New look LIBS

London International Boat Show to be revitalised for 2007

After months of planning and consultation with visitors, exhibitors and media, plans for the exciting ‘new look’ London Boat Show 2007 were unveiled today.

Visitors to the 2007 Show are set to enjoy a completely revitalised visitor experience with a whole host of exciting developments in the pipeline, all coming under the theme of ‘Island Nation’.

James Gower, one of the show’s organisers, said: “We have listened to extensive feedback from exhibitors, media and visitors and have taken all of this on board. As a result, we believe we’ve created one of the most exciting London Boat Shows visitors will have ever seen. It will appeal to all our marine enthusiasts, as well as offering an unforgettable experience to new visitors.

“The moment visitors step into the Show, they will be taken on an exhilarating and entertaining journey through our interpretation of our ‘Island Nation’, via colourful theatre, music, art and hands-on exhibits.”

New feature ideas currently in discussion :

James Gower and the National Boat Shows team including Consultant Creative Director, Tim Pyne have ensured that the Show becomes a resource for learning and fun, putting ‘educainment’ at its heart. More interactive exhibits are being introduced providing visitors with the opportunity to learn and improve various core boating skills.

Master classes
Features currently under discussion include master classes in rope tying, sail trimming, all the latest on antifouling and even cooking onboard a moving boat all under the guidance of marine experts.

Competitive challenges
For the more competitive marine enthusiasts, there will also be interactive challenge style features, where visitors can test their boating skills in tasks such as who can change a boat’s oil the quickest, or who can anchor their vessel correctly. For the ultimate competition, Show organisers are even considering bringing back the age old tradition of kite-fishing.

Fishing and canoeing
Due to popular demand, the London Boat Show will now have sections dedicated to fishing and canoeing. With two of the UK’s favourite pastimes having a presence at the Show, organisers hope to attract new audiences as well as boosting the profile of these important sections of the industry.

Fog tunnel
Special effects will be used to help enhance features at the Show. Currently under discussion is the introduction of a special fog tunnel to help visitors learn about radar and navigation technology, providing real-life solutions tips and advice.

Olympic hopefuls
Children and families alike will love the proposed Olympic hopefuls feature, offering help and advice on how to get out on the water, and words of wisdom from the experts on how to become the next Ben Ainslie or Sarah Ayton.

Real reed beds
Reed beds are currently being especially grown to help bring the ever-popular Inland Waterways feature to life and bring the real feeling of the rural countryside to the heart of ExCeL.

Tim Pyne, Consultant Creative Director, said: “The vision behind the 2007 show was simply to reflect our impressive marine heritage. The Show is a celebration of everything from seafaring skills to boat design and the sea. There will be something for everyone who has a passion for water, inland or coastal.

“Where in the past the London Boat Show has been a great shop-window for boat manufacturers, the 2007 Show will offer an entire experience, reflecting our love of the water and our Island Nation heritage.

“The location of ExCeL makes it doubly suitable as venue, being one of the nation’s key centres for marine history.”

The Look and Feel
The visitor experience will begin from the moment they step into the Show with the immediately recognisable sound of seagulls above, and sea grass and sand effect beneath their feet. The theme will be carried throughout the Show to the colourfully decorated themed halls.

One possible new addition to the Show is the construction of a replica lighthouse complete with viewing deck offering panoramic views of the Show. Regular visitors will be pleased with the enlarged and revamped Guinness Bar.

Navigating the all-new London Boat Show will be completely different to recent years at ExCeL, the convenient location for both Londoners and visitors from around the UK. By collectively grouping relevant exhibitor sectors, adopting new visitor pathways, centrally located catering facilities and clear signposting will improve further the visitor experience.

Change in Direction
After three years at the London Boat Show at ExCeL, the decision has been taken to focus on the leisure marine industry, and therefore bring a close to the Watersports Arena and East Hall. Instead, the money will be reinvested in features and the overall experience in the North and South Halls as well as the Dockside facilities. This will ensure that every exhibitor has a direct link to the marine world.

To help with the addition of the new features, a number of exhibitors have agreed to reduce their stand space allowing more room for dedicated Show entertainment.
In another change from last year’s Show, children will now be able to visit the London Boat Show for free.