Toronto International Boat Show confirms a 9-day show in 2025

June 18, 2024

The Toronto Boat Show team has shared the results of the survey process to determine the number of Show days for 2025.
 
As a reminder, in March a Post Show Survey was underway for Exhibitors. Show organizers received a very high response rate. Thank you to the 350+ exhibiting companies that participated. 90% of the boat and engine spaces responded. 
 
Following the survey process was a meeting with the Show Committee to review results, debate and determine the best path forward. Then meetings were held with the Venue & City of Toronto. 
 
Our focus has been to determine if the Show should remain a 10-day format or change to 9 or 5 days. Show organizers have taken the time needed to ensure they considered all factors, with the primary goal of continuing to deliver a strong event for your sales and lead generation. 
 
The 2025 Show will be a 9-day event, January 18 – 26. 
 
The historical opening on Friday will be dropped. The Show will now open on a Saturday. 
 
This reduction of one show day allows for the continuation of two weekends, and optimal time for exhibitors’ retail activity. It also reduces the risk of weather impact on overall sales, which in January affects the buyers’ ability to get to the venue.
 
The historical attendance patterns of attendees were a contributing factor in the decision making with the first Friday showing the lowest daily attendance. 
 
Show organizers have shared the full survey results with the exhibitors, to help provide some of the information that was reviewed with the Show Committee and our internal process.

The following represents top-line results from the survey on preferences:
 
59% of the Show’s total square footage: 9 or 10 day Show
39% of the Show’s total square footage: 5 day Show
 
48% of the Show’s exhibiting companies: 9 or 10 day Show
43% of the Show’s exhibiting companies: 5 day Show
  
Boat & Engine spaces separated out:
 
64% of the Boat space square footage: 9 or 10 day Show
35% of the Boat space square footage: 5 day Show
 
60% of the Boat & Engine exhibiting companies: 9 or 10 day Show
38% of the Boat & Engine exhibiting companies: 5 day Show
   
Some interesting statistics:
 
87% of Exhibitors would take the same size or more space than last year, if the show is 9 or 10 days (including exhibitors who were indicating a personal preference of a 5 day show)
 
62% of Exhibitors want or will support some type of VIP event held within the show dates, even if it’s not on opening day, possibly a weekday or evening event. The Show Team and Show Committee will be considering new options for this in the coming months.
   
It became clear during the process that the difference in space rates for Exhibitors would be negligible between the three scenarios. This is due to the variances in lease structures and move-in/out time needed by Exhibitors; plus, the secondary expenses incurred by Exhibitors and the Show in all three options. 
 
We share in the objective to minimize expense increases. Therefore, holding the 2024 Regular Space Rates without an increase, will allow show organizers to offer those rates as the 2025 Early Bird Rates. If the Show remained a 10-day format, this would not have been possible and there would have been an additional increase.
 
Note: the Early Bird deadline is August 1. This is a firm deadline for prior year and new exhibitors. If your 25% deposit and signed application is received by August 1, you will receive the Early Bird rate on the full amount of your space. 
 
Show organizers thank the exhibitors for their patience while they completed this important process. Especially to the Exhibitors that have been contacting us and submitting their space requests in the last couple of months. 
 
The Toronto International Boat Show is a significant event in the City of Toronto and has long-term dates at the Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place. The Show has contracted for the following dates over the next three years. TIBS continues to hold the long-term date pattern beyond 2027 in the venue after these contracted dates.
 
·      January 18 – 26, 2025
·      January 17 – 25, 2026
·      January 16 – 24, 2027
  
Show organizers are ready to get the renewal process underway!
 
All prior year Exhibitors will receive their renewal emails starting the week of June 10 from Katya Sundukova, Cynthia Hare or myself. 
 
If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, please contact us!
 
Sincerely,
Linda Waddell
President/ Show Director