"Exhibitors say there is no need for second show..."
The British Marine Federation have published their response to the shock announcement this week of a new Earls Court Boat Show.
The new event will be held in December this year, just five weeks before the long-standing London Boat Show, which the BMF organise through their arm National Boat Shows.
Some in the marine industry have talked of a potential rivalry between the two events. For our initial story on this click here .
The BMF make clear they are unconnected with the Earls Court show and say: “The London Boat Show goes from strength to strength and will take place at ExCeL between 11 and 20 January 2008.
“Exhibitors are consistently expressing their belief that there is no need for an extra show in London, especially given its closeness to the flagship London Boat Show at ExCeL and what would be a clash with the Paris Boat Show.
“The marine industry has always shown support for its own show over privately owned exhibitions that pop up from time to time. This was evident with the Portsmouth Boat Shows in 2006 and the other Earls Court start up show in 2004.
“The industry’s opinion was that Earls Court as a venue was also failing to support them with dwindling attendances and logistical problems that lead to an overwhelming vote by exhibitors to move the show to ExCeL in 2004.”
The statement continues: “National Boat Shows has a dedicated and experienced team who continue to learn a wealth of lessons from the many years of organising both the London and Southampton Boat Shows. All these learnings, as well as a commitment to creativity and forward thinking which was demonstrated at the recent show, ensure that the London Boat Show continues to grow in quality and relevance to the industry.
“There will be further consultation with the industry to build on the 2007 show and these views along with amazing development plans for the region, point to even greater shows in 2008 and beyond.”
See the March issue of Motor Boat & Yachting for more.
