The Vancouver International Boat Show (VIBS) returned after a year long hiatus due to the 2010 Olympics, with higher than expected sales and leads resulting from the five- day Show.   Revenue generated and a high level of interest from visitors at the 2011 VIBS indicate that the year ahead should be robust for the Western Canada’s boating industry.

After a swift move-in to the new venue for 2011, the Vancouver Convention Centre West, exhibitors spent five days interacting with a wide range of boating enthusiasts, from the educated buyer to those looking to learn more about the benefits of recreational boating.

Andy White of SG Power Products said that the 2011 Show was a true success for his business.  “Best Show ever!  I’ve been in the industry almost 20 years and I cannot remember a better show!” 

Larry Graf of Aspen Power Catamaran gave the Show top marks as compared to the larger Seattle Show saying “Amazing Show.  Better than Seattle – we’ll definitely be back.”

While quality of attendees and Show experience is important – to many exhibitors, generating revenue is key. Robert Brown of Capstan Marine couldn’t believe the results of the Show, saying “This was our best show ever for sales!”

Aaron Fell, co-owner of local dealership Breakwater Marine, believes that people are hungry for new boats, and is even opening a third dealership due to this demand, a great deal of which he experienced at the 2011 Show.  “Great Show this year,” said Fell.  “We exceeded our goal unit and dollar target, attendees were much more qualified than in prior years.” 

Final attendance at the 2011 VIBS was 31,106, down 9% from the 2009 Show.  However, this number had little effect on exhibitor sales, the true measure of success for many at the Show.

Steve Cyr from Yamaha Motor Canada explained that at the end of the day, attendance is less important than the actual sales and relationships developed with future customers.  “The Show was a great success for all our dealers, best ever,” said Steve Cyr.  “Attendance becomes less relevant than quantity of spending consumers. The show got the right people and that is what really counts. It was a pleasure to work with all the boat show staff.”

Show Director Linda Waddell believes that exhibitors were truly pleased with the quality of attendees and the sales and leads generated from the Show.

“After a missed Show in 2010 due to the Olympics, exhibitors were looking forward to this year with some uncertainty due to relocating to a new venue,” said Waddell.  We’re thrilled that the Show and exhibitors’ results exceeded expectations.”

In 2011, the Vancouver International Boat Show also featured the unveiling of a one-of-a-kind Centurion towboat created by fashion designer Jason Dussault in partnership with Centurion and Breakwater Marine. Guest speakers included 18-year-old Zac Sunderland, the world-record setting teenager who sailed solo around the globe at aged 16 and shared his experiences.

Planning for the 2012 VIBS is already underway, and staff and exhibitors are looking forward to returning to BC Place, the venue of choice for this type of Trade Show based on accessibility and cost. The Boat Show was displaced by the 2010 Olympics and subsequent roof renovations at BC Place during what would have been the 2011 Show. The Stadium is set to open in September 2011 providing visitors and exhibitors with another world-class Show experience.  The 2012 Show will also mark a special occasion, as the Vancouver International Boat Show celebrates its 50th year.

For more information, visit VancouverBoatShow.ca.