Major changes to Sydney's Boat Show format - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 14 Feb 12:00 NZDT
BIA reshapes Australia's Boat Show Landscape © Ken Butti
The Boating Industry Association (BIA) is transforming Australia's boat show landscape from 2025 with the introduction of two dynamic new formats designed to better align with industry needs, global trends and public interest.
BIA President Adam Smith announced a major new boat show and festival at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park from 14-17 August 2025. This event will spotlight paddle, power, and sail boats up to 10m in length, alongside cutting-edge marine technology, accessories, and the ever-popular boat-based fishing sector.
In another significant change, the Sydney International Boat Show will move to November, embracing Sydney's stunning spring weather and shifting away from traditional indoor exhibition space to fully utilise the harbourside precinct. The event will focus on larger in-water power and sail craft (10m to 30m+) while delivering an enhanced outdoor experience for visitors and exhibitors alike.
While only representing a section of the leisure marine industry, our top end suppliers will be interested to read the following report. The Australian Commercial Marine Group (ACMG), has commissioned the experienced independent economic consultants AEC Group to conduct a Commercial Marine Industry Economic Impact Study to evaluate the sector's contribution to the Australian economy. This study will serve as a crucial resource in demonstrating the industry's economic significance and overall impact. AEC Group has successfully delivered a number of marine industry studies for the cruise and superyacht industries previously.
Despite experiencing their quietest January since 2020, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers still conducted an average of 21 rescues per day, safely returning 1,670 people to shore last month. Marine Rescue NSW's Mid North Coast region experienced its busiest January on record. The Service's five other regions experienced decreased demand, which Commissioner Alex Barrell attributes to skippers preparing better before heading out on the water.
The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is only nine weeks away. A 100% electric hydro foiling experience will be one of the showstopping attractions at the 36th SCIBS, May 22-25. The event continues to push boundaries - this year with the launch of a brand-new Luxury Sea Trial Precinct, giving premium buyers an exclusive opportunity to test-drive cutting-edge vessels on the stunning Gold Coast waters. With exhibitor space already 80% sold, the 2025 event is set to be bigger than ever.
The Marina Industry Association is advising marina industry members to ensure a safe and prepared future for your marina team this year by attending two essential virtual training sessions. Designed to enhance your emergency preparedness and oil spill response skills, these courses are a must for all marina employees. With real-world case studies and insightful video content from the Marina Industry, these courses will equip your team with the best practices to tackle potential emergencies and environmental incidents effectively.
Further north, a cohort of fresh-faced apprentices and trainees are kick starting their careers after being welcomed into Gladstone Ports Corporation's workforce. The new crew of 14 apprentices and 11 trainees are now on the job after onboarding into the highly sought-after programs. This year's intake spans a diverse trade base including electrical, mechanical fitting, diesel fitting, refrigeration, parks and gardens as well as traineeships in resource and infrastructure, environmental maintenance and computer aided drafting.
I am sure we all support a clean boating environment and in 2025, Australia's longest running and largest national day of environmental action, Clean Up Australia Day, will celebrate 35 years of bringing local communities together to Clean Up and help to improve and conserve our environment. To commemorate this milestone, Clean Up Australia is calling on all Aussies to register for the 2025 event which will be held on March 2nd.
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Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media