Feb 23, 2021
Visitors to the 59th Vancouver International Boat Show will be introduced to the very latest boats and boating-related products on the market, but this year they can do so from the comfort of their own home because the event will be virtual - taking place February 24 – 27, 2021.
A key focus of the 2021 edition of the Vancouver Show will be to connect visitors with salespeople and product specialists who will be representing all of the major brands; with everything available in a simple, interactive format that makes shopping for boats, product, services and accessories easy and convenient.
“This year’s event is a perfect opportunity for experienced and novice boaters to purchase anything they in order to get out on BC’s incredible waters. Even though we’re not able to come together as we typically do each year, the boating lifestyle is resilient. Going ‘virtual’ was a clear evolution to keep BC boaters in-touch, but at a distance,” said Show Manager Eric Nicholl. “As we approach the one-year mark of the COVID pandemic, families and individuals are increasingly finding that escaping to the water is a safe, viable and compelling recreational activity.”
‘We believe that the strong number of exhibitors who are participating in the virtual show makes it a great central hub for all the latest products across the sector – from boats to paddle boards to accessories and safety gear - and all at Boat Show pricing,” continued Nicholl.
2021 Virtual Vancouver Boat Show Highlights:
Enhanced Shopping Experience: Thousands of new products, from boats, products, accessories and services, will be available online for consumers to shop at exclusive Boat Show deals and complete plans for the fast approaching summer boating season. Industry manufacturers, dealers, and retailers will be presenting innovative ways to showcase their products including virtual boat tours, 360o showrooms, and video content for a better shopping experience. Consumers can also connect directly with participating dealers who will be available during virtual show hours for live chats, video and phone appointments, or by email.
New Product Launches: Explore all the latest 2021 boat models, accessories, technology, and lifestyle products that will be trending on the waters this summer. Exhibitors will also be hosting live-streamed events and product launches exclusively at the Virtual Vancouver Boat Show.
VIBS Live: A dedicated live platform featuring video content created for VIBS viewers. Watch real-time demos, guided boat tours, interviews with industry experts, speaker panels, Q&A sessions, and creative videos. New content will be streamed daily during the entire show.
Virtual Seminars presented by Freedom Marine: An engaging and comprehensive line up of virtual seminars for boaters of all interests – enhanced with interactive participation to ask questions and share comments just as you would in-person.
Community Chatroom: VIBS organizers have created a new Community Chatroom for virtual attendees to socially gather online. Users will be able to post questions, create discussions, and to connect with boaters on a variety of subjects in a friendly and welcoming space.
Attending the show is FREE! Pre-registration is made possible by Yamaha Canada, and is open now for the 2021 Virtual Vancouver Boat Show, February 24-27. Sign-up for free at VancouverBoatShow.ca
Specific program and access details will be posted at www.VancouverBoatShow.ca as they are finalized. Virtual Vancouver International Boat Show Hours:
• Wednesday – Friday 11am – 7pm
• Saturday 9am – 5pm
Western Canada’s largest consumer boating event, the Vancouver International Boat Show is owned by the Boating BC Association and produced by Canadian Boat Shows.
VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW GOES VIRTUAL FEBRUARY 24-27
Every Tuesday we publish a fresh Digest with informative articles pertaining to the Canadian boating and marine industry. Stay up to date with the latest products, research and industry developments.
Missed an Issue of Boating Industry Canada News Week? If you're looking for a specific issue, or simply want to catch up on previous issues, check out our Boating Industry Canada News Week Archives.
Not signed up for News Week? Subscribe here.
Changing Scene
Garmin acquires Vesper Marine, a leading provider of marine communication equipment and services
On January 3, 2022, Garmin® Ltd. (NYSE:GRMN), announced that it has acquired Vesper Marine, a privately-held provider of AIS, VHF and vessel monitoring solutions for the marine industry. This acquisition is expected to bolster Garmin’s industry-leading lineup of marine products and technology designed to provide peace of mind and enhanced situational awareness for boaters.
With almost 15 years of experience, Vesper has developed a suite of communication products and solutions for power, sail and workboats, including the award-winning Cortex system. Cortex combines a state-of-the-art VHF radio with Vesper’s unique smartAIS transponder and remote vessel monitoring technology.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel is the ultimate luxury
Few things on a boat have the power to convey a sense of luxury as much as the steering wheel. The new Torcello Elite from Schmitt & Ongaro Marine does just that. Wrapped in hand-stitched marine-grade synthetic leather, it delivers a hand feel that matches that of a premium automobile.
Designed to be customized in quantity to match virtually any boat interior, the 14" polyurethane Torcello Elite can be manufactured in an endless array of leather and stitching color combinations.
People
Alfred Estrada joins Flow-Rite as VP of Sales
Flow-Rite, a leading manufacturer of injection-molded fluid control components for marine, RV and industrial use, has hired Alfred Estrada as its new VP of sales. Company president Todd Hart made the announcement.
In his new role, Estrada is responsible for developing and implementing key growth strategies and sales action plans. As part of Flow-Rite's leadership team, he meets with the company's sales managers to assess annual sales performance targets and customer base expansion.
