The Boating Industry Association has today released an optimistic outlook for boating events in 2021.
BIA President Darren Vaux said the Board of Directors were confident measures taken throughout 2020 had put the organisation in a strong position for the recovery stages of COVID-19.
"Like many organisations we had to make hard decisions relating to budget and resources through 2020, and that has put us in good stead to rebound," Vaux said.
"Retail activity across the boating industry has been very strong over the past eight months as the public have opted to get outdoors for recreation and leisure, and what better way to do that than on the waterways in a boat with family and friends. Boating is an activity that supports being COVID Safe."
The BIA is further encouraged by large sporting events and other shows and exhibitions being successfully held around the country over recent months. Such events are proof that we are learning to live with COVID and part of that is the continual improvements being made under COVID Safe Plans including contact tracing.
"The BIA today is pleased to announce that planning is well advanced to deliver two key Boat Shows in 2021 including a new-format COVID Safe Sydney Show from 29 July at the International Convention Centre & Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour and the Brisbane Boat Show at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from 20 August," Vaux said.
"The aim with both Sydney and Brisbane events is to celebrate the boating lifestyle, to build upon, and continue to stimulate, Australia's booming interest in boating. We will do this by creating a festival atmosphere around boating through exhibitions, presentations, demonstrations and entertainment to engage the entire family."
In the coming weeks and months, the BIA will be making more announcements about these exciting new shows and will be proud to deliver these events in support of our industry.
Whilst boat shows are scheduled for Sydney and Brisbane, the BIA has decided to holdover the Rosehill Trailer Boat Show and Adelaide Boat Show until 2022.
