On another level, however, it was an example of what can be achieved when businesses – and, indeed, competitors – stick together to promote the industry as a whole.
Now that times resemble 1988 more than the Celtic Tiger era, the marine industry faces its toughest ever struggle.
Against this background, the marine industry will stage its 25th boat show next February 18-22nd. And against the odds, it’s looking very positive. Already half of the exhibition space has been allocated and the IMF's exhibition organisers expect the RDS show to sell out by Christmas.
The fact that the IMF is staging a show at all is a brave decision, but the take-up for it is an indication of marine industry resilience. Perhaps some can see brighter prospects on the horizon?
The show aims to reinforce the message that there is vibrant professional marine leisure industry in Ireland, and so there’s no need to go overseas to buy a boat, chandlery or equipment.
It also introduces new entrants to boating, with a new focus on surfing, kite-surfing and angling.
The boat show team is working on a number of initiatives aimed at broadening the appeal of the event. These include:
- Live music and fashion shows together with the regular boat show talks.
- A feature on the Volvo Race, including Green Dragon’s live progress;
- A heritage trail to promote the inland waterways, with questions left in a trail around the show. A holiday on the Shannon is up for grabs for the winner.
- Traditional boat building skills and rope work, giving show visitors to see first hand how a clinker is built.
- Kidzone with Sea Life, which introduces children to the sea and promotes the purchase of their first dinghy.
- An extreme sports demonstration area, featuring kite surfing.
- Better use of the 1,000-member Boat Show Club to promote exhibitors and products.
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