Bangkok--3 May--TQPR
The conclusion of ADEX and Boat Thai 2007 found many exhibitors in jubilant spirits — celebrating sales or poised to announce successes once deals are finalised. The event was organised by Suntec Integrated Media (SIM) at BITEC from 27 April — 29 April 2007.
The three-day event for both shows had a total of 7,864 local and international trade and public visitors from over 46 countries and a showcase of more than 400 exhibiting companies. Visitors gleaned the latest in diving and boating equipment, technologies and services which were spread across 7,000 square meters of exhibition space. There were activities galore, such as the specially constructed 45 square metre Asia Scuba Tour pool which was brought in for the first time in Bangkok with the aim of encouraging non-divers to discover scuba activities. While the dive pool created much visitor interest and fanfare at ADEX, Boat Thai visitors were treated to free kayak and hobbie craft rides as well as the opportunity to try wind surfing.
Robin Lloyd of Siam Diving Enterprises Asia Pacific, the sole distributor of Mares was ‘overwhelmed’ with the results of the show. “It has been a positive retail show for us with a high level of product interest from show visitors.”
One of the most exciting aspects of the event is the opportunity for local and overseas exhibitors to network in Asia’s fastest-growing marine leisure market. Scott Jackson, General Manager of The Dive Site, a PADI 5 star dive center as well as the importer and distributor of scuba diving equipment, was also amazed at the amount of interest shown. “We’ve been busy for the whole three days,” he enthused. “There are several deals on the table and we’ve made numerous good contacts. We’ll definitely be back and expect next year’s show to have a larger exhibition area.”
Craig Murphy, Managing Director of Max Marine Asia also emphasized the networking opportunities that this year’s show provided. “Boat Thai was a very successful boat show for Max Marine Asia. Everyone was present for the very excitingsigning of a MOU between Bucatini Holdings and Max Marine Asia Sunseeker. The two parties have agreed to work together on Bucatini’s large development project in Phuket,” he added. “After the initial signing of the MOU there was a purchase order signed for a 82 Predator and a further order for a Manhattan 70 Flybridge and 6 High Performance XS 2000 racing boats for use at the Bucatini development.” Attending were also Barbara and Mark Edney from the Sunseeker factory in the UK and Gordon Hui from Sunseeker Asia.
There is no doubt that Bangkok is at the center of a growing market for diving and boating. More than millions of dollars revenue was generated, with at least 8 boats being sold and with many other deals on the table.
“We are at the heart of Thailand where there is huge potential for marine industry including diving and boating destinations as well as marina and other waterfront developments. While the market may not be growing as quickly as we anticipated, it is bound to explode in the not-too-distant future,” said Roel van Leeuwen, Director, Suntec Integrated Media, “The aim of these two shows is to facilitate networking, business development and to help exhibitors find agents, so they are ready to take advantage of the burgeoning market. We have received very positive feedback from exhibitors on the quality of the visitors and vice versa. We are extremely pleased that the first Boat Thai was so successful and that ADEX exceeded previous expectations. We thank all participants, sponsors and partners and look forward to another great year in 2008.”
Asia Dive Expo is organised by Suntec Integrated Media. Established since 1995, ADEX is the leading international dive exhibition in Asia, offering companies in the dive and travel industry an integrated and cost effective marketing platform utilising multiple media such as exhibit space, print media, e-marketing and vital face to face contact time with key stakeholders. ADEX 2008 will be held in Singapore from 18-20 April 2008. For more information on ADEX, please visit www.asiadiveexpo.com .
Boat Thai has been conceived as a close partner to Boat Asia, established by Suntec Integrated Media over the past four years as the region's foremost boat show and an important engine for boat industry growth in markets like Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines. Boat Thai will further develop the Southeast Asian region's boating industry, especially in Thailand. Boat Thai 2008 will be held in Thailand from 8-11 May 2008. For more information on Boat Thai, please visit www.boat-thai.com .
Further information for media please contact:
Tom Van Blarcom / Pavinee Kiatsrichart/ Kitti Tharmpornpilas
TQPR Thailand
Tel: 0 2260 5820; Fax: 0 2260 5847-8;
Email: [email protected]
Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net