
This year, Pantaenius will operate two stands at the show. Their main stand will remain in its prime waterfront position next to Riviera, where the team can welcome current customers and capitalise on the strong walk-by traffic that comes with such a high-profile location.
They will also have a second, larger stand on the main walkway near Princess Yachts, positioned next to Ocean Media.
That stand will be used to launch the company’s new campaign visual and will be focused on engaging both existing and prospective customers. With coffee and cold drinks available throughout the day, the intention is clear: create a relaxed and welcoming environment where people are encouraged to stop, spend time and have meaningful conversations.
That same thinking extends to the activities planned across the event.
Rather than relying only on foot traffic, Pantaenius will run a series of short, informal sessions covering practical insurance topics that matter to boat owners. These will include cruising beyond Australian waters, depreciation and agreed value policies, claim scenarios, and an open Q&A session titled, “What you always wanted to ask your insurer”. It is an approach that not only helps educate customers, but also positions the business as accessible, informed and genuinely useful.
Pantaenius team members Amy and Nicholas
From around 4pm onwards, the second stand will shift into a more social setting with light live music, giving visitors another reason to drop in, unwind and connect. In another welcome gesture, Pantaenius will again have a professional photographer on site, offering complimentary high-resolution photographs for customers and industry friends to use on LinkedIn or company websites.
The company will also participate in World Boating Day on the Saturday and, as in previous years, offer existing clients complimentary boat show tickets.
Adding further substance to the show presence is a new 12-month price lock guarantee for new customers, providing certainty at renewal. More broadly, Pantaenius says it has maintained very stable premiums, with most clients seeing no increase for more than three and a half years.
Pantaenius Australia Directors Michaela Claes & Jamie MacPhail
With Michaela and James widely regarded as natural hosts, Pantaenius is doing more than exhibiting at SCIBS. It is creating a space where people can connect, learn and feel welcome, and in the process, showing exactly how a boat show can be worked well.
For more information about Pantaenius, or to connect with Michaela, James or any of the Pantaenius Team, visit their website HERE
