Halifax show reports 30 percent attendance jump

The Halifax Exhibition Centre (formerly Exhibition Park) played host to the Halifax International Boat Show this past weekend, in what organizers say was the most successful show in years.

“This year’s boat show was a huge success,” said show manager Scott Sprague. “I would say easily the best show we’ve had in a number of years. We’ve had reports of fantastic sales results and chandleries moved product all weekend. Attendance was up quite a lot over last year, which suffered because of poor weather. Overall, we were thrilled with the results.”

For 2016, attendance was up over 30 percent from 2015 numbers.

“The improvements to Halifax Exhibition Center, the show’s decor and the mild weather set the stage for our most successful boat show ever, said Kathryn Newell with Iron Wind Marine. “There was plenty of positive energy at the show and clearly boat buyers got the message – ‘Have boat, have summer!'”

“Attendance and sales at the Halifax International Boat Show were up thanks to great weather and the fact that we were able to utilize the Halifax Exhibition Centre,” said Angus Buchanan of North Sails Atlantic / Yacht Shop. “People were very optimistic for an early spring arrival putting them in the boat yards and on their boats much earlier than the last couple of years … let’s hope they are right!”

The 2016 Halifax International Boat Show was sponsored by Steele Ford Lincoln, Discover Boating, BoatSmart Canada and Q104.