GOLD COAST MARINE EXPO ASSOCIATION
ABN 71 323 477 143 IA 39326
PO Box 271, Oxenford QLD 4210
Event and Marketing Manager:
Emma Milne 0447 758 884 or info@gcmarineexpo.com.au
www.gcmarineexpo.com.au
MARINE INDUSTRY LEADERS UNITE
FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE
For immediate release 5th December 2014
The Gold Coast International Marine Expo – a massive showcase of all things
aquatic – has today announced new dates, new industry partners and 35 per
cent extra exhibitor space and on-site parking capacity in a strategic move
that immediately elevates the city’s status on the world boating stage.
From 2015, the Expo will be brought forward to align with the dates of
Queensland’s other major boating events – the Sanctuary Cove International
Boat Show and the Riviera Festival of Boating – facilitating four fantastic days
on the Gold Coast from 21-24 May for boat lovers and enthusiasts.
This new era of opportunity places the Gold Coast in the enviable position of
hosting what will become the biggest marine showcase in the Southern
Hemisphere, with major benefits for the wider marine industry and the state
economy.
This exciting vision already has been endorsed by the largest shipyards and
boat-builders in Australia, as well as several other high-profile boating brands.
These companies include Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard, Riviera,
Quintrex, Clipper Motor Yachts and International Paint, as well as new Expo
partners The Boat Works and Stefan Boating World.
Collectively, the interests of the progressive captains of the Australian marine
industry which have established themselves at the Gold Coast Marine
Precinct represent an investment of more than $300 million in facilities,
infrastructure and research and development. The Precinct – where more
than 2000 people are employed – is also home to the Gold Coast Institute of
TAFE’s state-of-the-art Marine Training Centre, as well as a supply chain of
businesses generating hundreds of millions of dollars.
Expo chairman Patrick Gay said the concept draws on the collaborative
efforts of successful events with established track records of attracting tens of
thousands of visitors from interstate and overseas.
“The Expo is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when a competitive
industry is prepared to work together toward a common goal,” said Mr Gay.
“I’ve long said that united we stand and divided we tumble down … and the
fact the industry united in 2010 to stage the first Gold Coast International
Marine Expo has ensured our survival.
“Now, as we move into 2015, we are presented with a very exciting
opportunity – aligning the major boat show dates will enable Queensland to
host a fantastic and truly international event that has far-reaching and longlasting positive impacts for the state and for the wider boating industry.”
Mr Gay said a combined festival concept offers a multitude of positives, not
least of which is the fact the state’s major marine events will be able to
complement each other.
“They will add value to each other and there are precedents for a number of
successful marine industry shows being hosted in the same city on
simultaneous dates, one being one of the biggest boat shows in the world:
Miami,” he said.
“Miami International Boat Show itself runs concurrently with the Miami Yacht
& Brokerage Show along Collins Avenue, and Miami Strictly Sail – it is run by
different promoters and they all work together in close partnership to cleverly
leverage promotion and marketing opportunities and maximise their exposure,
yet each retains its own identity. In so doing they have created the largest
combined boat show in the Americas with free shuttle buses linking all their
sites.”
GOLD COAST MARINE EXPO ASSOCIATION
ABN 71 323 477 143 IA 39326
PO Box 271, Oxenford QLD 4210
Event and Marketing Manager:
Emma Milne 0447 758 884 or info@gcmarineexpo.com.au
www.gcmarineexpo.com.au
Mr Gay said 2015’s bigger and better Gold Coast International Marine Expo
would be spread throughout the bustling Gold Coast Marine Precinct, with
visitors enjoying free water transport between the Gold Coast City Marina, the
Riviera yacht-building facility and The Boat Works, in addition to free courtesy
buses running the length of Waterway Drive, seamlessly linking the free carparking with a minimum of four great Expo sites, including Telwater’s state-ofthe-art Quintrex factory.
“We have now opened applications for 2015 exhibitors and we look forward to
working with new and existing businesses to realise all the opportunities that
exist,” he said. “In expanding the not-for-profit Expo to four days we have held
exhibitor rates to 2014 levels to help our industry and effectively deliver an
additional day for exhibitors at no extra cost.
“The Expo will continue to offer free on-site car-parking – we are committed to
ensuring the not-for-profit show remains not only the most affordable boat
show in Australia, but also the most accessible … and one which truly delivers
on its promise of being a boat show and so much more for the whole boating
family.
“We will continue to showcase everything from super yachts to kayaks, jet
skis to fishing equipment … and everything in between, and we will continue
to offer affordable family fun including factory tours, live educational
demonstrations and attractions every 15 minutes across our world-class event
sites.
“Where else in the world can people experience a boat show of this calibre
within the biggest boat manufacturing and shipyards in this country, where
over 13,000 boats are manufactured and exported, and where over 6000
boats are slipped, serviced and repaired each year.”
Mr Gay said the earlier date will greatly assist manufacturers and retailers
who launch new models early in the calendar year and will enable them to
guarantee delivery before the summer season.
“It also takes advantage of favourable Gold Coast weather conditions for
interstate and overseas visitors, and where better to be than enjoying the
warm weather and a truly awesome boat show than the Gold Coast in May.”
The Gold Coast Marine Precinct is home to Australia’s biggest trailer boat and
luxury yacht builders – all major exporters – in addition to an extensive list of
repairers and vital support services.
“The marine industry is a major employer for Queensland – there are more
than 2000 people working in the Gold Coast Marine Precinct alone, as well as
many thousands more employed throughout the supply chain networks,
where hundreds of millions of dollars are spent annually” said Mr Gay.
“This exciting new opportunity will enhance our collective potential to tap that
international market … and that means more jobs and greater prosperity for
the Australian marine industry.”
Mr Gay said that Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show was respectfully
invited to join the industry-led initiative prior to any public announcement and
the door is open for Mulpha to participate.
“We genuinely believe we can work with all parties to build the greatest
boating festival in Australia, one that will draw people from all over Australia
and the world, and one that will have obvious flow-on effects for our industry
and every area of the economy,” he said.
“There are just so many extraordinary possibilities when everyone works
together toward a common goal.”

Leading into its 5th year, the Gold Coast International Marine Expo is a
massive and diverse showcase of all things aquatic – from super
GOLD COAST MARINE EXPO ASSOCIATION
ABN 71 323 477 143 IA 39326
PO Box 271, Oxenford QLD 4210
Event and Marketing Manager:
Emma Milne 0447 758 884 or info@gcmarineexpo.com.au
www.gcmarineexpo.com.au
yachts to kayaks, jet skis to fishing equipment … and everything in
between. In the past four years, the not-for-profit Expo has helped raise
and donate $68,000 to various charities.

The Riviera Festival of Boating – now in its 4th year – is a unique event
that brings together the global family of Riviera and Belize owners, and
those keen to take the helm. The event’s focus is on fun social events
and informative educational workshops, as well as showcasing the
iconic Australian marque’s impressive line-up of luxury yachts from 3675 feet.
ENDS
Media enquiries to Stephen Milne: 0415 270 152 or
smilne@riviera.com.au
Exhibitor enquiries to Event & Marketing Manager Emma Milne: 0447 758
884 or info@gcmarineexpo.com.au
PHOTO CAPTION:
United we stand: Pictured from left are Expo coordinator Shannon Brice,
Deale Stanley-Hunt (International Paint), Stephen Milne (Riviera), Brett
Thurley (Clipper Motor Yachts), Expo event & marketing manager Emma
Milne, Expo and Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard chairman Patrick Gay
AM, Charmaine Webb (The Boat Works), Trenton Gay and Steve Sammes
(GCCM&S). Absent: Stefan Ackerie (Stefan Boating World).