Another last-minute cancellation in Southampton
While the traditional Southampton re-entry boat show had been cancelled as early as July 2020, British Marine, the federation of British marine industries, had organised an alternative event, BOATS2020, scheduled for 11-20 September 2020. The latter finally suffered the same fate. A decision by Southampton City Council announced the previous evening, 10 September, forced the organiser to cancel the event. Health developments and government fears motivated this choice.
Maintenance and adaptation of major trade fairs
While the situation at BOATS2020 illustrates the fragility of boat shows, regardless of how close they are to opening and the actions carried out by the organisers, several events are still being held in the autumn in Europe and the United States. Their teams do not fail to communicate on their maintenance.
From the end of August and to this day, the Salone Nautico in Genoa, the last major boat show on the Mediterranean calendar, is still being held. Internet ticketing has been open since 6 August and a press conference will be held on 16 September. The Italian boat show is due to open its doors on 1 October 2020.
In the United States, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), organised by the Informa Group, is also staying the course. In a September 10 press release, the organizers indicate that they have received support from the City and County of Broward for the show, which is scheduled to run from October 28 to November 1.
At the same time, the port of Le Crouesty should host the 36th edition of the Mille Sabords. The association of local yachting professionals, organiser of the show, has also issued a press release renewing its commitment to holding the event. "It's a risk to be taken! But we have at heart to welcome our visitors and to support all the local professionals as well as the nautical industry, which has already been very impacted by this particular year and the successive cancellations of other shows" explains its president Emmanuel Jacobée. Another event on the calendar for catamaran enthusiasts, the Multihull occasions also confirm that they will be held from 15th to 18th October in Canet-en-Roussillon.
Let's hope that the counting measures, the changeover from large tents to individual pagodas and the change in traffic patterns will be sufficient in the face of the changing health situation and that these last shows will not suffer the fate of BOATS2020, with a costly last-minute cancellation for both organisers and exhibitors.
