"Despite a variety of challenges, such as the energy crisis, we can announce an increase in both exhibitor and visitor numbers," reportsExhibition Director Klaus Wellmann and points out that the trade fair has also been organised in recent years despite the pandemic. "By organising the event continuously over the last two years, we have shown reliability. Interboot has stayed on course even in times of coronavirus, and we have once again been able to mobilise more visitors from our catchment area with its high purchasing power."
In addition to boats, clothing, accessories, fun sports articles and the tried-and-tested supporting programme at the exhibition lake and on Lake Constance were also presented. "After the coronavirus restrictions of the last two years, it was very important to us to reactivate hands-on activities and the show programme on the exhibition lake and also to make more boats available for testing in the Interboot harbour again," saysProject manager Felix Klarmann. It was his first Interboot in this position, which was previously Dirk Kreideweiß for many years.
As in previous years, most visitors came on the weekends of the trade fair, such asRichard Gründl from theGründl Bootsimport GmbH & Co. KG reports: "The number of visitors on the two weekends was very good, during the week it was rather quiet. We hope that this will generate good follow-up business, we are very positive about it. The trade fair itself is very important to us and we plan to be back again in 2023."
A more specialised audience during the week
Satisfied also looksSonja MeichleManaging Director of theUltramarin Meichle + Mohr GmbHThe trade fair went very well for us - it was quieter during the week, but the audience was more knowledgeable. We also had many interesting conversations about the boat trade. Our expectations were met and we have reached the level of 2019."
Christian Daum presented theBente boats and draws a positive conclusion: "Many other exhibitors who have not been at Interboot in the last two years due to the coronavirus were there again. We had a lot of interest at our stand. We also have sales in the pipeline. As in recent months, interest in the new Bente 28 was very high. The internal shipyard tests have now been completed and we are very satisfied with the results."
Luxury problem: no boats to display
The fact that the boat show is of great importance in Switzerland in particular emphasisesVincent BattManaging Director of theSwiss Boatbuilders AssociationInterboot went better this year in terms of exhibitor numbers than in the past two years, even though some previous exhibitors were unable to take part because they had the luxury problem of not having boats available. We are hoping for an increase again next year. The conditions here at Interboot, with its beautiful halls, the exhibition lake and Lake Constance, are superb. It is our in-house exhibition in many respects, such as sales, networking and the showcase for the Swiss boatbuilding industry."
Despite a fundamentally positive conclusionMeinrad Hiller, Managing Director atPfeiffer MarineThe number of visitors and the quality of the clientele give reason to hope for good post-fair business. However, optimism for the future is rather subdued, with general conditions such as rising energy costs and the war in Ukraine leaving their mark. However, our expectations for this year's trade fair were definitely met, 2022 was a positive event and we are looking forward to next year."
