The organisers of the International Boat Show of Barcelona has announced its dates for 2012 edition. Running from September 26 to 30, the show will take place in Port Vell, which will become the only venue for its next editions. The result of an agreement between Fira de Barcelona, the event organiser, and the Asociación Nacional de Empresas Náuticas, Anen is the new model, which tries to make it easier for buyers as well as visitors to come and, thereby, help boost the sector.
The International Boat Show of Barcelona held in Port Vell
The two organisations have opted for this formula, which combines an exhibition on water and on land in the same area, in line with the format used by leading European shows, such as the Cannes Boat Show and the La Rochelle Grand Pavois Boat Show in France, the Southampton Boat Show in the UK and the Genoa Boat Show in Italy.
A report compiled by a commission consisting of representatives of Fira de Barcelona, the show’s Organising Committee and the national association that defends the interests of nautical companies, came to the conclusion that, given the Spanish nautical sector’s current complex climate, the model that best combines the possibility of attracting more buyers with the need to adjust the cost of participation for exhibitors is to concentrate the show in Port Vell, and for five days instead of the usual nine.
In addition to enjoying the privileged setting of the port, visitor will also have more opportunities to try out boats, since the minimum length of on-water boats will be 8 metres, instead of the traditional 12 metres. For this reason, the organisers expect an increase in medium-length sailboats. Boats less than 8 metres in length will be exhibited in an on-land area in Moll de la Fusta, alongside other products and services.
By bringing forward the dates to the end of September, the show will benefit from Barcelona’s mild climate and the longest period of natural light, which could attract more enthusiasts. Another advantage to bringing forward the dates is that, within the international calendar, the Barcelona event will slot in between Europe’s two most important boat shows: the Festival de la Plaisance de Cannes and the Salone Nautico Internazionale di Genova.
The organisers started working after celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Barcelona International Boat Show last November, with the aim of shaping the guidelines for the evolution of the event in keeping with the new needs of exhibitors and visitors in a difficult economic and climate for the sector.
The International Boat Show of Barcelona to be held in September 26-30, 2012
Since 1985, Port Vell has hosted the on-water show featuring larger boats, adding to the overall exhibition. According to the show’s President, Luis Conde, “by concentrating all exhibits in the port, we can also show smaller boats on the water, a request made by many exhibitors and visitors, the main objective of which is to continue to boost the market and attract more enthusiasts.”
For the CEO of Anen, Alejandro Landaluce, “at these times of very difficult economic crisis, we have to opt for changes. Associate exhibitors have understood this and have chosen this model, which is the most attractive option, by unifying the entire range of exhibits in a single exhibition and on-water venue, something that, for some time, has been seen as a strategic need for the show. At Anen, we are working to give our members the best options for developing their marketing strategies. We believe that this change responds to this objective.”
For his part, the show’s Director, Jordi Freixas, said “Anen and Fira have opted for this new model with the show’s future in mind. The commission’s conclusion is a good example of team work and Fira de Barcelona’s involvement in the Spanish nautical sector. We have listened to its concerns and, with this change, are adapting to its needs.”
Along the same lines, the sales manager of Yamaha, Victor González, stated “the Boat Show, as a driver of our sector, has opted to adapt to the complex market situation. The union of all exhibitors, the new location in Port Vell and the change in dates will be a challenge for Yamaha but, at the same time, we will try to take advantage of the new opportunities that come from being closer to the sea and the end of summer.”
Rodman’s marketing manager, María Herrero, considers that “after some years of being severely affected by the economic crisis, we believe the time has come to reinvent ourselves. The Boat Show’s change in format is better for the sector’s new reality. We want the sea to be the star in a city that opens out to the Mediterranean, like Barcelona. It will allow us to offer new proposals to our national and international visitors”. Herrero also said “it is a competitive model within international shows and we are sure it will be able to be ranked as one of the sector’s most important European events in the future.”
The manager of Motyvel and representative of Jeaneau in Spain, Lluís Mas, ranks the change in format as “very positive and appropriate”. He adds: “the new format is a step towards adapting the nautical sector to the new economic and social climate. It is a very international model, very European, which adapts to the needs of both exhibitors and visitors. For companies that attend the show, it will enable us to show nautical enthusiasts the latest products for the next season, just after summer, when our clients are most receptive.”
Adapting to the times
The first ever Boat Show was held in 1963 in the Fira de Barcelona Montjuïc Exhibition Centre Montjuïc, within the framework of the popular Feria de Muestras. After the success of this first edition, it was agreed that the show would become an annual monographic event (with the exception of 1988, when two editions were held). Over time, enthusiasm for nautical activities multiplied and the show grew to become the sector’s leading platform in Spain, its main meeting point and an international benchmark.
In 2002, it was moved to the Gran Via Exhibition Centre, keeping the on-water show in Port Vell, which has hosted numerous activities, such as regattas and sea initiations, among others. Since 2009, there has also been a Village, where business persons, sports persons and nautical enthusiasts have gathered.
The Barcelona International Boat Show is one of the oldest in Europe, founder member of the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO). Last year, on occasion of its 50th anniversary, the Barcelona City Council awarded it the Gold Medal for Sports Merit in recognition of its work in promoting nautical activities and contributing to the city’s internationalisation.
Organised annually by Fira de Barcelona, the show has the backing of Anen, with which it has had a collaboration agreement since 2007.
