ATTENDANCE UP 33% FOR TORONTO BOAT SHOW PREVIEW NIGHT
Rebranded charity preview day and pleasant weather deliver strong start for North America’s largest indoor boat show
The 58th Toronto International Boat Show opened Friday with its newly rebranded Preview Day, marking a 33% attendance increase over 2015.
In total 1,973 consumers attended the show’s annual VIP preview event – a significant jump over the 1,484 who attended last year and the 1,340 who attended in 2014.
The preview event provides VIPs who pay a premium with an opportunity to tour the show without the weekend crowds, with all proceeds donated to support local children’s charities. With extended hours this year and new ticket prices ($100 for fully catered Platinum access, or $35 for Gold access) the popular event fully exceeded organiser expectations. “Exhibitor feedback has been very positive,” said show manager, Cynthia Hare. “Rebranding our Special Preview Night to become Preview Day with extended hours this year made it possible for more people to enjoy a VIP look at Canada’s largest boat show and be the first to take advantage of the best deals of the season while supporting children’s charities.”
Apart from an early entry to the show, Preview Day features live entertainment and the opportunity to bid on a number of unique merchandise and experiences offered through both silent and live auctions. All event proceeds will be donated in support of local children’s charities, says Hare, noting that donations to date exceed C$710,000.
Attendance was also up for Saturday’s regular opening day, with 12,678 people passing through the turnstiles. This marks a 2% increase over the 2015 opening day. Sunday’s attendance at just under 10,000 was on par with 2015 numbers, and slightly above 2014 first Sunday attendance.
Story courtesy of Craig Ritchie of plus.ibinews.com
