French boat shows dates maintained in 2020
While the health crisis linked to the coronavirus has disrupted the calendar of nautical events in spring 2020 and the cancellation of many shows, the attention is now focused on the autumn boat shows. The 3 main French events have confirmed that they will maintain their initial dates. The Cannes Yachting Festival is scheduled to take place from September 8 to 13, 2020, while the Grand Pavois will be held from September 29 to October 4, 2020 and the Nautic from December 5 to 13, 2020. Only the La Rochelle show concedes that it has studied the possibility of moving the show to the beginning or end of October. "The show calendar is locked in with many events in the spring. It is difficult to consider a move," summarizes Alain Pichavant, head of the Paris Nautic.
Schedules for decisions on the continuation of events
If the dates of the events are confirmed, their holding will depend on the decisions of the authorities. Each has set a backlog and a deadline for the final decision to hold the event. "Like all major events, the decision must be made about 2.5 months before. This is the time when major commitments are made with vendors. For us, we have set September 15" says Alain Pichavant. As for the Grand Pavois, the decision will be made at the end of June. "This is the moment when we commit ourselves with the biggest suppliers, such as the one for the covered halls. We will not put the Grand Pavois association in danger if there is too much risk. We had the experience of the Nauticales where everything was set up and had to be dismantled" explains Alain Pochon, president of Grand Pavois Organisation (GPO).
Different commercial situations depending on the show
On the Cannes Yachting Festival side, they are serene about the participation of the shipyards, while claiming to be listening. "Reservations always take place at the end of January. It was before the beginning of the Covid crisis. Clients have been booking and there have been no significant cancellations since then. The major worksites are scheduled to resume on May 3 in Italy and early May in France. The important thing for us is to accompany our customers," said Sylvie Ernoult, general manager of the Cannes boat show.
GPO's board of directors has chosen to reassure exhibitors by voting for new provisions for refunding deposits. "The Grand Pavois regulations did not provide for refunds in case of force majeure. If the show does not take place because of the coronavirus, we have decided to reimburse deposits. Moreover, the payment of the deposits has been postponed to the end of May. We are now at 35% of reservations against 60% usually, but customers have confidence in the Grand Pavois crew" says Alain Pochon.
On the Nautic side, the sending of commitment request has been postponed to the deconfinement. "We will also simplify the stand offers and adjust the payment conditions. It is already assured that the deposits will be refundable until September 30" says Alain Pichavant.
A different face of boat shows
If they are held, the shows will probably have to adapt to new health regulations. Cannes should keep the configuration inaugurated in 2019 on the Old Port and Port Canto. "On paper it's the same as last year, even if there will be modifications according to production and legislation" explains the general commissioner of the Cannes Yachting Festival.
In La Rochelle, GPO is working on scenarios to adapt to possible restrictions. "If necessary, the equipment hall could be transformed into small tents to remain in the open air. The aisles could be widened. We could consider setting up a route to avoid crossings and setting up a real-time count, as we already do on weekends to limit the crowds on the pontoons. We already have the quotes for temperature measurement gantries. We can also extend the Grand Pavois to 7 days for more fluidity," says the president of GPO.
A scene that will probably not be seen at the Grand Pavois 2020
On the Nautic side, for which 2020 should be the year of change with the abandonment of Hall 1, the organization remains very flexible. "We were supposed to present the new organization on March 16 just before the confinement. Today, we will wait for the return of the commitment requests. We've set July 14 to have visibility on the fall shows and be able to adjust the size of the show and imagine it. Today, the major exhibitors do not yet know what they want to do at the fall shows. The show also depends on the visitors and what we know for sure is that the desire to navigate exists" concludes Alain Pichavant.
