Best Consumer Show title for Collins Stewart event
The 2008 Collins Stewart London Boat Show has clinched the title of Best Consumer Show at the Association of Event Organisers Excellence Awards.
The results were announced yesterday at Earls Court, ironically the venue the London Boat Show left in order to expand and improve its visitor experience.
After the grumbling from some quarters of the marine industry over the move, to ExCeL in East London, the award will be all the more appreciated by organisers National Boat Shows (NBS).
Andrew Williams, Managing Director of NBS, who collected the award along with Alan Morgan, Chairman of NBS, commented: “We are deeply honoured to pick up this award on behalf of such a very special team at NBS, many of whom were at the awards.
“I’d like to thank everyone for working so hard at such an important time for our show.
“I’d also like to thank Kevin Murphy and the team at ExCeL and all of our contractors in helping us achieve this accolade.”
The win comes in the face of challenging market conditions due to the national economic slow-down as well as increased competitive conditions within the industry.
Despite this, the show reported consistent visitor attendance as well as strong sales revenue.
Competition came from Brand Events’ Taste of London and NBS’ own 2007 Southampton Boat Show, which was recognised for the transition from exhibition to show, which was introduced for 2008 following close consultation with the market.
More than 127,000 visitors attended the Collins Stewart London Boat Show at ExCeL.
