The 50th annual Vancouver International Boat Show that ran from February 8 to February 12, closed with significant positive feedback from key stakeholders in its 250 exhibitor base, and an overall attendance of 32,981 – up 6% from 2011.

Held at the newly renovated BC Place and a new in-water venue at Granville Island, Western Canada’s premier boat show delivered exceptional results for the industry.  The expanded seminar program and features offered at the show proved to be popular public and media draws. With the addition of a second stage, more than 60 seminars went off without a hitch and crowds flocked to catch a glimpse of Duma, the wakeboarding and boat-driving dog and Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch crewmember, Russell Newberry.

“Overall, the feedback has been incredibly positive,” reports show manager Eric Nicholl. “With strong features and seminars, and a strategic marketing emphasis on retail, exhibitors are very happy with the quality and quantity of consumers at this year’s show. The new in-water venue at Granville Island was such a success with record crowds, plus exhibitors loved being back in the newly renovated BC Place.”

“We had high hopes for the 50th anniversary of the Vancouver Boat Show,” says Alan Stovell, President of the BC Marine Trades Association. “It didn’t disappoint. From a higher attendance to strong sales and educated buyers, the show was an overall success and projected a sound forecast for the boating industry in 2012.”

“The quality of customers was exceptional; they were very serious about buying boats. We sold over 20 units and had a great show,” says Craig Fraser of Kits Inflatables, dealer for AB Inflatables and Achilles.

“Attendance was fantastic. Our booth display was packed from opening to closing everyday,” remarks M&P Mercury President Bob Pappajohn, a long-time exhibitor at the Show. “The level of interest and intent to purchase and go boating this summer was the highest I’ve seen in years. Sales were up considerably over last year, in particular in the high-end luxury section. We also had stronger than anticipated results within our fishing boat category.”

“Traffic was very good, especially on Saturday – it reminded us of 2007/2008. We exceeded our sales expectations. It was fantastic to see the amount of first time buyers, the most in years. We were so impressed by the number of new boaters coming into the industry,” says Aaron Fell of Breakwater Marine, dealer for Larson, Centurion and Striper.

“The show was great, there were lots of people, and a lot of motors were sold. We’re going to have good feedback at the dealership over the next week or so following the Show’s activities,” says Travis Atkinson of Yamaha Motor Canada.

The economic impact of recreational boating to British Columbia is more than 1.4 billion dollars annually, making the industry a major economic contributor.  The Vancouver Boat Show is the industry’s primary sales and education event each year.

For more information visit www.vancouverboatshow.ca