A regional show that found its audience
Founded in 2021 by Richard Dove, the last edition of the event attracted 14,000 visitors over three days. Bought out in 2024 by Pendigo Events and the NEC Group, the next edition of the event has been cancelled, probably sounding the death knell for this show that had nevertheless managed to find its audience.
The organizers announced the cancellation of the event in a terse press release, without providing any explanations:
"Pendigo Events and the NEC Group would like to thank all those who were due to attend for their interest in and support of BoatLife 2025 and look forward to welcoming them to another show soon."
Indoor trade shows: a concept that must evolve to survive
In an uncertain economic climate, the concept of an indoor boat show faces many obstacles. After the demise of the Nautic in Paris, the Boot in Dusseldorf must also find new avenues of development if it is to succeed in attracting exhibitors.
The Hanse Group, which enjoys close geographical proximity to the show site, announced that it would be attending the German show with a reduced team, exhibiting only the Fjord brand. Likewise, a number of cruising catamaran builders have announced that they will not be exhibiting boats at the Boot, which remains Europe's largest boat show.
