HIBS – That’s a Wrap
Feb 22, 2018
Another Halifax International Boat show goes in the book. This time without any blizzard or other weather event.
Atlantic Canada’s largest boat show returned to Halifax Exhibition Centre February 8th through 11th, marking a successful show with a 20 per cent increase in attendance over the previous year. The Halifax International Boat Show, which has a 40+ year history in the region, once again featured hundreds of exhibitors with the largest and most sought-after brands of boats and equipment from across the region.
“The recreational boating community showed up for the show this weekend, and the numbers definitely reflect it,” said Show Manager Scott Sprague. “Along with a busy four days of excitement, we saw lots of happy customers go home with purchases to kickstart their boating season.”
Jim Snair, Managing Broker at Sunnybrook Yachts, said the mood was buoyant and he is optimistic about his group’s brokerage prospects following the show closing. “2017 was a record year for our team” Snair said, adding “both in dollar volume and numbers of boats sold”. Snair noted this activity was consistent with sales recorded at other shows he attended including Toronto, St. Petersburg and Annapolis. “Our team of brokers work cooperatively with brokers and dealers across North America giving our clients the best opportunity to sell their boat. Early indications suggest 2018 will surpass 2017 as brokerage opportunities offer buyers entry into the boating market at a fraction of new boat pricing.”
Highlights from this year’s show included helpful workshops from Discover Boating, informative seminar sessions, visits from the famed Dory and Nemo, live model boat building, plus pleasure craft operator card testing right on site, courtesy of BOATsmart!
The ever-popular Halifax International Boat Show Facebook Photo Contest once again took place this year, with well over 100 entries! This year there were three themes: Best Boating, Best Critters, and Best Kids. All photos, plus this year’s winners, can be viewed on the Halifax International Boat Show Facebook page. Congratulations to the winners and thanks to everyone who entered!
Congratulations also to winners of the show’s amazing door prizes: Craig Boutlier, won a Waterfront Experience package worth over $500 the prize sponsored by Q104 and Waterfront Development. Jennifer Sleigh, was the winner of the Land & Sea Stay prize sponsored by Atlantica Oak Island worth $900.
The Halifax International Boat Show is owned by the Atlantic Marine Trades Association (AMTA), the official voice of the recreational boating industry in Atlantic Canada, and produced by Master Promotions Ltd.
Pat Nelder, AMTA’s executive director had this to say: “A Boat Show without a Boat Show storm! The good weather meant that people could get to the show, and all days were up in attendance. The show was completely full of exhibits and features, and visitors to the show were buying boats and accessories, making all the hard work the exhibitors put in to get into the show worthwhile.”
