By Domenic Genua, Event Director, Australian International Boat Show and Publisher, Marine Business News
There is something particularly rewarding about seeing months of conversations, planning and preparation become an invitation to the industry.
Domenic Genua – Event Director – Australian International Boat Show for Informa
I am pleased to share that Informa, owner of the Australian International Boat Show, has now opened applications for exhibitor space. It is an exciting milestone for our team, and one we have been looking forward to sharing with the many businesses and people who have encouraged us along the way.
The inaugural show will take place from 29 July to 1 August 2027, bringing together displays within ICC Sydney and on the water at Cockle Bay. With ICC Sydney, Placemaking NSW for the water space, and other relevant stakeholders secured, the foundations are in place and our attention is firmly on delivering a quality experience for exhibitors and visitors.
For those who have already registered through the website to receive exhibitor information, the Invitation to Exhibit should now be in your inbox. We will continue reaching out to the broader industry over the coming days. To ensure you receive the information, please register your details through the Australian International Boat Show exhibitor page.
Australia’s recreational marine industry has much to be proud of. Across manufacturing, distribution, retail, equipment, services and destinations, it combines practical expertise with innovation and a shared enthusiasm for life on the water.
Quality boat shows have long played an important role in that industry’s prosperity. They give individual businesses the opportunity to meet customers, demonstrate products, build relationships and generate sales. Collectively, they also give the industry a place to come together and introduce more people to the possibilities of boating.
Our ambition is to build an event that serves both purposes well.
Supporting that ambition is Informa’s international network of boat shows, specialist media and industry connections. The opportunity to draw on the experience of colleagues delivering major boating events around the world adds considerable depth to the work of our local team. It brings knowledge, ideas and relationships that can help us shape a show suited to the Australian market.
Planning for our media campaign is already underway. We have also secured the services of a media agency with experience working on numerous boat shows before COVID. Their understanding of boating audiences will further strengthen the expertise of our boat show and Informa marketing teams as we develop the campaign.
One of the most encouraging aspects of the past 12 months has been the support we have received from across the industry. People have generously shared their time, offered practical insights and contributed to discussions about what this new event can achieve.
I would particularly like to acknowledge the support of the Marina Industries Association (MIA), Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX), Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV), Superyacht Australia (SA), Australian Commercial Marine Group (ACMG), Boating Industry Association of WA (BIAWA), and our neighbours across the Tasman, NZ Marina Industries Association (NZMIA).
Those conversations continue. We remain keen to work with other associations and organisations that share our desire to support the broader industry’s prosperity.
In keeping with Informa’s international commitment to supporting industry, members of approved marine industry associations will receive a 20 per cent discount off the show’s list prices. It is a practical way to recognise association membership and encourage industry participation.
On a personal level, I am grateful for the opportunity to again have a hand in delivering a premium boat show in Australia. Boat shows have been a significant part of my working life, and the chance to help build this next chapter alongside an experienced and committed team is something I value greatly.
Marine Business News also remains an important part of my family’s business interests, and my commitment to publishing it continues. Sharing the industry’s news, achievements and stories remains work I care deeply about.
We will soon introduce four additional full-time members of the Australian International Boat Show team, bringing the team to eight. That investment in people will give us the capacity to focus on attentive customer service, thoughtful preparation and the delivery of a quality show.
There is plenty of work ahead, and we are looking forward to it. Thank you to everyone who has supported the journey so far. We now look forward to welcoming exhibitor applications and working with the industry to bring the Australian International Boat Show to life.
To visit the Australian International Boat Show website click HERE
To register your interest as an exhibitor click HERE and make sure you complete the “EXHIBITOR ENQUIRY” form.
