Earls Court show team expect 220,000 visitors
The organisers of the new Earls Court Boat Show forecast 220,000 visitors for their December event, yet say the show can complement the established London Boat Show.
The Earls Court show, announced in January, is set to take place just a month before the London Boat Show, which is organised by the British Marine Federation.
The BMF made their concerns public earlier this month, warning that any decrease in visitor numbers at ExCel could affect the wider industry through a downturn in Federation activities over the year.
The Earls Court event team responded yesterday, saying: “Despite recent comments made public on behalf of the BMF and National Boat Shows in a clear attempt to discourage independent companies from exhibiting at the Whyte & Mackay Earls Court Boat Show, we remain supportive of the BMF and the work it does on behalf of its members.
“Since 15th January we have initiated several conversations with the BMF and continue to offer them our support. The most recent conversation included an offer to sponsor a BMF stand at Earls Court. We believe the two shows can complement each other and are willing to maintain an open dialogue with the BMF in order to work together to facilitate this.
“We have no doubt that the Excel show will find its place alongside the Whyte & Mackay Earls Court Boat Show and wish them every success in doing so.
“In conclusion, the Whyte & Mackay Earls Court Boat Show will deliver revenue to the industry, and will allow exhibitors and visitors to freely exchange information. With forecast visitor numbers of 220,000 in 2007, the show is very much in the interests of the industry.”
See the next issue of MBY for more.
