Desperate to breath life into a dying London Boat Show, organisers National Boat Shows is making a significant investment to put the ‘Show’ back in to the London Boat Show.
Murray Ellis Managing Director National Boat Shows has issued a statement saying, “We’ll inject the energy and excitement that’s been missing and create an amazing first impression. It will be a great event with more innovative, unique attractions that will entertain, inspire, surprise and enthuse visitors, ensuring they – and you – can’t fail to recommend the event to family and friends.
Visitors always want to see more boats, products, brands and services – covering sail and power, large and small.
Recognising that they “cocked” it up last year the organsiers are bringing back preview day. Ellis says, “As indicated in the post show research, many of you want it as an additional selling day and we know the media want it to focus all the press activity on one day, so it’s back and the Show will open on the Friday.
Ellis explained his reasons for the changes saying, “We want the Shows to be successful and offer you an unrivalled sales opportunity. We also want to protect the services the British Marine Federation offers. The profit from both the London Boat Show and the PSP Southampton Boat Show contributes significantly to the Federation, enabling us to deliver the services and support to our 1500 members and the industry as a whole. All of the planning has been done as a result of exhibitor and visitor feedback and has the full support of both the NBS and BMF Board.
He added, “We are committed to improving our Shows and will be announcing more plans over the next few months.”
The Show starts a week later and the dates for the 2015 event have been confirmed as Friday 9 to Sunday 18 January.
A brand new event – The London Classic Car Show – will run from Thursday 8 – Sunday 11 January 2015. Run by the organisers of Chris Evans’ CarFest and Top Gear Live, this Show will offer 15,000-20,000 discerning collectors, buyers and enthusiasts an unrivalled opportunity to experience rare and valuable cars from the past in an exciting event format; and it will offer exhibitors the chance to show off products to a new, boat loving audience.
The Daily Telegraph Cruise Show will also run the first weekend from Friday 9 – Sunday 11 January