METS 2011: totally trade 

GM of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Sue Thomson, joined the AIMEX delegation to METS, the trade-only event in Amsterdam in November. Her role was twofold – to help raise the profile of ‘Brand Australia’ and promote the country’s premier boat show, SCIBS 2012.

 

 

METS 2011 – what were your expectations of the show – what had you anticipated?

I had expected to find an environment that was at the cutting edge of what is happening in the global marine industry. As the largest show of its kind in the world my expectations were high in terms of what I might see and learn, people I might meet and I wasn’t disappointed.

In what capacity were you there – what was the aim of the trip?

I was there in my capacity of General Manager of Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show to wave the flag for our Show and to support the Australian industry in a global environment. The international element to the boat show is very important to us and in order to maintain that profile we need to actively participate in it. Barry Jenkins was also there and has been actively involved in METS on behalf of SCIBS for many years.

How is it comparable to SCIBS?

It’s a very different environment – METS is a much a larger show across a massive exhibition centre and it’s entirely trade focussed. SCIBS has appeal to both trade and consumer groups and when compared to METS is a little more niche in its approach. Our respective locations also dictate the target audience in different ways.

What was the feedback among AIMEX team and delegates on this year’s event?

The companies participating under the AIMEX banner all seemed to have a good show. Some companies generated an extraordinary number of leads so the follow up that is an implicit part of that process is quite significant and will keep them busy for a while I would hope. Converting sales is of course the key outcome and that is often not known for some time.

Did you make quality contacts/leads?

Yes we were happy with the leads generated from attendance at METS. We had exhibitor enquiries from the UK, US and Europe. I’ll be delighted if they all convert into exhibitor space.

How did the people you met view Australia and our marine industry?

Very positively – with many Australian companies having European distribution networks and representatives, Australian marine product and services are seen as competitive on a global stage.